At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finances for a diverse property portfolio and improve financial processes.
- Company: Join a leading property organisation focused on quality service and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health benefits, gym discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working, commitment to inclusion, and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Gain broad exposure in finance while making a real impact in property management.
- Qualifications: Strong financial knowledge and analytical skills; experience in property management is a plus.
Cobalt is recruiting an Operational Finance Manager to join a major property organisation responsible for a large and complex estate.
This is a broad role sitting across operational finance, service charge management and performance reporting.
The Operational Finance Manager will work closely with senior management and teams across finance, operations and property management, providing financial insight while helping to improve processes and controls.
The position offers exposure across a substantial managed property portfolio, alongside opportunities for professional development and a comprehensive benefits package.
The working pattern is four days in the office and one day working from home, with standard hours of 9am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The organisation
You will join an established property organisation with a focus on high-quality service, collaboration and continuous improvement.
The organisation invests in employee development through training, mentoring, cross-department experience and support towards relevant professional accreditations.
Employees also have access to a benefits package that includes pension and insurance arrangements, health benefits, subsidised gym membership, retail discounts and family leave.
There is a stated commitment to inclusion, flexible working, employee wellbeing and ESG principles across the organisation.
The role and responsibilities
As Operational Finance Manager, you will support the financial and operational management of a diverse managed property portfolio, working closely with senior management and operational stakeholders.
Key responsibilities include
- Coordinating service charge budgets, reconciliations and forecasts across managed assets.
- Monitoring expenditure and providing analysis and commentary on financial performance and variances.
- Managing cost allocations across service charge budgets, including operational costs, salaries and shared services.
- Reviewing monthly accounts and general ledger information and working with operational teams to resolve discrepancies.
- Producing financial and management reporting for senior stakeholders.
- Supporting operational reporting across areas including utilities, waste and tenant services.
- Coordinating tenant utility billing and supporting the resolution of financial queries.
- Maintaining appropriate financial controls, records and audit trails and supporting internal and external audits.
- Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes, controls and reporting.
- Supporting commercial and operational matters, including tenders, contracts and agreements.
- Managing and developing assigned team members, providing direction, feedback and support.
The Operational Finance Manager will collaborate with colleagues across finance, operations, building management, legal and other functions, making this an opportunity to gain broad exposure across the organisation.
The skills needed
We are looking for someone who combines financial knowledge with an understanding of operational or property-related environments.
You should bring
- Strong working knowledge of budgeting, financial governance and operational reporting.
- Working knowledge of service charge management, operational finance, utilities, property management or a comparable commercial environment.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly.
- Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Good organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing workstreams.
- Effective stakeholder management and communication skills across different levels of an organisation.
- The ability to manage and develop colleagues while maintaining high standards of delivery.
- Good attention to detail and an understanding of financial controls, governance and compliance.
Experience within property or facilities management would be beneficial.
A relevant professional qualification, or progress towards ACCA, CIMA, RICS or an equivalent qualification, would also be advantageous rather than essential.
This Operational Finance Manager opportunity offers a salary of £60,000-£65,000, subject to experience, alongside hybrid working and a comprehensive employee benefits package.
Early applications are encouraged, as interviews may take place while the role remains advertised.
Due to the volume of applications received, if you don't hear back from us, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
If you require any adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process for any reason whatsoever, please let your Cobalt consultant know
Estate Operations & Finance Manager employer: Cobalt Recruitment
Join a dynamic real estate development and investment management firm in London, where your expertise in equity capital raising will be highly valued. With a lucrative salary and performance-based bonuses, you'll thrive in a high-growth environment that fosters collaboration and innovation among ambitious investors. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth, offering unique opportunities to expand your professional network and enhance your skills in a vibrant city known for its financial prowess.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estate Operations & Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Cobalt Recruitment. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Cobalt Recruitment.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Cobalt Recruitment. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Estate Operations & Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Cobalt Recruitment and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Cobalt Recruitment how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cobalt Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Cobalt Recruitment.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Cobalt Recruitment's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
