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- Tasks: Lead financial operations for major property clients and manage cashflow forecasting.
- Company: Dynamic property and real estate business with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Join a thriving team and make a significant impact in the property sector.
- Qualifications: Extensive accounting experience, strong Excel skills, and Xero knowledge preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development and learning in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Our client is a successful and growing property & real estate business that manages portfolios of property companies.
As the Financial Controller (Xero) based in Richmond, your key responsibilities will include:
- Client Accounting & Portfolio Management
- Lead the accounting function for three major property clients, each with multi-million pound assets.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual P&L statements for each company and assets.
- Conduct detailed P&L analysis, identifying variances, cost allocations, performance trends, and opportunities.
- Manage cashflow forecasting and reporting for each asset monthly.
- Ensure accurate financial set up when onboarding new assets or acquisitions into client portfolios.
- VAT & Compliance
- Manage all VAT returns and ensure full compliance with property related VAT rules.
- Apply correct VAT coding, especially for complex real estate transactions, service charges, and tenant billing.
- Liaise with external auditors and tax advisors when required.
- Service Charge Accounting
- Prepare annual Service Charge Budgets, ensuring all expenditure is correctly allocated to the right nominal codes.
- Complete Service Charge reconciliations and respond to auditor queries.
- Ensure transparency and accuracy in service charge cost recovery.
- Acquisitions, Disposals & Investment Support
- Prepare completion statements for multi-million pound acquisitions/disposals (e.g., £10m+).
- Allocate forward rent, deductions, apportionments, and all financial adjustments accurately.
- Support investment analysis including reviewing tenancy agreements, forecasting yields, and assessing financial performance of assets under consideration.
- Team Leadership & Process Management
- Line manage Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable team members (2 direct reports).
- Oversee AP/AR cycles, supplier payments, tenant receipts, and reconciliation processes.
- Maintain strong financial controls, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integrity of records.
- Continuously improve accounting processes, reporting, and financial systems.
- Systems, Reporting & Analytical Skills
- Produce high quality financial reporting packs for clients.
- Ensure all data is accurate within property management systems and accounting software.
- Demonstrate strong Excel skills, including formulas and data reconciliation.
- Experience using the Xero system.
- Rent, Tenant Billing & Property Operations
- Manage billing schedules for clients and assets industrial assets.
- Ensure every tenant is billed correctly and charges and rents are collected on time.
- Oversee payment runs including property payroll and supplier payments.
- Partner with the Property Team on rent reviews, lease events, and tenancy changes.
- Monitor arrears and support credit control actions where required.
The Successful Applicant
- Extensive accounting experience either from industry or an accountancy practice.
- Experience in the Property Industry is desirable but not essential.
- Strong Excel skills.
- Xero experience.
- Knowledge of Xero add-on tools, such as Dext is desirable but not essential.
- Strong cashflow management experience.
- Experience with service charge reconciliation desirable but not essential.
- Experience performing VAT returns.
- Strong level of numeracy and mathematical ability.
- Relevant qualifications for level of employment (ACCA or equivalent).
- Understanding of UK property related VAT issues (option to tax, partial exemption) desirable.
- Ability to support senior management with financial reporting and insights.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both internally and externally.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage own time effectively and prioritise workload.
- Willingness to learn new skills and develop knowledge.
- Good oral and written skills.
What’s on Offer
- £65,000 - £70,000; the client might flex to £75,000 for a candidate that is an excellent fit.
- Hours: 9am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday.
- Hybrid Working - Minimum 4 days a week in office.
- Holiday: 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Pension contribution 3%.
- Private health care.
Financial Controller (Xero) employer: Michael Page (UK)
Contact Detail:
Michael Page (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller (Xero)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the property and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their portfolio and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role of Financial Controller.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial analysis skills! Be ready to discuss P&L statements and cashflow forecasting during interviews. Brush up on your Excel skills too, as they’ll likely want to see how you handle data reconciliation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller (Xero)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience with Xero and any relevant property industry knowledge. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our client’s needs. Share specific examples of your achievements in accounting and how you’ve managed portfolios before.
Show Off Your Excel Skills: Since strong Excel skills are a must, don’t forget to mention any advanced functions or tools you’re familiar with. If you've used Excel for financial reporting or analysis, let us know how you did it!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page (UK)
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numerical skills. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed P&L statements and cashflow forecasting in previous roles. Being able to talk confidently about your experience with financial analysis will impress the interviewers.
✨Master Xero and Excel
Since Xero experience is crucial for this role, make sure you're familiar with its functionalities. If you have experience with add-ons like Dext, mention that too! Also, practice your Excel skills, especially formulas and data reconciliation, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Understand VAT and Compliance
Given the importance of VAT returns and compliance in this position, brush up on UK property-related VAT issues. Be prepared to discuss how you've handled VAT coding and compliance in past roles, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Show Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a team, so it's essential to showcase your leadership abilities. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or improved processes. Highlight your experience in overseeing accounts payable and receivable cycles, and how you've maintained strong financial controls.
