Property Portfolio Accountant

Job Description
Seeking a highly motivated Portfolio Accountant with specialized operational commercial experience to join our team. The candidate will act as accountant for a portfolio of properties as well as the group businesses operating in the properties, perform all bookkeeping and financial control functions for the group, capture all financial information and produce monthly management accounts, manage property financial analysis, performance management, budgets, forecasts, and operational aspects including leasing and facilities management. This role requires an unwavering focus on detail, unquestionable accuracy, diligent and dependable completion of tasks, an entrenched and clear understanding and application of accounting principles, financial logic, the ability to interrogate numbers for logic, mistakes, and fault-finding, resolute financial control, unambiguous and precise accounting reporting skills, strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

Bookkeeping:

1. Invoicing
2. Loading of payments against authorised invoices / authorised budget
3. Record and process accounts payable and accounts receivable
4. Data capturing of all accounting entries in Sage
5. Produce monthly, quarterly and year-end financial statements (Management accounts) from Sage
6. Prepare journal entries and maintain general ledger
7. Debt collection
8. Cost control against budget
9. Income control against budget
10. Reconcile monthly bank statements to general ledger
11. Financial control of all operating cashflows, including monitoring of daily cash balances
12. Financial control of all project cashflows of new projects / developments / expansions
13. Assist with the preparation of operating budgets and project budgets
14. Assist management with compilation of financial information or analysis for special projects and tasks

Tax:

1. Prepare and submit VAT returns within the required VAT cycle; timeously follow up on all refunds; timeously load all VAT payments.
2. Prepare draft tax returns for all legal entities for review by auditors / group financial manager.

Financial Analysis:

1. Conduct detailed financial analysis for the portfolio of buildings, including income statements, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Performance Management:

1. Monitor and evaluate the financial performance of each property within the portfolio, identifying trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

1. Prepare annual budgets and periodic forecasts for each property, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and financial targets.

Leasing Operations:

1. Collaborate with leasing teams to ensure accurate tracking of lease agreements, rental income, and lease incentives.

Facilities Management:

1. Coordinate with facilities management teams to oversee operational expenses, maintenance costs, and capital expenditures; obtain 3 quotes for expenses over the threshold amount; get approval of expenses from Property Manager; load all payments of approved invoices / quotes.

Financial Reporting:

1. Assist the Property Manager in preparing and presenting financial reports to stakeholders, highlighting key metrics, performance insights, and financial risks.
2. Prepare accounting packs and management accounts for the auditors, assist in providing any and all information required by the auditors.
3. Report management accounts, tax returns, VAT returns, Cashflow reports and forecasts to the group financial manager and the Property Manager.

Risk Management:

1. Assess and manage financial risks associated with the portfolio, implementing strategies to mitigate potential losses and enhance profitability.

Compliance:

1. Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies related to property management and financial reporting.

Process Improvement:

1. Identify opportunities for process enhancements and efficiency gains within property accounting and financial operations.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field is essential.
2. 5 years of experience in commercial real estate accounting, property management, or related fields.
3. Proven track record in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting within a portfolio management context.
4. Strong understanding of property management operations including leasing, facilities management, and tenant relations.
5. Proficiency in financial software (e.g., MDA, SAGE) and Microsoft Excel for financial modelling and analysis.