At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial accounts for exciting residential development projects in London.
- Company: Established property developer known for high-quality residential schemes.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible working arrangements, and potential contract extension.
- Other info: Work in a central London office with exposure to high-profile developments.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic finance team and make an immediate impact on key projects.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with experience in property development.
About the company
Our client is a well-established and active London residential property developer with a strong pipeline of projects across the capital. Known for delivering high-quality residential schemes in central and inner London, the business operates across multiple entities and joint ventures and has a dynamic, commercially focused finance function.
The role
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong, qualified accountant to join the finance team on a 6-month interim basis and make an immediate impact. Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will take ownership of core financial accounting responsibilities across an active portfolio of residential development projects. You will work closely with both the finance team and project teams to ensure the accuracy of reporting and compliance with accounting standards.
Key responsibilities
- Preparation of monthly management accounts including P&L, balance sheet and cash flow
- Maintenance of the general ledger and completion of month-end close processes
- Balance sheet reconciliations across multiple project entities and SPV structures
- Loan drawdown accounting and monitoring of development facility agreements
- VAT returns and tax compliance in relation to property transactions
- Liaison with external auditors and support with year-end statutory accounts
- Supporting the Financial Controller with reporting across the residential development pipeline
- Ad hoc analysis and reporting as required by senior stakeholders
About you
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified
- Previous experience in property development, housebuilding or real estate is highly essential
- Strong technical accounting skills with a solid understanding of project-based accounting
- Comfortable working across multiple entities and SPV structures
- Proficient in a major accounting system (Sage, Xero, Yardi or equivalent)
- Immediately available or on a short notice period
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to hit the ground running
What's on offer
- Day rate of £300-£400 depending on experience
- 6-month contract with potential to extend
- Central London office, with some flexibility on working arrangements
- Exposure to a high-profile residential development portfolio
Our client is looking for applicants with experience working within the property and real estate sector.
Financial Accountant employer: Deverell Smith
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Central London, where you can make a significant impact on high-profile residential development projects. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative culture, the company provides opportunities for professional development while ensuring a competitive day rate and flexible working arrangements. Join a team that values technical expertise and fosters a supportive atmosphere, making it an ideal place for qualified accountants looking to advance their careers in property development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Deverell Smith.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Deverell Smith might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Deverell Smith will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Deverell Smith. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Deverell Smith confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Deverell Smith
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Deverell Smith.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Deverell Smith that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
