Head of Finance in London

My client, an award-winning property management company, is looking for an experienced Head of Finance to manage and oversee all day-to-day functions of a busy accounts department. The company manages blocks of flats predominantly in and around London and the home counties.

Responsibilities

• This is a senior leadership role within the business. The candidate will meet with the senior leadership team on a regular basis to offer advice, support and opinions as necessary and will be required to assist in strategic decisions for the business. This will include weekly and monthly strategy and projects review, monthly staffing review, quarterly strategy day and other ad hoc meetings as required.
• To manage and lead the employees within the department, conducting regular reviews and appraisals.
• Support the team with learning, training & development including gaining qualifications as relevant to the role.
• Monitor and oversee the production of service charge year end accounts.
• Oversee client financial reporting.
• Liaise with external auditors.
• Liaise with clients.
• Oversee credit control processes and debt recovery which includes:
• Issue demands (service charges, ground rents, insurance etc.)
• Send arrears letters.
• Refer to solicitors.
• Pay clients ground rents & commercial rents.
• Arranging payment plans, direct debits etc.
• Client financial reporting on debt.
• Liaise with clients and attend meetings as required.
• Liaise with solicitors and assist or manage complex legal cases.
• Attend county court as required.
• Oversee purchase ledger function which includes:
• Supplier invoice processing.
• Tenant recharges.
• Supplier account management.
• Payment runs.
• Liaise with Property team with cashflow issues.
• Oversee cashiering functions including RICS client money compliance.
• Oversee management of suspense accounts.
• Review and sign off bank reconciliations.
• Oversee day-to-day financial processing through Sage 50.
• Review VAT returns.
• Quarterly management reporting to Directors.
• Production of annual accounts for the business.
• Provide steering on financial company matters.
• Management of the company's annual budget.
• Liaise with external accountants.
• Completing FCA and other statutory or regulatory returns on behalf of the company.

Experience And Skills Required

• Strong numerical skills and ideally a qualified accountant to AAT level 4 or demonstrably qualified by experience.
• Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Must have strong experience of the debt recovery process including referrals to solicitors and court action for non-payment of service charge, ground rents and other ad hoc charges.
• Experience of service charge accounts and associated legislation.
• Strong experience of managing a department.
• Confident communicator.
• Excellent organisation of self and team.
• Must have similar experience with another managing agent.
• Must have in depth knowledge of property legislation in relation to the collection of service charges and ground rents.
• MRI Qube or other similar property management software.
• Sage 50.

Working Structure & Benefits

• Salary: £75,000 - £80,000.
• Hybrid working: 1 day per week in the office with ad hoc days as required (may require additional days in the office during induction).
• Long Service Reward Scheme: additional annual leave and increased employer pension contribution.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• On site parking.
• Study support - financial and leave (by agreement).
• Annual salary review.
• Subsidised social events.
• Employee engagement activities.
• Wellbeing Scheme.
• Access to mental health support/coaching.

For more information please contact Anisha on the Business Support team at Dove & Hawk Property Recruitment. 02037259835.