Financial Accountant

The successful candidate will work within the Office, Retail and Corporate team, with a focus primarily on Retail but with scope to support other segments in the future. The Office and Retail segments account for approximately £6bn (80%) of the Group's property portfolio and £290m (60%) of its revenue, while the Corporate segment covers the Group's overheads, intercompany dividends, and holding company structures.

The successful candidate will take ownership of a subset of entities within the Retail segment, conducting TB reviews and ensuring transactions are accurately accounted for, preparing and reviewing statutory accounts, and liaising with auditors. They will also contribute to the quarterly close process through the preparation of journals, intercompany billings and balance sheet reconciliations, as well as reviewing quarter-end financial results to identify, investigate and explain variances. This role also supports the wider activities of the finance function, including accounting for disposals, acquisitions and refinances, preparation of accounting papers, tenant creditworthiness analysis and process improvement initiatives. Over time, they will be expected to develop a strong understanding of the relevant entities and transactions, taking ownership of recurring processes and contributing to the continued improvement of controls and financial reporting across the team.

Salary: £65k, 4 days office / 1 WFH.

Main Responsibilities:

• Preparation and review of FRS 102 financial accounts for entities within Office, Retail and Corporate segment
• Liaison with auditors and dealing with audit queries
• Preparation of journal workings as part of the quarterly close process
• Preparation of balance sheet reconciliations
• Preparing documentation for intra-group transactions annually and quarterly where required
• Creating and maintaining accounting spreadsheet models for use within the department as the need arises
• Working in partnership with the Commercial Finance team to ensure that quarterly segment reporting is prepared accurately and variances to budget are identified and explained
• Raising intercompany billings for the segment
• Providing finance support for transactions such as disposals, acquisitions and group restructurings
• Preparing accounting papers as required
• Assisting in the application of new accounting standards as necessary, including FRS 102 and IFRS
• Identifying and implementing process improvements to support better reporting and a faster and more robust quarterly close
• Performing prospective tenant creditworthiness analysis
• Other ad hoc duties as required

Person Specification:

• Must be qualified ACA or ACCA and have experience in a hands-on accountancy role including the preparation of financial accounts
• Possess a good academic record, with strong mathematical ability
• Essential to have a good understanding of accounting standards; particularly FRS 102 and Companies Act requirements for financial statements. Experience with IFRS would be advantageous
• Have good general IT skills and be an advanced user of MS Excel. Familiarity with Power Query and Power BI is preferred.
• Experience in using Yardi and Caseware Accounts Production software or similar software would be advantageous
• Able to take ownership of tasks and bear responsibility for work produced, with good attention to detail
• Have a curious and questioning mindset, with a willingness to understand and challenge how and why processes operate as they do
• Excellent team player, with a flexible and willing attitude to work and able to communicate effectively at all levels

Benefits:

• Diversity and Inclusion: We recognise the importance of embracing diverse experience, skills and perspectives at all levels and operating in an inclusive working environment, in order for everyone to reach their full potential. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills and are committed to fostering a culture whereby everyone can reach their full potential.
• Flexible Working: We are open to consider flexible working arrangements, both temporary or permanent.
• Learning and Development: We offer development opportunities through classroom and e-learning training, mentoring, cross-department experience and on-the-job learning. We heavily invest in our staff attaining accreditations, support chartered status, sponsorships and provide further educational opportunities which are job and business related.
• Other Benefits: We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including generous pension and insurance plans, health benefits, subsidised gym membership, store discounts and family leave. Our benefits package allows employees to choose the benefits that suit them and their individual needs.