Senior Financial Accountant - Build to Rent in London

Department: Accounts

Company: Canary Wharf Limited

Reporting to: Financial Controller - Build to Rent

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Senior Financial Accountant to take ownership of all financial and management accounting functions within our rapidly expanding Build to Rent segment. This role will be responsible for delivering the financial reporting for all existing entities within the division, playing a pivotal role in establishing reporting processes for new entities while ensuring the timely and accurate reporting of those that are already operational. The Build to Rent segment encompasses all private residential rental assets within our estate, including nine existing properties with additional developments scheduled for completion over the coming years. This widely varied position will support the Build to Rent finance function in executing an efficient quarterly close process for shareholder reporting, year-end statutory financial reporting, and delivering high-quality management information, analysis, and insights to support business decisions. 4 days office / 1 WFH Salary: £75k

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare/review preparation of accurate and timely financial statements for all entities within the segment in line with internal accounting policies and relevant financial regulations (IFRS/UK GAAP).
• Lead the quarter-end and year-end close processes, including working with commercial finance on variance analysis to business plan and the provision of management reporting.
• Prepare/review comprehensive quarterly management reporting to tight deadlines for multiple entities including consolidations.
• Prepare/review quarterly asset and property management reporting to landlords.
• Prepare/review detailed quarterly performance reporting to lenders.
• Oversee and assist financial accountants in various aspects of their work.
• Provide relevant financial information for significant corporate transactions (financings or acquisition/disposal activity) working alongside tax, treasury and debt teams.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors for the relevant entities, ensuring a collaborative and effective audit process.
• Coordinate audit schedules, ensuring timely availability of required documentation and information. Additionally provide regular updates to senior management on audit process and compliance with reporting timelines (banking and statutory).

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Technical Skills and Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA) with a minimum of 3 years PQE experience.
• Build to rent or broader real estate sector knowledge would be a distinct advantage.
• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of accounting standards; including FRS 102, IFRS and Companies Act requirements for financial statements.
• Experience of improving the financial close processes in order to meet internal and external deadlines.
• Must possess strong general IT skills and be an advanced user of Excel.
• Experience with Yardi Voyager would be an advantage but not essential.

Soft Skills

• Take full ownership of tasks from inception to completion, ensuring accountability for the quality and timeliness of work produced.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, approaching challenges with a proactive mindset, identifying effective solutions, and executing strategies to resolve issues efficiently.
• Adapt swiftly and effectively to changing situations, shifting priorities, and new directions in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
• Exhibit a strong commitment to personal and professional growth, consistently seeking opportunities to enhance skills and progress within the organization.
• Highly organized with excellent time management skills, capable of thriving under pressure, prioritizing tasks, and meeting competing deadlines while effectively managing upwards.

HEALTH SAFETY AND WELFARE RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff are required to fulfil their legal duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts and omissions, and to follow all guidance and instructions given in this respect. Further details regarding Health & Safety responsibilities are set out in the Health & Safety Policy in the Administrative Rules and Procedures, and the Health, Safety & Welfare Manual.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE (ESG) RESPONSIBILITIES

Recognising the centrality of ESG principles within our organisation, we have developed a comprehensive ESG Strategy. It is imperative that all staff members understand and adopt this strategy into their respective roles. This includes adhering to environmental regulations, minimising waste, supporting nature within our urban environment, and facilitating positive change for those in need within our community and utilising our volunteering.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

In line with the latest ISO 9001 requirements and our dedication to quality management, all staff are mandated to comply with system requirements as detailed within the Company Quality Manual & Policies. Additionally, it's vital to ensure the effective implementation of all Procedures, Plans, and Forms within our Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) to meet the ISO 9001: Quality Management Standard.

COMPANY VALUES

• Commit to Excellence - Act with integrity and deliver high performance; Put our customers at the heart of what we do; Resolve issues by providing high quality solutions.
• Foster Collaboration - Find opportunities to collaborate with others across the business to achieve shared goals; Encourage inclusive networks and treat others with respect and fairness; Use knowledge to work effectively with suppliers / contractors to meet shared goals.
• Encourage Engagement - Confident in making decisions appropriate to the role; Learn from mistakes and listen to constructive feedback to improve performance; Prioritise safety and actively support community, wellbeing and sustainability programmes.
• Take Ownership - Take pride in delivering high quality service which exceeds expectations; Committed to opportunities for self-development; Take responsibility for my own performance and look for ways to improve.
• Embrace Innovation - Embrace change and innovation; Proactively suggest ways to improve our business and encourage others to share ideas; See new challenges as opportunities to deliver effective change.

WHAT WE OFFER

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 also recognise that it makes business sense, since being an inclusive employer leads to better business performance and higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. 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 - As an inclusive employer, we recognise the positive impact flexible working can have on an individual, their wellbeing, engagement and productivity. Therefore, we are open to consider flexible working arrangements, both temporary or permanent.

Learning and Development - At Canary Wharf Group, our employees receive a wide range of support to help improve their skills and achieve their career goals. 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 to develop existing and new skills, support chartered status, sponsorships and provide further educational opportunities which are job and business related.