Financial Controller (Xero)

Richmond upon Thames Permanent £65,000 - £75,000 per year View Job Description
The Financial Controller (Xero) is responsible for the full financial management of three property clients, ensuring robust accounting, reporting accuracy, strong financial controls, and high-quality client service delivery. This role oversees all aspects of VAT, service charge accounting, P&L analysis, cashflow, rent and tenant billing, and completion statements following significant property acquisitions or disposals. Managing a team of two
  • Highly Successful and Growing business in the Property Industry
  • Brand new role that you can mould and develop

About Our Client

Our client is a Successful and Growing Property & Real Estate business that manages portfolio's of property companies.

Job Description

As the Financial Controller (Xero) based in Richmond your key responsibilities will include:Client Accounting & Portfolio Management

  • Lead the accounting function for three major property clients, each with multi‑million‑pound assets.
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual P&L statements for each company and assets
  • Conduct detailed P&L analysis, identifying variances, cost allocations, performance trends, and opportunities.
  • Manage cashflow forecasting and reporting for each asset monthly.
  • Ensure accurate financial set‑up when onboarding new assets or acquisitions into client portfolios.

VAT & Compliance

  • Manage all VAT returns and ensure full compliance with property‑related VAT rules.
  • Apply correct VAT coding, especially for complex real‑estate transactions, service charges, and tenant billing.
  • Liaise with external auditors and tax advisors when required.

Service Charge Accounting

  • Prepare annual Service Charge Budgets, ensuring all expenditure is correctly allocated to the right nominal codes.
  • Complete Service Charge reconciliations and respond to auditor queries.
  • Ensure transparency and accuracy in service charge cost recovery.

Acquisitions, Disposals & Investment Support

  • Prepare completion statements for multi‑million‑pound acquisitions/disposals (e.g., £10m+).
  • Allocate forward rent, deductions, apportionments, and all financial adjustments accurately.
  • Support investment analysis including reviewing tenancy agreements, forecasting yields, and assessing financial performance of assets under consideration.

Team Leadership & Process Management

  • Line‑manage Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable team members (2 direct reports).
  • Oversee AP/AR cycles, supplier payments, tenant receipts, and reconciliation processes.
  • Maintain strong financial controls, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integrity of records.
  • Continuously improve accounting processes, reporting, and financial systems.

Systems, Reporting & Analytical Skills

  • Produce high‑quality financial reporting packs for clients.
  • Ensure all data is accurate within property management systems and accounting software.
  • Demonstrate strong Excel skills, including formulas and data reconciliation
  • Experience using the Xero system

Rent, Tenant Billing & Property Operations

Working with the Property Team on the following

  • Manage billing schedules for clients and assets industrial assets.
  • Ensure every tenant is billed correctly and charges and rents are collected on time.
  • Oversee payment runs including property payroll and supplier payments.
  • Partner with the Property Team on rent reviews, lease events, and tenancy changes.
  • Monitor arrears and support credit control actions where require.

The Successful Applicant

* Extensive accounting experience either from industry or an accountancy practice

* Experience in the Property Industry is desirable but not essential

* Strong Excel skills

* Xero experience

* Knowledge of Xero add-on tools, such as Dext is desirable but not essential

* Strong cashflow management experience

* Experience with service charge reconciliation desirable but not essential

* Experience performing VAT returns

* Strong level of numeracy and mathematical ability

* Relevant qualifications for level of employment (ACCA or equivalent)

* Understanding of UK property-related VAT issues (option to tax, partial

exemption) desirable

* Ability to support senior management with financial reporting and insights.

* Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both internally and externally

* Strong attention to detail

* Ability to manage own time effectively and prioritise workload

* Willingness to learn new skills and develop knowledge

* Good oral and written skills

What's on Offer

£65,000 - £70,000 the client might flex to £75,000 for a candidate that is an excellent fit

  • Hours: 9am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday
  • Hybrid Working - Minimum 4 days a week in office
  • Holiday: 25 days holiday + bank holidays
  • Pension contribution 3%
  • Private health care
Contact
James Quinn
Quote job ref
JN-012026-6924948
Phone number
+442087425954

Job summary

Job function
Accounting
Subsector
Finance Manager
Sector
Property
Location
Richmond upon Thames
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
James Quinn
Consultant phone
+442087425954
Job reference
JN-012026-6924948