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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse team while managing personal and financial affairs for a high-net-worth individual.
- Company: Join a prestigious property real estate asset management company in West London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a trusted team, making impactful decisions in a high-stakes financial setting.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates should have an accountancy background and be comfortable with financial management.
- Other info: This role is replacing a long-standing Head, offering a chance to shape the future.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Working for a HNWI, who still leads his property real estate asset management company. Based from his business offices in West London, the role will be extremely diverse, not only managing his personal team of 14, but also dealing with the family’s financial affairs. Furthermore, the chief of staff will help manage and implement various strategic objectives for the property company, co-ordinating with the various senior stakeholders in the organisation ensuring the business needs are met. Thereafter, reporting back to the principle.
Given the number of financial transactions taking place, including the HNWI personal finances such as shares, bonds etc., there is a need for someone who is comfortable with numbers and ideally comes from an accountancy background. The Head of Private Office will be dealing with extremely private financial affairs and therefore trust and loyalty is paramount. The role has come about as the current Head is retiring having worked for the principle for the past 15 years. This role will suit someone who enjoys the detail, is comfortable in managing financial affairs together with ensuring company objectives set by the principle are met.
Role and Responsibilities
- Payments
- Collection and scrutiny of all invoices received
- Addition of invoices to the Qube system and approval through the workflow
- Liaising with team to approve invoices
- Preparation of weekly payment report
- Discussion of payments with principle
- Calls to Coutts to make payments
- Setting up and administering bank accounts
- Review of quotes and comparisons to previous invoices
- Accounting
- Daily accounting function and annual accounts for Yacht, Farm Partnership and Pension Scheme
- Daily bank reconciliations
- Producing budgets for construction projects
- VAT returns for Farm Partnership and dealing with any tax queries/inspections
- Personal tax returns for family members
- Investments
- Liaison with private banks and brokerage for the sale and purchase of shares and GILTs and term deposits when used
- Weekly liquidity reports and cash management
- Financing activities for properties
- Insurance
- Placing of insurance for private properties and assets
- Notifying of additions and disposals
- Dealing with claims
- Yacht
- Liaising with key parties such as crew, insurance company, employment services provider and solicitors
- Budgets for works projects
- All invoicing, payments and accounting
- Project work and scrutinising costs
- Compliance with Trust, Insurance and Flag requirements
- Overseas staff
- Liaising with outsourced administrators in France, US and Jersey for the employment of overseas staff
- Checking salaries are correct
- Making payments
- Dealing with queries from administrators and staff
- Shareholder Loans
- Producing shareholder loan schedules
- Producing quarterly reports and annual statements for audit
- Making interest payments
- Dealing with audit queries
- Ad hoc tasks
- Purchasing items/assisting with purchases for a variety of items from comms equipment to art
- Liaising with personal staff on properties for things such as security, repairs etc.
- Liaising with KPMG and Boodle Hatfield on tax matters and succession planning
- Accompanying certain trade visitors to properties
- Major projects such as archiving
- Drafting and proof reading of emails to third parties
- Assistance with recruitment
- Contract review
Head of Private Office employer: Stratus Search & Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Stratus Search & Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Private Office
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the high-net-worth individual (HNWI) sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who have experience in private office roles. This can provide you with valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial tools and software mentioned in the job description, such as Qube for accounting. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency with these systems during interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in managing diverse teams and complex financial affairs. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed sensitive financial matters in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the responsibilities outlined.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current trends in property asset management and the specific challenges faced by HNWIs. Being knowledgeable about the market can help you engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and show that you're proactive about understanding the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Private Office
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial management, team leadership, and strategic planning. Emphasise any previous roles that involved working with high-net-worth individuals or managing complex financial affairs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your understanding of the unique responsibilities of the Head of Private Office role. Mention your accountancy background and how it equips you to handle the diverse financial tasks outlined in the job description.
Showcase Trustworthiness: Given the sensitive nature of the role, it's crucial to convey your trustworthiness and loyalty. Include examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed confidential information or built strong relationships based on trust.
Highlight Attention to Detail: The job requires someone who enjoys detail-oriented work. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed intricate financial tasks or projects, demonstrating your ability to maintain accuracy and thoroughness in your work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stratus Search & Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Given the role's focus on managing financial affairs, it's crucial to demonstrate your comfort with numbers. Be prepared to discuss your experience in accounting or finance, and provide examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or financial transactions in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Trust and Loyalty
This position involves handling extremely private financial matters, so it's important to convey your understanding of confidentiality and trustworthiness. Share anecdotes that highlight your integrity and ability to maintain discretion in sensitive situations.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As the Head of Private Office, you'll be managing a team of 14. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've effectively led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and ensure that company objectives are met.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
The role requires coordinating with senior stakeholders and implementing strategic objectives. Familiarise yourself with the company's goals and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to achieving them. Think about how your previous experiences align with their strategic needs.
