At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial reporting and governance for property investment funds.
- Company: Dynamic property investment and asset management business in Central London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and exposure to a growing platform.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape financial processes and work closely with investment and asset management teams.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with fund accounting or real estate experience.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
A growing property investment and asset management business with a diversified portfolio across residential and commercial real estate is seeking a Fund Controller to join its finance team on an interim basis (c. 6 months+). The company manages multiple property funds and special purpose vehicles (SPVs), with a focus on value creation, investor reporting, and strong financial governance. The role is based in Central London, with standard working hours Monday to Friday.
Your new role
Reporting to the Finance Director, the Fund Controller will take ownership of the financial management and reporting across the property investment funds. Key responsibilities will include:
- Preparation of monthly and quarterly fund management accounts.
- Oversight of statutory accounts for property funds and SPVs.
- Consolidation of fund-level and group-level financial statements.
- Management of cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning across funds.
- Review and oversight of property-level accounting and rental income reconciliations.
- Coordination of year-end audits and liaison with external auditors.
- Preparation of investor reporting, capital account statements, and performance analysis.
- Oversight of VAT returns, including partial exemption and property VAT matters.
- Working closely with asset management and acquisitions teams on financial modelling and forecasts.
- Monitoring loan covenants and liaising with lenders where required.
- Supporting fund structuring, new acquisitions, and disposals from a financial perspective.
- Ensuring robust financial controls, processes, and governance frameworks are in place.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with relevant post-qualified experience. You will also demonstrate:
- Previous experience in a fund accounting, property, real estate, or investment environment.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge, including statutory reporting and consolidations.
- Experience preparing fund-level or investor reporting.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to review complex financial information.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Advanced IT skills, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with property or fund accounting systems is advantageous.
What you'll get in return
A competitive salary and benefits package. Exposure to a dynamic and expanding property investment platform. The opportunity to play a key role in shaping financial processes and controls. A collaborative environment with close interaction across investment, asset management, and leadership teams.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click *'apply now'* to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. If this position isn't quite right, but you are exploring new opportunities within finance or property investment, please get in touch for a confidential discussion about your career.
Fund Controller in City of London employer: Hays Senior Finance
Join a leading and rapidly growing service and wholesale group based on the outskirts of Cheltenham, where you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance with hybrid working options. As a Senior Financial Accountant, you will not only oversee a small team but also have ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive culture that values your contributions and encourages continuous learning. With competitive salary packages and a focus on employee well-being, this company stands out as an excellent employer for finance professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fund Controller in City of London
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Hays Senior Finance.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Hays Senior Finance? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Hays Senior Finance's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Fund Controller in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Fund Controller role at Hays Senior Finance, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Senior Finance
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Hays Senior Finance operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Hays Senior Finance. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Hays Senior Finance.