Finance analyst – 12 month FTC in Reading

We are currently seeking to recruit a Finance Analyst to join our team in Reading. This role sits within the Client Accounting team and is responsible for delivering high-quality client and property accounting services across a designated portfolio. The portfolio may include digital infrastructure, residential, commercial, and/or mixed-use assets. Working as part of a collaborative team, the Finance Analyst plays a key role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting, while acting as the central point of coordination for accounting service delivery to both internal stakeholders and external clients. In addition to core responsibilities, the role may involve contributing to project-based work from time to time.

Responsibilities

• Client Reporting: Prepare and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting statements (P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow), ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to agreed deadlines.
• Financial Control & Reconciliation: Perform detailed reconciliations of ledgers, client balances, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and prompt resolution of discrepancies.
• Performance Analysis: Deliver robust variance analysis, providing clear insights and meaningful commentary to support informed decision-making by clients and internal stakeholders.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Support the preparation and ongoing management of property budgets and forecasts, offering analysis and actionable recommendations to enhance financial performance.
• Tax & VAT Reporting: Prepare VAT transaction reports and support compliance with relevant tax legislation.
• Service Charge Accounting: Manage service charge accounting processes, ensuring accurate cost allocation, timely reconciliations, and alignment with approved budgets in collaboration with property managers.
• Audit & Compliance: Support internal and external audit processes, preparing required documentation, liaising with auditors, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Client Relationship Management: Act as a key point of contact for clients, delivering proactive financial insight, resolving queries efficiently, and supporting effective portfolio financial management.
• Process Improvement & Data Integrity: Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, strengthen controls, and improve data quality, including resolving historic discrepancies.
• Ad Hoc Analysis & Projects: Deliver high-quality financial analysis and provide support on client-specific projects and strategic initiatives as required.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a client accounting role, ideally within real estate, property management, infrastructure, or a related sector.
• Proven experience in property management accounting, including rent collections, service charge accounting, and property-related financial transactions.
• Experience using property management systems (e.g. TRAMPS, Yardi, MRI, or similar) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and financial reporting skills, with the ability to interpret, challenge, and clearly communicate complex financial information.
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence interacting with clients, tenants, property managers, and other key stakeholders.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple portfolios, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, particularly for financial analysis, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Proactive, analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.

Qualifications

• Part-qualified or actively working towards a recognised accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) is highly advantageous or qualified with experience.
• Understanding of real estate accounting principles and industry practices is preferred.
• Strong academic background or equivalent practical experience in accounting or finance.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday increasing in line with length of service to a maximum of 30 days.
• Wellbeing hours: 2 per month where no location flexibility cannot be offered.
• Enhanced auto enrolment pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Interest free season ticket loans.
• Cyle to work scheme.
• Flu and eye care vouchers.
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 health & wellbeing support.
• Help@Hand Remote GP app.
• Platform hosting discounts at various retailers.
• Family & wellbeing policy.
• Flexible benefits policy.

We recognise that diversity in all its forms enriches our workplace and enhances our ability to serve our clients and community effectively. Our goal is to create a culture where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, knowing their unique perspectives are welcomed and appreciated. We actively seek applicants from all backgrounds and want you to get in touch even if you don’t have all the skills we have asked for - we will support you with the development you need.