Head of Client Accounts

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Job description

Knight Frank is the leading independent property consultancy in the UK offering agency and professional advice across Commercial, Residential and Rural sectors.Established in 1897, Knight Frank now comprises a global network of over 200 offices.Based in our London Head office, the Client accounts department services both the block and estate management service lines and is looking to recruit a Department head who will lead a team taking care of the day to day whilst rising to the challenges faced by the department.ResponsibilitiesGeneralCreate department strategy consistent with Service Line 3 year planEnsuring timely production of client service charge accounts by accounts teamEnsuring accurate and timely reporting to clients pursuant to client property management agreementsAbility to manage up to 9 direct reports - creating appraisal and performance monitoring standards and ensuring adherence thereafter toActing as point of escalation for all issues within accounts teamManage departmental budgeting and subsequent business performanceAccountability for client account banking relationships and their managementUse professional qualification and technical knowledge leading to the provision of excellent advice to clients eg. VAT compliance, service charge structureEnsure compliance with RICS regulations and statutory requirements supporting routine and ad hoc client and other auditingCreate and execute best practice for client reporting, particularly with regard to institutional charity estate clientsContribute accounting input to pitching teams as requiredCreating and adapting where necessary standards and providing data to client and third party auditors as requiredEnsuring best practice treasury management including maintenance of client account bank reconciliations in accordance with ARMA and RICS requirementsLiaise with and contribute to senior management meetings including presentation of reporting data as requiredMonitoring bad debts, cashflow KPIs and timelines for production of budgets, accounts and statutory requirements etcManaging bank payments and direct debit collectionsReview and sign off all accounts including ensuring monthly bank reconciliationsProvide assistance and cover over busy periods and holidaysAdvise on safeguards against AMLOther Ad-hoc Duties:Dealing with any and all complaints in relation to accounting issuesUnderstanding collaboration between various client accounting departments. In particular, this is likely to involve collaborative working on firm-wide property management and accounting system enhancementDealing with board requirements for ad hoc reportsAssisting where required in the KF graduate training scheme with respect to candidates' training requirements relating to the understanding of property accountingDealing with ad hoc supplier/contractor enquiries, particularly those relating to paymentsEscalation point for leaseholder/tenant issues relating to accounting or credit controlAssisting in picking and Implementation of new systemsProfessional experience and personal skills profileCareer Experience PreferredACCA qualifiedParticular Aptitudes/Skills RequiredExperience in similar role for property managing agentAccounting system expertise in QUBE PM would be advantageous.Experience in system selection and migration would be advantageousManagement experience dealing with up to 30 subordinate staff with diverse needsExcellent technical skills commensurate with professional qualificationExcellent IT skillsExcellent telephone mannerExcellent English grammar and spellingAbility to prioritiseAbility to communicate at all levels