Associate Director, Financial Accounts

The Associate Director - Financial Accounts is a key created role within an iconic property and real estate developer, reporting to the Group Financial Controller.

The role will oversee 40 people, (approximately half of the wider accounts team and functions) including segmental teams across office, retail, residential for sale, development and property management together accounts receivable.

As an Associate Director - Financial Accounts, your role will be pivotal in overseeing a diverse team of approximately 40 individuals. You will work closely with the Financial Controller to ensure the delivery of accurate and timely financial reporting. Your expertise will be crucial in identifying opportunities to leverage technology for streamlining processes. You will also lead finance-oriented projects that align with strategic objectives. Your ability to cultivate professional relationships will be key in promoting transparency and trust. Furthermore, you will foster a collaborative work environment that encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing

• Oversee a diverse team of approximately 40 people (5 direct reports), providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure the delivery of accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Collaborate closely with the Financial Controller to support delivery of a high quality finance function and critical resource for the rest of the business.
• Ensure the preparation of high quality financial management information including KPIs.
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology and AI to streamline financial reporting processes and improve efficiency.
• Lead or sponsor finance-oriented projects, ensuring successful implementation and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Represent the finance team on group-wide projects, providing financial expertise and contributing to cross-functional collaboration.
• Make strategic and technical assessments of improved ways to deliver the financial functions.
• Cultivate professional relationships with executive management, shareholders, and key external stakeholders to promote transparency and trust.
• Foster a collaborative work environment, encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing across teams and departments.
• Develop the internal control environment. Foster a culture of financial discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement to ensure robustness of the internal controls.
• Oversee the external audit process of the subsidiary financial statements to ensure a smooth and efficient audit.
• Regularly update the Group Financial Controller on financial and staff matters.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for this Associate Director - Financial Accounts role brings proven experience in managing finance teams effectively. You possess strong technical accounting skills that allow you to navigate complex financial situations confidently. Your proficiency in using financial software and ERP systems is matched by your ability to use technology solutions to drive improvements in reporting speed and accuracy. Your excellent communication and interpersonal skills enable you to interact professionally with stakeholders at all levels. You thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and effectively manage competing priorities and deadlines.

• Proven experience in effectively managing finance teams, with a focus on coaching, mentoring, and developing team members.
• Strong technical accounting skills and the ability to navigate complex financial situations with confidence and accuracy.
• Accountant (ACA/ACCA) with significant (+7 years) post experience. Proven industry experience (minimum 4 years) in finance leadership roles. Real Estate experience would be an advantage but not essential.
• Demonstrated sound judgement in financial decision-making, with a commitment to upholding integrity and ethical standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaborative approach to working across teams, fostering positive working relationships, and driving cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and effectively manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in using financial software and ERP systems. Experience with Yardi would be a significant advantage but not essential.
• Bring energy and passion for what they do. A self-starter that is prepared to challenge the norm and explore new ways of doing things.

What sets this company apart:

Our client is the developer of the largest urban regeneration project in Europe. They develop, manage and currently own interests in approximately 9 million square feet of mixed-use space and over 1,100 Build to Rent apartments. They are the largest sustainable developer in the UK and have purchased 100% electricity from renewable sources since 2012 and sent zero waste to landfill since 2009. They have created a 24/7 city where people can live, work and thrive on their estate and enjoy all the benefits: great transport links, access to green spaces and waterside living; and a wide range of amenities including an award-winning arts and events programme.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates