Senior Management Accountant

Homes for Students is a growing student accommodation and facilities management contractor with an expanding number of operations nationwide. Homes for Students is a market leader in managing independent purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) The Company, since it was formed in October 2015, has secured 40,000 bed spaces across 160 properties with more than 50 different clients.

We are looking for a Senior Management Accountant to join our Finance team based in Harrogate, working 40 hours per week, 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. 

The role will require someone with strong analytical skills, a good understanding of control environments, attention to detail and a focus on achieving deadlines. Excellent communication skills are required, as attending meetings and liaising with clients, colleagues and managers are important aspects of the role.  An approach to continuous improvement and the ability to harness a working environment which encourages teamwork, energy and creativity are a must.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Responsible for the submission of monthly management accounts within contractual deadlines.
• Responsible for the submission of Balance sheet lead schedules within contractual deadlines.
• Responsible for ensuring P&L and Balance Sheet queries are responded to within agreed timescales.
• Provide variance analysis and commentary by working with the sales and operational teams to ensure accurate reporting.
• To ensure client queries are dealt with in a timely manner.
• Production of client financial reforecasting.  
• To support with the client’s Annual Statutory Audit.
• To support in the production of the client annual property budgets.
• To ensure Standard Operating Procedures and controls are maintained.
• To review and implement new processes to deliver reporting and administrational efficiencies.
• Manage a team operating within strict deadlines to comply with the Businesses standard operating procedures.
• To develop, maximise potential, and set the team’s personal objectives and ensure regular 1-2-1’s.
• Support on ad-hoc tasks and reporting.
• To support and maintain best practice in regard to GDPR.
• To keep up to date with industry initiatives to enable best practice to be adopted at all times.

Skills (includes Key Competencies)

• Strong financial, analytical modelling and problem-solving skills.
• Proven experience with spread sheets and financial programs.
• Ability to successfully handle several priorities simultaneously, maintain composure in high pressure situations and maintain objectivity, focus and good judgment.
• To genuinely treat all clients, students and other staff with the respect you would like to be treated and ‘day to day’ to engage effectively and be friendly, helpful, enthusiastic, courteous, positive and cheerful.
• To promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge and experience in the production of monthly management accounts and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Excellent presentation skills, attention to detail and ability to complete tasks.
• Excellent problem solving ability

Personal Qualities

• Ability to communicate and engage with personnel across the company and with the client’s reporting teams.
• Commitment and enthusiasm to Homes for Students and its work.
• Commitment to quality in all aspects of service delivery.
• Commitment to equal opportunities.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimum guidance, confidence in           taking the initiative, making decisions and consulting as appropriate.
• Ability to manage the delivery of detailed work.
• Willing to be flexible and respond to changing circumstances.

Experience and Qualifications

• A qualified Accountant, ACCA, ACA, CIMA or QBE with 5+ years of relevant management accounts experience and team management experience.
• Experience of working within all areas of the finance function.
• Thorough knowledge of finance computer software with Navision preferred.

No role profile can be entirely comprehensive, and you will be expected to be flexible and carry out other duties as required from time to time.  This is on the understanding the duties will be within the individual’s capability and are consistent with the level and responsibilities of the role.

What's on offer

• Generous holiday package of 25 days, plus bank holidays, to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
• Access to a range of exclusive retail discounts to make your money go further.
• Take your special day off! Enjoy your birthday with a well-deserved break from work.
• Stay active and eco-friendly with our cycle-to-work scheme.
• Make a difference in the community with 2 charity days per annum.

If you feel like this is the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

Homes for Students is an equal opportunity employer and a member of Inclusive Employers. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse team of employees, so we encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and we are more than happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you may require.