Absolute is representing a high-growth real estate development firm that following continued growth, is looking for a talented and experienced Financial Controller to join the finance team. This role is pivotal in managing the financial operations of the group and has the potential to progress to a Finance Director.
Role Overview:
The Financial Controller will oversee all operational finance matters across the group, ensuring the integrity of financial reporting and compliance while providing strategic financial guidance. This role requires an individual who is highly organised, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously. You will lead the finance function, work closely with senior management, and manage relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Finance Management: Oversee and manage all operational finance matters across the Group, ensuring accurate and timely financial records for all Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) associated with developments and investments.
- Financial Reporting: Produce comprehensive monthly and quarterly financial reports for internal review, board meetings, and external stakeholders, including pension funds, councils, joint venture partners, and institutional partners.
- Audit Management: Manage the audit process from start to finish for all companies within the Group that require auditing, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Statutory Accounts Preparation: Prepare annual statutory accounts for companies within the Group that do not require an audit, ensuring timely submission to Companies House.
- Intercompany Reconciliations: Conduct monthly intercompany reconciliations between subsidiaries and the parent company, ensuring accurate financial records across the Group.
- Tax Compliance: Prepare and file all necessary tax returns, including VAT, CIS, and Corporation Tax, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Financial Appraisals and Cashflow Forecasts: Update property financial appraisals and cashflow forecasts with actual expenditure each month for all active developments and investments.
- Drawdown Applications: Prepare and submit monthly payment applications for drawdowns with external funders for all externally funded projects, including updating monthly reports to compare actuals versus budget and providing explanations for any variances.
- Stakeholder Management: Liaise with and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective communication.
- Team Leadership: Line manage the Group's Financial Assistant, overseeing their work in purchase ledger, sales ledger, and banking.
- Payment Oversight: Oversee payment runs, manage arrears, monitor bank balances, and approve bank payments, ensuring financial stability and liquidity.
- Payroll Management: Manage payroll operations or oversee the outsourced payroll provider to ensure accurate and timely payment of salaries.
- Process Improvement: Regularly review and improve internal systems and processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the finance function.
Candidate Profile:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller, ideally within the real estate or construction sector.
- Strong technical accounting skills and a deep understanding of financial reporting standards.
- Demonstrated experience in managing and developing a finance team.
- Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- High level of integrity, with a commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Why Join Us?
- Career Progression: A clear path to the role of Finance Director, providing an opportunity to shape the financial strategy of a growing company.
- Impactful Work: Contribute to high-profile real estate developments that are transforming the industry.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a team of driven professionals in a supportive and innovative environment.
How to Apply:
If you are a proactive and strategic finance professional looking to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you. Please apply here or email