Qualified Accountant – UHNW Family Office
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Qualified Accountant to join a private Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) Family Office, supporting the financial affairs of the principal, family members, and their associated property and investment interests.
The role will have a particular focus on property accounting, family financial management, budgeting, cash flow and financial reporting. Working within a discreet and fast-paced private office environment, the successful candidate will provide accurate and timely financial information while maintaining robust oversight of day-to-day finances across multiple entities, properties and family interests.
This is a hands-on position suited to a commercially minded accountant who is comfortable moving between detailed transactional work and higher-level financial analysis. Discretion, confidentiality, accuracy and sound judgement are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the day-to-day accounting and financial affairs of the Family Office, including those relating to the principal, family members, property interests and associated entities.
- Prepare and review monthly and annual management accounts, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, cash flow reports and other financial information.
- Develop, maintain and monitor annual budgets and rolling forecasts across family, property and operational expenditure.
- Produce clear budget-versus-actual reporting, investigate variances and provide meaningful commentary to support financial decision-making.
- Maintain oversight of family and household expenditure, ensuring appropriate categorisation, reconciliation and reporting of costs.
- Manage cash flow and liquidity planning, including monitoring upcoming commitments and ensuring sufficient funds are available across relevant accounts and entities.
- Oversee accounting for a property portfolio, including rental income, service charges, utilities, maintenance and refurbishment expenditure, professional fees and other property-related costs.
- Support the financial management of property acquisitions, disposals, developments and refurbishment projects, including tracking budgets, commitments and actual expenditure.
- Manage accounts payable, supplier invoices and payment processes, ensuring payments are properly authorised, accurately recorded and made on time.
- Perform and review bank, credit card, intercompany and general ledger reconciliations across multiple accounts and entities.
- Maintain accurate accounting records using systems such as Xero, Sage, or equivalent accounting platforms.
- Coordinate with banks, property managers, managing agents, solicitors, tax advisers, investment professionals and other external advisers as required.
- Work closely with external accountants and tax advisers to support statutory accounts, tax filings and other compliance requirements.
- Liaise with auditors and professional advisers, providing schedules, reconciliations and supporting documentation when required.
- Maintain and strengthen financial controls, approval procedures and reporting processes appropriate for a sophisticated Family Office environment.
- Produce ad hoc financial analysis and reporting for the principal and senior Family Office stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to improve financial systems, reporting and processes while maintaining the flexibility required within a private office.
- Where applicable, supervise or support junior finance and administrative staff and ensure high standards of accuracy and financial discipline.
Experience & Qualifications
- ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualified accountant with strong post-qualification experience.
- Previous experience within a Family Office, UHNW/private client environment, property business, real estate investment company or similarly complex owner-managed organisation is highly desirable.
- Strong experience of property accounting, ideally involving residential and/or commercial property portfolios.
- Demonstrable experience in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and management reporting.
- Experience managing finances across multiple companies, entities, bank accounts or cost centres.
- Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, accounts payable, reconciliations and financial controls.
- Experience working with accounting platforms such as Xero, Sage, together with advanced Excel skills.
- Ability to produce concise, accurate financial information for principals and senior decision-makers who may not have an accounting background.
- Experience working alongside tax advisers, auditors, banks, lawyers and other professional advisers.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to changing requirements.
Personal Attributes
They will be comfortable operating in a hands-on Family Office environment, where responsibilities can extend beyond traditional corporate accounting and where attention to detail is critical.
The individual should demonstrate:
- Exceptional attention to detail and financial accuracy.
- A high level of integrity, discretion and confidentiality.
- Strong commercial judgement and the confidence to identify unusual expenditure, variances or financial risks.
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach.
- The ability to communicate financial information clearly and succinctly.
- Flexibility and willingness to take ownership of matters from start to finish.
The ability to build trusted relationships with the principal, family members, colleagues and external advisers
Pay: £60,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
