Head of Client Accounts

Pear Recruitment – Head of Client Accounts

Location - Earlsfield

Salary - £50,000 - £60,000 + Bonus up to 10%

Hours – Monday–Friday 9am–6pm (1 day working from home after probation)

Our client is a fast-growing independent property business, seeking a Head of Client Accounts to lead their busy Accounts team.

This is a senior operational role covering client accounting, financial controls, reconciliations, payments, compliance, reporting, systems and team leadership. Working closely with Directors and Heads of Department, you will provide financial and operational guidance, act as the senior escalation point for complex matters and drive continuous improvement across the function.

As Head of Client Accountant, you will take overall responsibility for the accurate, compliant and efficient management of client money.

• Lead the day-to-day Client Accounts function, ensuring accurate and timely processing of all client money transactions.
• Own Lettings Forecast, staff commissions, supplier commissions, property licensing accounting, agency fees, and ad hoc invoicing
• Maintain robust controls over client funds, payment processes and financial approvals.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex client accounting matters.

• Own the Client Accounts control framework and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, Client Money Protection requirements, Safe Agent standards and company policies.
• Maintain and continuously improve client accounting policies, procedures, controls and audit trails.
• Monitor financial and operational risks and implement appropriate corrective and preventative controls.

• Oversee client account banking, payment preparation, approvals and submissions.
• Take ownership of month-end accounts and reports
• Take ownership of business accounts payables and bank payments, including payroll
• Act as the sole point of contact for external auditors, Safe Agent and other client money assurance reviews + Lead the end-to-end completion

• Own the accuracy and integrity of client accounting data across Reapit, Xero, 360 and other relevant systems.
• Identify system, reporting and process weaknesses and implement practical improvements.
• Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, accuracy, automation and financial controls.
• Support system changes, migrations and new implementations from a client accounting perspective.

• Lead, manage and develop the Client Accounts team.
• Provide technical guidance and coaching on accounting, compliance and client matters.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, ownership and continuous improvement.

• Work closely with Directors, CFO, Lettings, Property Services and Operations to resolve financial and client accounting matters.
• Provide clear financial guidance to financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Challenge transactions, processes or decisions where there are financial, client money or compliance concerns.
• Lead and support projects that strengthen controls, reporting and operational efficiency.

• Significant experience in residential property accounting, client accounting or a similar financial environment.
• 2-year experience using Reapit
• Strong knowledge of client money, reconciliations, compliance and financial controls.
• Experience managing or supervising a finance or client accounting team.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work autonomously and exercise sound professional judgement.

• Qualified or part qualified ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent professional qualification.
• Clien…