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.

Responsibilities

General

Create department strategy consistent with Service Line 3 year plan
Ensuring timely production of client service charge accounts by accounts team
Ensuring accurate and timely reporting to clients pursuant to client property management agreements
Ability to manage up to 9 direct reports - creating appraisal and performance monitoring standards and ensuring adherence thereafter to
Acting as point of escalation for all issues within accounts team
Manage departmental budgeting and subsequent business performance
Accountability for client account banking relationships and their management
Use professional qualification and technical knowledge leading to the provision of excellent advice to clients eg. VAT compliance, service charge structure
Ensure compliance with RICS regulations and statutory requirements supporting routine and ad hoc client and other auditing
Create and execute best practice for client reporting, particularly with regard to institutional charity estate clients
Contribute accounting input to pitching teams as required
Creating and adapting where necessary standards and providing data to client and third party auditors as required
Ensuring best practice treasury management including maintenance of client account bank reconciliations in accordance with ARMA and RICS requirements
Liaise with and contribute to senior management meetings including presentation of reporting data as required
Monitoring bad debts, cashflow KPIs and timelines for production of budgets, accounts and statutory requirements etc
Managing bank payments and direct debit collections
Review and sign off all accounts including ensuring monthly bank reconciliations
Provide assistance and cover over busy periods and holidays

Advise on safeguards against AMLOther Ad-hoc Duties:

Dealing with any and all complaints in relation to accounting issues
Understanding collaboration between various client accounting departments. In particular, this is likely to involve collaborative working on firm-wide property management and accounting system enhancement
Dealing with board requirements for ad hoc reports
Assisting where required in the KF graduate training scheme with respect to candidates' training requirements relating to the understanding of property accounting
Dealing with ad hoc supplier/contractor enquiries, particularly those relating to payments
Escalation point for leaseholder/tenant issues relating to accounting or credit control
Assisting in picking and Implementation of new systems

Professional experience and personal skills profile

Career Experience Preferred

ACCA qualified

Particular Aptitudes/Skills Required

Experience in similar role for property managing agent

Accounting system expertise in QUBE PM would be advantageous.

Experience in system selection and migration would be advantageous

Management experience dealing with up to 30 subordinate staff with diverse needs

Excellent technical skills commensurate with professional qualification

Excellent IT skills

Excellent telephone manner

Excellent English grammar and spelling

Ability to prioritise

Ability to communicate at all levels