At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Client Accounts team and ensure accurate financial management.
- Company: Fast-growing independent property business with a dynamic work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and flexible working options after probation.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and professional development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role while driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in property accounting and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location - Earlsfield
Salary - £50,000 - £60,000 + Bonus up to 10%
Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm (1 day working from home after probation)
Our client is a fast-growing independent property business, seeking a Head of Client Accounts to lead their busy Accounts team. This is a senior operational role covering client accounting, financial controls, reconciliations, payments, compliance, reporting, systems and team leadership. Working closely with Directors and Heads of Department, you will provide financial and operational guidance, act as the senior escalation point for complex matters and drive continuous improvement across the function. As Head of Client Accountant, you will take overall responsibility for the accurate, compliant and efficient management of client money.
If this role sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
- Client Accounting & Financial Control
- Lead the day-to-day Client Accounts function, ensuring accurate and timely processing of all client money transactions.
- Own Lettings Forecast, staff commissions, supplier commissions, property licensing accounting, agency fees, and ad hoc invoicing.
- Maintain robust controls over client funds, payment processes and financial approvals.
- Act as the senior escalation point for complex client accounting matters.
- Compliance, Governance & Risk
- Own the Client Accounts control framework and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, Client Money Protection requirements, SafeAgent standards and company policies.
- Maintain and continuously improve client accounting policies, procedures, controls and audit trails.
- Monitor financial and operational risks and implement appropriate corrective and preventative controls.
- Banking, Reporting & Audits
- Oversee client account banking, payment preparation, approvals and submissions.
- Take ownership of month-end accounts and reports.
- Take ownership of business accounts payables and bank payments, including payroll.
- Act as the sole point of contact for external auditors, SafeAgent and other client money assurance reviews.
- Lead the end-to-end completion.
- Systems & Process Improvement
- Own the accuracy and integrity of client accounting data across Reapit, Xero, 360 and other relevant systems.
- Identify system, reporting and process weaknesses and implement practical improvements.
- Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, accuracy, automation and financial controls.
- Support system changes, migrations and new implementations from a client accounting perspective.
- Team Leadership
- Lead, manage and develop the Client Accounts team.
- Provide technical guidance and coaching on accounting, compliance and client matters.
- Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, ownership and continuous improvement.
- Business Partnership
- Work closely with Directors, CFO, Lettings, Property Services and Operations to resolve financial and client accounting matters.
- Provide clear financial guidance to financial and non-financial stakeholders.
- Challenge transactions, processes or decisions where there are financial, client money or compliance concerns.
- Lead and support projects that strengthen controls, reporting and operational efficiency.
What We're Looking for
- Essential
- Significant experience in residential property accounting, client accounting or a similar financial environment.
- 2-year experience using Reapit.
- Strong knowledge of client money, reconciliations, compliance and financial controls.
- Experience managing or supervising a finance or client accounting team.
- Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, work autonomously and exercise sound professional judgement.
- Desirable
- Qualified or part qualified ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent professional qualification.
- Client Accounts Manager or Finance Manager experience.
- Experience within a Client Money Protection / SafeAgent environment.
- Experience managing client money or financial compliance audits.
- Experience with financial systems implementation, migration or process improvement.
If you are interested in this Head of Client Accounts role and would like to know more, please email your CV or telephone us on a strictly private and confidential basis for an informal discussion.
Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to respond to each applicant individually. If you do not hear from us within 7 days, you may assume you have not been selected at this time - but please do apply for anything you feel you are suitable for and thank you for your interest in PEAR Recruitment.
Confidentiality: All communication with us is treated with the utmost confidentiality and you will always be advised if your CV is being submitted to a client.
Head of Client Accounts in London employer: Pear Recruitment
At Pear Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. Located in the vibrant area of Winchmore Hill, our team enjoys competitive benefits, ongoing training opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact in the local property market while delivering exceptional service to our clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Client Accounts in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Pear Recruitment. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Pear Recruitment.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Pear Recruitment. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Client Accounts in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Pear Recruitment and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Pear Recruitment how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pear Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Pear Recruitment.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Pear Recruitment's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
