Senior Accountant

Job Description

Job title: Senior AccountantDepartment: AccountingLocation: LondonThe RoleOur client is looking for an individual to deliver the financial reporting requirements and UK tax compliance for a range of complex real estate clients, which may include UK Companies, Trusts, SPVs, funds, unit trusts and other complex structures. All tasksto be carried out efficiently, effectively and in accordance with our client’s procedures.Key Result Areas

• Provide excellent levels of client service in line with company standards, procedures, guidelines and appropriate accountancy standards
• Maintain a high standard of client reporting and accounting records
• Take responsibility for own personal development, in line with agreed annual performance objectives to act at all times in accordance with our clients values

Primary Contacts

• Own team
• Line manager
• Business unit director
• Internal departments
• External auditors
• Clients (client facing role)
• Property managers & other intermediaries

Qualifications:Recognised accounting qualification (ACA or ACCA)Experience:

• At least 3 years practical work experience
• Direct experience of producing financial statements for a variety of corporate entities within various jurisdictions

Experience in producing:

• Financial statements to UK GAAP or IFRS
• Monthly & quarterly management accounts
• UK corporation tax returns (CT600)
• UK VAT returns
• Experience of developing and coaching others on a one to one basis
• Experience in producing non-resident landlord tax returns (SA700s), partnership tax returns (SA800s), CIS & ATED returns (desirable)
• Real estate experience (desirable)

Knowledge:

• Good, detailed knowledge and understanding of local finance industry, legislation and regulatory requirements
• Detailed understanding and knowledge of UK GAAP or IFRS
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Working knowledge of Sage / Caseware / NavOne / Investran / Keytime (desirable)

Skills and Abilities:

• Working with conflicting and demanding deadlines
• Accepts responsibility
• Ability to delegate and coach
• Effective questioning style

Personal qualities:

• Integrity
• Team player
• Flexibility
• Enthusiasm to deliver
• Adaptable and versatile
• Appropriate office conduct and attitude to work
• Motivation
• Strong commitment to client service excellence
• Desire to support and develop others
• Proactive and disciplined approach to work
• Progressive and takes responsibility for self-development
• Competence in carrying out their role and the tasks and duties associated with their role

Key ResponsibilitiesYour role may include, but will not be limited to, the following tasks which we call Defined Business Activities’. The list of defined business activities is not exhaustive and may be amended from time to time:

• Timesheet
• Daily input of time

Timesheet Supervision

• Supervise more junior members of staff
• Delegate tasks to more junior members of staff
• Coach more junior members of staff in relation to day to day activities
• Coach more junior members of staff in relation to company procedures
• Monitor the workflow of more junior staff
• Coach more junior staff in relation to time management and prioritising

Skills Accounts Preparation - Financial statements & management accounts

• Prepare financial statements/management accounts for a wide range of client structures and differing complexity to UK GAAP or IFRS standards
• Compile a full file of working papers for all accounts prepared
• Liaise with auditors in respect of the financial audit of client entities as required
• Liaise with clients & intermediaries in respect of monthly & quarterly management accounts as required
• Ensure that financial statements prepared are completed and signed off within client, statutory or regulatory deadlines
• Attend client meetings in respect of accounting matters as required
• Review annual and periodic accounts prepared by team

Tax

• Prepare UK corporation tax returns (CT600s), non-resident landlord returns (SA700s) and partnership tax returns (SA800s) where required
• Prepare monthly & quarterly VAT returns where required

Other

• Monitor profitability and recoverability of engagements and ensuring that functions are carried out in accordance with agreed fee levels and identifying and reporting to client accounting manager potential overruns at the earliest opportunity
• Assist with the creation and maintenance of client specific accounting procedures
• Liaise with external contacts to obtain and provide required information
• Assist with and contribute to ad hoc projects as required
• Face to Face Meeting (client Facing)

Organisational Skills

• Organise own workflow and that of junior staff members
• Prioritise own workload
• Deal with matters in a timely manner