At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of financial operations for a dynamic UK real estate portfolio.
- Company: A leading real estate investment firm with a strong international presence.
- Benefits: Flexible working, direct access to decision-makers, and international exposure.
- Why this job: Be the financial brain behind impactful real estate decisions and processes.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in finance, ideally within property, with strong UK commercial real estate knowledge.
- Other info: Join a tight-knit, entrepreneurial team and enjoy autonomy in your role.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
OUR CLIENT is a privately held real estate investment firm with international headquarters, with over 3 decades track record and 1 million sq. ft. under management across the UK and US. They are known for smart acquisitions, sharp asset management, and value-driven enhancements in office real estate. As a powerhouse in transatlantic real estate, they are now seeking a seasoned Financial Controller to take full charge of financial operations across their UK portfolio.
You will be a 'hands-on' expert with extensive experience at asset level across commercial / office real estate who thrives in the detail and is comfortable being the go-to finance lead in a lean, high-performing team.
The role of Financial Controller will include the following key areas:
- End-to-end property-level accounting: from rent rolls to tenant ledgers and arrears.
- Service charge mastery: budgets, reconciliations, apportionments-done right.
- Tax and compliance: UK VAT, capital allowances, withholding and corp tax-with external advisor oversight.
- Hands‑on financial reporting: prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual accounts under UK GAAP/IFRS.
- Audit & statutory filing leadership: drive year-end processes across UK SPVs.
- CAPEX & development accounting: track refurb spends, recover charges, and capitalise correctly.
- Controls & systems: maintain high-integrity reporting in a lean family office environment.
- Stakeholder engagement: work closely with asset managers, property managers, and surveyors.
THE PERSON
You will be:
- Ideally qualified (ACCA / CIMA or ACA / equivalent) with over 10 years of experience, ideally in a hands‑on finance role within property / real estate and must have office asset exposure.
- Strong working knowledge of UK commercial real estate accounting, tax (especially VAT), and service charge mechanisms.
- Self‑starter attitude - someone who doesn't need a team to do high‑quality work.
- Advanced Excel skills; experience with Yardi, MRI, or similar systems advantageous.
- Detail‑obsessed but commercially minded - equally comfortable in the weeds and in the boardroom.
Benefits
- Flexible working
- Direct access to decision‑makers - no red tape.
- International exposure in a tight‑knit, entrepreneurial team.
- The autonomy to build your own systems, influence strategy, and be a true finance leader - not just a processor.
Why This Role?
Autonomy & ownership - build processes, shape reporting, and influence decisions. Make a difference. This is more than a controller role. It's your chance to be the financial brain behind a high‑value real estate portfolio.
Financial Controller (Real Estate - UK Portfolio) employer: Trident
Contact Detail:
Trident Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller (Real Estate - UK Portfolio)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its portfolio. Understand their values and recent projects, so you can show them you're not just another candidate but someone who truly gets what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like property-level accounting and financial reporting. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller (Real Estate - UK Portfolio)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Financial Controller role. Highlight your hands-on experience in property-level accounting and any relevant qualifications like ACCA or CIMA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for real estate finance and how your detail-oriented approach can benefit our UK portfolio.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your advanced Excel skills and any experience with systems like Yardi or MRI. We want to see how you can bring your tech-savvy side to our lean team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trident
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in property-level accounting. Brush up on key metrics related to rent rolls, tenant ledgers, and service charge mechanisms. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these areas in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with UK VAT, capital allowances, and corporate tax regulations. Prepare examples of how you've navigated compliance issues in the past, as this will show that you can handle the complexities of financial operations in real estate.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since advanced Excel skills are crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss specific functions or tools you’ve used in your previous positions. If possible, bring along examples of reports or analyses you've created to showcase your proficiency.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires strong collaboration with asset managers and property managers. Think of instances where you’ve successfully engaged with stakeholders to drive financial decisions. Highlight your communication skills and ability to work in a lean team environment.