Real Estate Finance Accountant

Hybrid - 4 days in office. OUR CLIENT is an Owner, Developer and Investor seeking a commercially focused Project Finance Accountant who will transition into a Finance Manager to support a major multi‑million‑pound construction programme within a high‑profile London estate. This is a pivotal role bridging finance and project delivery, ensuring robust financial control, accurate reporting, and effective cost management throughout the development lifecycle. The successful candidate will initially take ownership of development / project financial reporting for residual development costs, support project teams in managing budgets, and help embed best practice processes and controls. Following practical completion, the role will transition into an operational finance remit as Finance Manager supporting the Controller with ongoing debt compliance, lender & investor reporting, corporate reporting.

THE ROLE - Key Responsibilities

• Strategic
• Providing guidance on appropriate accounting treatment at property company level.
• Implementing and maintaining strong financial controls and processes.
• Driving continuous improvement in reporting quality and working practices.
• Operational
• Owning financial reporting for the residual development budget.
• Supporting the Corporate Financial Controller with entity reporting, tax matters, and audit liaison.
• Delivering accurate management accounts and statutory returns in line with deadlines.
• Monitoring actual costs against forecast and budget.
• Supporting the transition from development to operational finance activities.
• Partnering with internal teams on budgeting, forecasting, and performance reviews.
• Responding to financial queries from external stakeholders.
• Project and Cost Management
• Working closely with construction and project management teams to review performance against budget.
• Managing and supporting the Assistant Project Accountant.
• Overseeing monthly payment run meetings.
• Maintaining and updating project forecasts with external advisers.
• Managing budget revisions, contingency movements, and scope changes.
• Producing monthly development cost reporting (actual versus forecast versus budget).
• Preparing lender drawdown reports.
• Monitoring project commitments and forecasts within the finance system.
• Completing monthly Construction Industry Scheme returns.
• Supporting investor reporting, loan compliance, and annual audits.

THE PERSON

• Experience & Qualifications
• Newly qualified or finalist accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) from a recognised professional services environment.
• Strong grounding in financial reporting, audit, or assurance within a controlled environment.
• Exposure to real estate, infrastructure, hospitality, or asset‑heavy sectors is advantageous.
• Strong academic background.
• Skills
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Analytical and methodical approach.
• Clear and professional communicator.
• Proactive, reliable, and keen to develop.

Working Environment

This role is based on site 4 days a week and requires regular on‑site presence to support close collaboration with project and operational teams.

Benefits

• Disc Bonus.
• Health and Life insurance.
• 5% Pension.
• 28 days holiday.

The Project

The successful candidate will support the transformation of an iconic site into a major mixed‑use destination from development completion to live asset and operational phase.