Client Accountant

Job Description

Job Title

Client Accountant

Business Unit

Real Estate Management

Location

London

Reports To

Senior Client Accountant

Company Overview

Avison Young is one of the world's fastest-growing commercial real estate firms. This growth is a testament to the commitment we’ve made to our clients and our employees. We’re different. We’ve designed our organization to be highly collaborative and focused on one thing: creating the best solutions for our clients to deliver long-term success.

The finance team within Real Estate Management (REM) are a key element of the overall REM Business Unit within Avison Young providing financial real estate management services on behalf of a broad range of clients.

We will continue to evolve, striving to meet the changing needs of our industry, our clients and our employees, but we will remain true to our values, culture and vision.

Overall Purpose of Job

This role reports directly into a Senior Client Accountant with direct line management of 1 member of staff and requires solid all-round client accounting knowledge in addition to extensive service charge accounting experience. You will be required to have a comprehensive understanding of the property life cycle from mobilisation through to off boarding, including interpretation of completion statements, accounting for property sales/ transfers to new agents, financial reporting, risk management and compliance. You will be required to deputise for the Head of Accounts during periods of absence.

The role will support the Senior Client Accountant in ensuring the delivery of all aspects of client accounting to the highest possible standard in line with client KPI’s, RIC’s regulations and AY compliance controls.

Main Duties, Responsibilities & Accountabilities

·       To ensure the maintenance of lease details on the database is performed in an accurate and timely manner.

·       Maintain and update property service charge year end and budget information on the database.

·       Working with your internal stakeholders, monitor budget to actual and actively manage shortfalls in the service charge account and escalating as appropriate any exceptions.

·       Client void management to ensure cashflow is maintained.

·       Carry out quarterly reviews of the service charge account with surveyor/facilities manager

·       Complete REM elements of the Service Charge Year End workflow, working closely with surveyors and AY appointed accountants.

·       Produce monthly/quarterly client reporting in agreed formats in a timely and accurate manner.  This will include production of Clients Statements, VAT reports, bank reconciliations, arrears reports and any other bespoke reporting that has been agreed.  This is to be reviewed by a Senior Client Accountant before submission.

·       Ensure all rents and insurance are paid over to client in a timely manner paying attention to any Duty of Care arrangements and the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme.

·       Ensure settlement of VAT in a timely manner

·       Attend finance/accounts meetings both on and off site with your line manager.

·       Responsible for raising ad hoc and one-off charges for the recovery of costs as appropriate.

·       Responsible for the timely recovery of utility costs and complete full reconciliations of the utility recharge account.

·       Liaise with credit control/supervisor to assist in the recovery of all charges

·       Production of all bank reconciliations for review and ensure any reconciling items are cleared monthly

·       Liaise with cashiers to resolve queries.

·       Assist REM helpdesk with any queries that may arise

·       Responsible for the mobilisation and demobilisation of instructions working with appropriate stakeholders.

·       Ensure all KPI’s and delivery deadlines are met.

No job description can fully cover every issue which may arise within the post and the post holder is expected to carry out other duties from time to time that are broadly consistent with those in this job description.

• Experience of working in a property accounting environment.

·       Knowledge of basic accounting principles for example double entry, accruals and prepayments.

• Experience of working in a busy fast paced finance function.

·       Ability to work as part of a team and contribute in a positive manner to the overall performance of the team.

·       Ability to manage and prioritize accordingly, and deal with high volumes of work.

·       Flexibility and commitment to completing the task in hand. 

·       Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.

·       Attention to detail skills to submit reports and reconciliations for review. 

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with a variety of stakeholders.

• Advanced Microsoft knowledge
• Positive attitude
• Self-motivated to maintain output and able to work from home at times