B&D Reside is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in their search for a permanent Head of Financial Accounting. B&D Reside is a dynamic housing provider working in partnership with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. With a portfolio of over 4,000 homes that will grow rapidly to nearly 4,500 homes by 2027, B&D Reside is at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation. The organisation operates across six legal entities, governed by two independent Boards of Non-Executive Directors, and manages a diverse portfolio of affordable, intermediate and market-rent homes. This is an important senior finance leadership role, reporting to the Financial Controller and leading a team responsible for financial accounting, treasury, balance sheet, assets, loans and accounts payable. The Head of Financial Accounting will play a key role in strengthening financial controls, improving processes and systems, and ensuring B&D Reside continues to deliver high-quality financial information as the organisation grows. The Head of Financial Accounting will: Lead and develop the Financial Accounting team, creating a culture of high performance, accountability, continuous improvement and strong engagement. Lead the preparation of financial statements across B&D Reside’s six legal entities, as well as consolidated accounts for an associated charity. Lead the successful delivery of the annual external audit process, ensuring statutory accounts are completed accurately, within budget and to agreed timescales. Oversee VAT compliance across five entities, including the complexities of the Partial Exemption regime, alongside Corporation Tax and Construction Industry Scheme compliance. Lead the implementation of loan and lease accounting on the Onefin platform, ensuring all long-term financing arrangements are appropriately documented and accurately accounted for. Lead the implementation of property fixed asset and component accounting on the Homemaster platform, ensuring asset records and transactions are complete, accurate and appropriately supported. Maintain strong financial controls across the purchase-to-pay process, including supplier set-up, purchase order authorisation, receipting and invoice payments. Work closely with operational teams to ensure purchase-to-pay processes are efficient, proportionate and effective, while maintaining strong financial control. Ensure Financial Accounting processes are fully documented, regularly reviewed and continuously improved. Work closely with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham to ensure timely agreement and reconciliation of balances between the two organisations. We are seeking a technically strong and pragmatic finance professional with: A professional accountancy qualification (CCAB) or equivalent experience. Proven experience of leading and developing a finance team through a period of organisational growth, transformation or change. Strong technical knowledge of financial accounting and statutory reporting. Experience of successfully leading the statutory accounts and external audit process. Strong knowledge of VAT accounting, ideally including the Partial Exemption regime. Strong financial controls, balance sheet and cashflow management experience. Strong leadership skills, with the ability to develop and empower teams and create a culture of accountability and high performance. This role is based in Barking and Dagenham with hybrid working. The role requires once weekly attendance at B&D Reside’s head office in Barking, with additional attendance occasionally required for specific meetings and organisational requirements.
Contact Details:
Barking and Dagenham Reside Homes Recruitment Team
