At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations for major property clients and manage cashflow forecasting.
- Company: Dynamic property and real estate business with growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Shape a brand new role and make a significant impact in the property industry.
- Qualifications: Extensive accounting experience, strong Excel skills, and Xero knowledge preferred.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and develop your career in a thriving environment.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Highly Successful and Growing business in the Property Industry. Brand new role that you can mould and develop.
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.
- 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) in Richmond employer: Page Personnel
Contact Detail:
Page Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller (Xero) in Richmond
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the property industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Financial Controller role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your interview game on point! Research common questions for financial roles and practice your answers. Be ready to showcase your experience with Xero and how you've managed cashflow and VAT compliance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your Excel skills! Prepare a few examples of how you've used Excel for financial reporting or analysis. This will demonstrate your analytical abilities and attention to detail, which are crucial for the Financial Controller position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application more efficiently.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller (Xero) in Richmond
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored 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 this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in accounting and how you can contribute to our growing business.
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. We love seeing candidates who can handle data like a pro, so let us know what you've got!
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 Page Personnel
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numeracy 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. Show them you can handle the numbers with confidence!
✨Get Familiar with Xero
Since this role requires experience with Xero, make sure you're well-versed in its functionalities. If you haven't used it extensively, consider doing a quick online course or tutorial. Being able to speak about your familiarity with Xero and any add-on tools like Dext will give you an edge.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Expect questions around VAT returns and compliance, especially related to property transactions. Brush up on UK property-related VAT issues and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles. This shows you're not just a numbers person but also understand the regulatory landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a team, so be ready to talk about your leadership style and experiences. Think of examples where you've improved processes or led a team through challenges. Highlighting your ability to manage and mentor others will resonate well with the interviewers.