Financial Controller - Office, Retail & Corporate

Department: Accounts

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Company: Canary Wharf Limited

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Reporting to: Group Financial Controller

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Job Summary

The Financial Controller of the Office, Retail and Corporate segments is responsible for the reporting of the actual results of these segments on a quarterly basis and other associated reporting requirements. The role is responsible for the financial results and internal controls of the segments, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and business objectives. The position plays a critical role in providing financial results that support investment decisions, and liaising with key stakeholders, including tax, commercial finance, asset management, and external auditors.

The office and retail segment includes c£6bn (80%) of the Group’s overall property portfolio and c.£290m (60%) of the Group’s revenue. The main revenue stream for the segment is from the Group’s external tenant rents but there are a number of others including promotion fund, level 39, turnover rent and dilapidation income. The corporate segment represents the Group’s significant G&A costs as well as inter group dividends and holding company structures.

The Financial Controller – Office, Retail and Corporate reports to the Associate Director – Financial Accounts and has a team of 7 financial accountants. The role will also involve working closely with the Group Financial Controller, Commercial Finance and other stakeholders (both finance and non-finance) to ensure that financial information is accurate, timely and robustly controlled.

The role is pivotal in supporting the Group’s quarterly close process for shareholder reporting and interim and year end statutory financial reporting as well as ensuring high quality management information, analysis and insight is available.

Salary: £100-110k

4 days office / 1 WFH

Main Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Control

• Overall responsibility for the financial information of the Office, Retail and Corporate segments (100+ legal entities) ensuring that the information is robust, timely and subject to appropriate internal review.
• Lead the quarter-end and year-end close processes, including working with commercial finance on variance analysis to business plan and the provision of management reporting.
• Provide relevant financial input into significant corporate transactions (financings or acquisition/disposal activity) working alongside tax, treasury and debt teams.
• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements for the segments in line with internal accounting policies and relevant financial regulations (IFRS/UK GAAP).
• Lead the preparation of the CWG Finance II plc financial statements and audit process for the half year and year end including presentation of reporting to the Board.
• Identify and support the corporate simplification opportunities in collaboration with the tax and company secretarial teams.
• Lead the preparation and review of Jersey management accounts and attend Board meetings to present information.

Regulatory Compliance & Internal Control

• Stay updated on relevant UK accounting standards and best practices in financial reporting and understanding of the impact of changes to regulations.
• Proactively identify and implement improvements to internal controls to safeguard financial integrity and mitigate risk, specifically accurate and timely billing.
• Take actions to address audit findings to ensure constant improvement in financial reporting and control.

Audit Liaison and Coordination

• Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors for the relevant entities, ensuring a collaborative and effective audit process.
• Coordinate audit schedules, ensuring timely availability of required documentation and information.
• Address audit findings by developing and implementing remediation plans.
• Provide regular updates to senior management on audit process and compliance with reporting timelines (banking and statutory).

Team Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead the team of 8 people, including 7 financial accountants, to achieve reporting objectives, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Identify relevant training programs and workshops to ensure employees understand their roles in ensuring accurate financial reporting and an effective control environment.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the commercial finance, tax and external consultants.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Technical Skills And Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA) with significant post qualified experience including a minimum of 5 years PQE experience.
• Experience of working in industry for 3+ years essential. Real Estate sector knowledge would be a distinct advantage.
• Strong technical knowledge specifically with complex group structures, corporate simplification and inter company relationships is critical.
• Experience of improving the financial close processes in order to meet internal and external statutory deadlines and of improving the presentation and reporting of financial results.
• Proven ability to implement improvements to processes and internal controls through the use of technology solutions.
• Experience with Yardi would be an advantage but not essential.

Soft Skills

• A leader of people who has demonstrated the ability to lead and develop a team to deliver successful outcomes.
• Strong attention to detail and agility to work across a range of areas is critical. Must be able to take ownership of tasks, bear responsibility for work produced.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and guide senior leaders.
• Bring energy and passion. A self-starter that is prepared to challenge the norm and explore new ways of doing things.
• Very organised with exceptional time management skills – able to work under pressure, prioritising and meet competing deadlines. Ability to effectively manage upwards is essential.

Health Safety And Welfare Responsibilities

All staff are required to fulfil their legal duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts and omissions, and to follow all guidance and instructions given in this respect. Further details regarding Health & Safety responsibilities are set out in the Health & Safety Policy in the Administrative Rules and Procedures, and the Health, Safety & Welfare Manual.

Environmental, Social & Governance (esg) Responsibilities

Recognising the centrality of ESG principles within our organisation, we have developed a comprehensive ESG Strategy. It is imperative that all staff members understand and adopt this strategy into their respective roles. This includes adhering to environmental regulations, minimising waste, supporting nature within our urban environment, and facilitating positive change for those in need within our community and utilising our volunteering.

Quality Management Responsibilities

In line with the latest ISO 9001 requirements and our dedication to quality management, all staff are mandated to comply with system requirements as detailed within the Company Quality Manual & Policies. Additionally, it's vital to ensure the effective implementation of all Procedures, Plans, and Forms within our Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) to meet the ISO 9001: Quality Management Standard.

Company Values

Commit to Excellence

• Act with integrity and deliver high performance
• Put our customers at the heart of what we do
• Resolve issues by providing high quality solutions.

Foster Collaboration

• Find opportunities to collaborate with others across the business to achieve shared goals
• Encourage inclusive networks and treat others with respect and fairness
• Use knowledge to work effectively with suppliers / contractors to meet shared goals.

Encourage Engagement

• Confident in making decisions appropriate to the role
• Learn from mistakes and listen to constructive feedback to improve performance
• Prioritise safety and actively support community, wellbeing and sustainability programmes.

Take Ownership

• Take pride in delivering high quality service which exceeds expectations
• Committed to opportunities for self-development
• Take responsibility for my own performance and look for ways to improve.

Embrace Innovation

• Embrace change and innovation
• Proactively suggest ways to improve our business and encourage others to share ideas
• See new challenges as opportunities to deliver effective change.

What We Offer

Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise the importance of embracing diverse experience, skills and perspectives at all levels and operating in an inclusive working environment, in order for everyone to reach their full potential. We also recognise that it makes business sense, since being an inclusive employer leads to better business performance and higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills and are committed to fostering a culture whereby everyone can reach their full potential.

Flexible Working

As an inclusive employer, we recognise the positive impact flexible working can have on an individual, their wellbeing, engagement and productivity. Therefore, we are open to consider flexible working arrangements, both temporary or permanent.

Learning and Development

At Canary Wharf Group, our employees receive a wide range of support to help improve their skills and achieve their career goals. We offer development opportunities through classroom and e-learning training, mentoring, cross department experience and on the job learning. We heavily invest in our staff attaining accreditations to develop existing and new skills, support chartered status, sponsorships and provide further educational opportunities which are job and business related. We never stand still and continually invest in developing skills and knowledge to ensure individual and company growth.

Other Benefits

We are committed to building a safe, happy and healthy community for our employees and we offer a comprehensive range of benefits, all designed with our employees and their wellbeing in mind. From generous pension and insurance plans, to health benefits, subsidised gym membership, store discounts and family leave, our benefits package allows our employees to choose the benefits that suit them and their individual needs.

If you are interested in joining our highly professional and skilled team for our next exciting phase of development, please complete the form on this page to apply online.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to appoint at any point.