Real Estate - Finance Director – Europe London | 11-Month Fixed-Term Contract Introduction Our client is an established international commercial real estate investment and asset management business, founded in Switzerland in 2005 and backed by a substantial global real estate investment group. Operating across the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France, the business specialises in the acquisition, development, renovation, management and leasing of industrial and logistics assets. With an established European presence and an international network of investment partners, the business combines deep local market knowledge with an integrated investment and asset management platform to identify opportunities and deliver long-term value.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Finance Director Europe to join the London-based finance function on an approximately 11-month fixed-term contract, providing maternity cover for the current European Finance Director. This is a senior position offering responsibility across a multi-jurisdictional European business, working closely with finance teams and senior stakeholders across Europe and the United States. The successful candidate will take ownership of financial reporting, statutory compliance, audit coordination and internal controls, while leading a small UK accounting team and overseeing finance activities across several European jurisdictions. This opportunity would suit a technically strong, commercially minded qualified accountant with a background in commercial real estate who can quickly establish themselves within an established international finance function.
Key Responsibilities
Lead a small UK accounting team and oversee finance teams across multiple European jurisdictions. Review and oversee periodic financial reporting, reconciliations and financial statements. Prepare quarterly corporate accounts reporting and support budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management. Review and approve VAT returns, monthly payroll reports, payment runs and quarterly lender reporting. Oversee UK statutory accounts and corporate tax returns, working with external service providers.
Oversee year-end financial statements for European entities. Lead audit preparation and liaise with external auditors. Maintain robust internal controls and ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, regulations and company policies. Provide technical accounting advice and support senior stakeholders with financial analysis and ad hoc reporting. Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting efficiency and financial controls. Mentor and develop junior members of the finance team.
Candidate Profile We are keen to speak with qualified accountants who can demonstrate: ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent professional qualification. Significant post-qualification experience in a senior financial accounting or finance management role. Previous experience in commercial real estate, ideally within an investment, property fund or asset management environment. Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards, statutory reporting and compliance. Experience overseeing external audits and reviewing statutory accounts.
Experience managing financial reporting across multiple entities or international jurisdictions. Strong technical accounting, analytical and problem-solving skills. The ability to lead a team, manage competing priorities and build effective relationships with senior stakeholders. Excellent communication skills and a proactive, hands-on approach. Experience within an international real estate investment business, particularly one with a multi-jurisdictional European portfolio, would be highly advantageous.
The Opportunity This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to take on a senior European remit within an established international real estate investment business. The role offers exposure to international operations, senior stakeholders and a diverse European property portfolio, with responsibility for maintaining financial reporting quality and continuity throughout an 11-month maternity cover period.
Contract: Approximately 11 months, fixed-term employment Location: London Salary: Competitive Benefits: Subject to the client's standard fixed-term employment package About JLG International JLG International is an executive search and recruitment consultancy specialising in identifying exceptional talent across international markets.
We work in partnership with our clients to deliver targeted search assignments, combining sector knowledge, proactive headhunting and a rigorous candidate assessment process to identify professionals who can make a meaningful impact on their businesses. JLG International has been retained to lead this search on behalf of our client. We will manage the recruitment process from initial engagement through to appointment, providing candidates with a confidential, professional and informed point of contact throughout. Interested?
If you are a qualified accountant with commercial real estate experience and are interested in discussing this opportunity, please apply directly or contact JLG International for a confidential conversation. jason@jlginternational.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you.
