Cost Management and Critical Balance Lead in York

Job Title Cost Management and Critical Balance Lead Job Description Summary Cushman a relevant finance or property qualification is desirable. Required skills Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop a high-performing team. Strong IT literacy, including intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging clients and senior stakeholders. Process-driven and control-focused, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and implementation of preventative controls. Ability to plan, prioritise and allocate work effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment. Commercial awareness and the confidence to challenge, elevate and resolve risks appropriately. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams and functions. Key responsibilities Lead the day-to-day operation of the Critical Balances and Cost Management team, setting clear priorities, allocating workloads and ensuring deliverables and targets are achieved. Own team performance against SLAs and KPIs for invoice processing, service charge reconciliations, budget reviews, tenant recharges and query resolution. Review and approve service charge budget reviews, reconciliations, tenant recharge calculations and ad hoc invoices in line with delegated authority, client procedures and supporting legal documentation. Drive sustained reduction in the volume and ageing of held invoices through proactive management, clear ownership and timely escalation. Act as the primary escalation point for complex operational, supplier and client queries, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication. Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external clients, suppliers, managing agents, colleagues and management. Liaise with suppliers, managing agents and other third parties to obtain lease, legal and supporting documentation required to resolve invoice and recharge queries. Ensure team members follow agreed client procedures, finance controls, approval requirements and documented ways of working. Monitor quality and accuracy, undertake root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventative controls where issues are identified. Prepare, review and present monthly and quarterly performance reports, KPI packs, aged balance analysis and operational updates across multiple clients. Identify operational risks, capacity constraints and emerging issues, escalating appropriately with recommended actions and clear ownership. Collaborate with Data, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Estate Management and other functions to improve processes, controls and service efficiency. Lead continuous improvement activity, including standardisation, automation opportunities and implementation of agreed process changes. Support internal and external SOC audits by ensuring evidence, controls and responses are complete, accurate and provided on time. Provide ongoing coaching, training and support to direct reports, including regular one-to-ones, objective setting, performance conversations and development planning. Support recruitment, induction, succession planning and cross-training to maintain appropriate team capability and operational resilience. Provide effective cover and continuity arrangements for critical activities, ensuring clear handovers and minimal disruption to client service. Cushman