Centre Accountant

We're looking for a talented individual to join our Finance Team in Stratford as the Centre Accountant on a 12 month fixed term contract. To act as one of the key channels between the Centre Management team and the Westfield finance function. This is achieved through engagement with Centre Management to deliver commercial and operational finance support whilst ensuring all centre reporting obligations are met. If you're ready to make a significant impact and be part of an innovative team, this opportunity is for you!

Key objectives

• Responsibility for the preparation and analysis of Centre profit and loss, Centre financial and operational performance reports, and commentary for key variances to budget and forecast.
• Lead monthly departmental operational review meetings with Centre Management budget holders, to prepare a full-year forecast and track ongoing progress against budgets, including the identification of risks & opportunities.
• Tracking of landlord business rates exposure and leading proactive pre-emption of mitigation opportunities.
• Lead annual budget and six-monthly Long Term Forecast meetings with budget holders to compile submissions for review by the Finance Manager.
• Capex and MII Maintenance Projects: Work collaboratively with the relevant budget holders to maintain an ongoing project progress tracker and an accurate forecast of project spend and delivery.
• Promotional Allowances (PA): Preparation of analysis for justification for retailer PA’s and ongoing reporting of spend and forecast.
• Recording, analysis and management of financial information within the JDE accounting system, including preparation of accruals and prepayment schedules.
• Support the Finance Manager with ad hoc reporting and analysis as required.
• Assist with the preparation of quarterly VAT returns and monthly bank reconciliations.
• Assist internal auditors in resolving issues and/or providing information as required.
• Communicate and monitor Centre finance processes and procedures to identify opportunities for efficiency and increased operational and commercial engagement.

What skills, experience, and knowledge will you need to be successful?

• Qualified in an accounting, finance or operational discipline.
• Experience working with operational stakeholders.
• Proficient level of IT literacy, including use of accounting systems. (SAP/SAP4HANA experience desirable but not essential).
• Strong Excel skills.
• Demonstrates planning and organisational thinking in their approach to their role to ensure the accomplishment of objectives and maximum productivity.
• Analytical – can identify, understand and explain data trends and variances with a focus on attention to detail.

Why work for us:

• We put people development and learning at the heart of what we do.
• We'll help you master your role, build your technical skills, and take advantage of top-notch management and leadership programs.
• We offer a fantastic pension plan, bonus scheme, and plenty of other incentives.
• We also prioritise your health and wellbeing, training employees as mental health ambassadors to support and educate our team.
• Plus, you can sign up for medical and dental insurance, gym discounts, health check-ups, and more.

What Matters to Us:

At URW, our purpose is to Reinvent Being Together, reimagining how people and communities connect, socialise, and experience dynamic moments in unique and meaningful ways. We are proud to promote equal opportunities and embrace diversity in profiles, experiences, and skills. At URW, we believe that diversity is the cornerstone of our success, and we are dedicated to fostering an environment that respects, values, celebrates, and leverages individual differences to their fullest potential.

We evaluate each application with fairness and without discrimination based on disability, age, gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristics. Our commitment is to provide equal access to our services for everyone. If you require any adjustments for your interview, please let us know in advance, so we can support you accordingly.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy working environment, we conduct comprehensive security checks on all employees prior to their start date. These checks may include identity verification, employment history, and criminal record screening, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Join us and be part of a team that's making a real difference in your local communities!