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Role: Head of Finance (Service Charge)
Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum
Location: Essex
We are currently working with is one of London's leading privately owned property developers. They manage residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use projects across London and the Midlands.
The Head of Finance is a senior leadership role overseeing all financial operations for the property management division, including rent and service charge accounts. Reporting to the Director, this role manages a team of 14, including Service Charge Managers and Credit Control. Key responsibilities include ensuring financial compliance, maintaining strong controls, advising senior leadership, and driving process improvements while supporting and mentoring the team.
- Supervised a team of 14, including 3 direct reports, creating a collaborative and high-performing environment that supported development and accountability.
- Directed the financial close process for service charge accounts across a varied and often complex property portfolio, including sole responsibility for first-year accounts on new and multi-phase sites.
- Led the creation of annual budgets, supporting detailed forecasts for utilities, staffing, and wider operational costs.
- Ensured all rent, service charges, and reconciliations were accurately issued in line with legal agreements, applying inflation-linked uplifts and interest where relevant.
- Delivered timely and accurate monthly management reports, including tax provisions and depreciation, ensuring all entries complied with statutory and internal standards.
- Maintained strong financial controls, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP and all obligations related to VAT, Corporation Tax, and Trust Tax filings.
- Reviewed and approved outgoing payments, including landlord distributions and supplier remittances, with a focus on accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Continuously enhanced internal financial processes, improving efficiency and safeguarding compliance.
- Served as Excel lead for the team, developing tools, templates, and models to support data consistency and improve reporting workflows.
Required:
- Strong background in senior-level finance roles, including team leadership and performance management.
- Confident in producing and interpreting monthly financial statements and internal reports.
- High-level proficiency in Excel, using advanced functions like PivotTables, XLOOKUP, conditional formulas, and data analysis tools.
- Deep knowledge of UK accounting rules and tax obligations, with a track record of compliance.
- Extensive experience working with property-related finances, especially in service charge accounting.
- In-depth understanding of leasehold block management and related financial processes.
- Proven ability to inspire, guide, and support finance teams toward strong results.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex financial data for non-financial colleagues.
Preferred:
- Full professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or similar)
- Familiarity with property finance systems such as Bluebox or similar platforms.
- Experience working with complex developments, including multi-phase or large-scale residential schemes.
Benefits
- Competitive pay structure
- 24 days of annual leave plus statutory holidays
- Life assurance cover
- Private medical insurance
- Critical illness protection
- Company pension with matching contributions
- Regular reviews of salary and discretionary bonuses
- Wellbeing support via an employee assistance programme
- Access to gym membership discounts
- Cycle to Work initiative
- Exclusive retail and service discounts
- Paid volunteering opportunities
- Support for gaining professional qualifications and certifications
