We are currently working on the most exciting opportunities in the real estate industry at the Financial Controller level to hit the market this year.

This specialist, a real estate investor, is at a pivotal growth point. In the last twelve months, they have raised £1bn in fresh capital and partnered with institutional funds to launch a new REIT to hold their operational assets and expand their development pipeline. In addition, they are developing a series of exciting, large-scale opportunities across the UK with institutional backing. As a result, the FD is looking for an ambitious real estate professional to serve as their number 2 in this tremendously exciting journey.

Financial Control

• Oversee the work of the finance team, which provides the property manager finance function, including P&Ls, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll for the operational property assets.
• Oversee the outsourced fund accounting work for the REIT. Perform a critical review function for quarterly management accounts presented to the board.
• Lead on accounting policy decisions and work closely with Investment Associate Director on the quarterly property valuation process.
• Business partnering between the front office, the outsourced fund accountant, the company secretary and the finance team.
• Manage the annual audit process with the REIT external auditor

Asset Operational Performance

• Build and maintain annual budgeting financial model
• Ensure that the finance team prepares regular management information and key performance indicators and provides to the wider business (and clients where requested).
• Support the business to understand operational performance and be part of a team across the company that works to control costs and enhance operational performance.
• To work closely with the Managing Director.

Transactions

• Support the business to deliver property acquisitions, including developments and operational assets.
• Lead the financial diligence work and oversee the work of external finance and tax diligence advisers.
• Lead any entity structuring work with external advice.
• Lead the onboarding of new assets to existing or new client portfolios.

Taxation

• Ensure the REIT complies with relevant taxation regulations.
• Oversee income distributions in line with REIT distribution requirements.
• Build a strong working relationship with PWC, the REIT's tax advisers.
• Ensure day to day compliance activities is properly run.

Treasury

• Build strong working relationships with lenders
• Support the business in new borrowing activity, ensure the loan terms are workable, and implement loan compliance.
• Oversee external fund accountants loan compliance reporting and manage any areas of non-compliance.

Equity investor relationships

• Build a working relationship with front-office and back-office teams at external equity investors.
• Provide reports, analysis, and explanations to equity investors.
• Work with the broader business to support the introduction of new equity investor clients from time to time.

Commercial Negotiations

• Lead specific commercial negotiations, for example, the appointment of advisers or the terms agreed with suppliers of services to Group entities or investor entities.
• Work alongside others to support commercial negotiations for services provided to property entities by providing financial and commercial insights.

People Management

• Manage the operational finance team-based, including one direct report and four indirect reports.
• Provide coaching to the direct report to grow responsibility, improve skills and increase autonomy.
• Set objectives, appraise performance, and motivate the team.

To be considered:

• Qualified Accountant (CA) with experience working in for an institutional real estate investment finance team
• Experience in managing operational finance teams
• Experience in transactions, investment, accounting and tax in the real estate sector
• Business partnering track record
• Strong analytical and technical skills

For immediate consideration, please apply now or contact Sunil Basra for further information