Financial Controller (Real Estate – UK Portfolio)

Trident International Associates; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading real estate investment firm in London is seeking a highly experienced Senior Property Accountant to take full responsibility for property-level accounting. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of post-qualification experience, a strong technical background in UK GAAP/IFRS, and the ability to operate independently. This role offers a guaranteed opportunity for progression into a senior position.

Qualifications

• 10 years' post-qualification experience in a hands-on environment.
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of UK GAAP/IFRS and UK tax matters.

Responsibilities

• Full responsibility for property-level accounting.
• Preparing and reconciling service charge accounts.
• Preparing management accounts under UK GAAP/IFRS.
• Overseeing CAPEX accounting including asset capitalisation.
• Managing annual audits and statutory filings.

Job description

Overview

Senior Property Accountant. OUR CLIENT is a private real estate investment and asset management business. Due to further expansion, they are looking to appoint a highly experienced Senior Property Accountant. This role offers significant responsibility within a lean, entrepreneurial environment and will suit a professional who is both technically strong and commercially astute.

Responsibilities

• Full responsibility for property-level accounting, including rent collection, lease schedules, arrears monitoring, and tenant ledger reconciliations.
• Preparing and reconciling of service charge accounts, including annual budgets, apportionments, and year-end tenant reconciliations.
• Preparing management accounts (monthly, quarterly, and annual) under UK GAAP/IFRS, including consolidations of UK SPVs and holding structures.
• Overseeing CAPEX accounting, including development/refurbishment spend, service charge recovery, and asset capitalisation.
• Overseeing VAT returns and compliance across multiple entities, with a sound understanding of UK VAT rules for commercial property (including option to tax).
• Co-ordinating corporation tax, withholding tax, and capital allowances in conjunction with external advisors.
• Accounting for dilapidations, lease incentives, rent-free periods, and surrender premiums.
• Managing annual audits and statutory filings, working closely with auditors and tax advisors.

The Person and Skills Requirements

• Must have at least 10 years' post-qualification experience, gained within a smaller or hands-on environment.
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP/IFRS and UK tax matters relevant to commercial property.
• Proficiency with accounting and property management systems.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to take full ownership of deliverables while operating independently.

Guaranteed opportunity to progress into a number two role for the right person.