Estate Accountant

We are now seeking a part-time Estate Accountant to take ownership of the estate's well-established financial processes and support the smooth, accurate running of its day-to-day financial operations. This is a fully on-site role, based within a small, professional office environment, and is particularly well suited to someone already living locally who values a short commute and a consistent working routine.

This role is part-time (3 days per week) and offers a stable, long-term opportunity for an accountant who enjoys working with established systems, clear reporting cycles and a high degree of trust and autonomy.

About the role

Reporting to the Company Secretary, you will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and supporting long-standing reporting and governance processes across the estate. The focus of the role is on consistency and accuracy, while looking for incremental productivity and efficiency improvements.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing day-to-day accounting operations using SAGE 50 Cloud Accounts to trial balance.
• Ensuring the integrity and accuracy of all accounting data.
• Preparing quarterly management accounts and assisting with management commentary.
• Supporting the annual budgeting process and monitoring expenditure.
• Liaising with auditors and preparing working papers for annual accounts.
• Coordinating rental billing and twice-yearly service charge billing, and the resulting debtor management.
• Working with payroll providers to ensure accurate and timely salary payments.
• Reviewing and agreeing annual tax returns.
• Managing the estate's banking arrangements and cash management.
• Supporting the Company Secretary and Finance Committee with ad-hoc financial analysis, reports, and projects (for example, for the company’s Annual General Meeting).

You will attend Finance Committee meetings approximately four times per year and work closely with long-standing stakeholders to ensure the estate's finances remain well managed, transparent and compliant. While the role is part-time, there are predictable busier periods around quarter-end, year-end and service charge cycles where some flexibility on hours is helpful.

About you

This role will suit a part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (e.g. CIMA, ACCA, ACA) with experience in management accounting and bookkeeping, ideally gained within smaller organisation or SME environments. We are equally open to candidates who have chosen not to pursue a traditional upward career path, and instead value stability, autonomy and taking pride in doing work thoroughly and well.

You will bring:

• Experience working in smaller, close-knit teams.
• Confidence using Sage and strong Excel skills.
• A methodical, organised approach with strong attention to detail.
• Clear, calm communication skills and a professional manner.
• The ability to work independently and take ownership of routine financial responsibilities.
• Personal values aligned with integrity, reliability and discretion.

The role involves working in a courteous, resident-facing environment, where professionalism, discretion and respectful communication are important.

This role would suit someone who:

• Is already based in, or not far from, Richmond.
• Enjoys part-time work with an established scope of regular duties and occasional peak periods.
• Has experience in smaller organisations and prefers depth and continuity over rapid change.
• Is looking for a permanent role in a well-run, small business where good team-working and some flexibility are important qualities.

What we can offer

• Competitive salary (£55,000 to £60,000 pro rata).
• 26 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays.
• On-site parking and pleasant working surroundings.
• Supportive and friendly colleagues in a small, hard-working team.
• A stable, long-term part-time role with clear expectations.

Courtlands Estate is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We value diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and encourage applications from all communities.

Closing date: Friday 6th February