Associate Director - Financial Accounts - #1694969

Department: Accounts

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Company: Canary Wharf Limited

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Reporting to: Group Financial Controller

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Job Summary

The Associate Director - Financial Accounts is a key new role at CWG reporting to the Group Financial Controller. The role will have direct responsibility and control over approximately half of the wider accounts team and functions including segmental teams across office, retail, residential for sale, development and property management together accounts receivable. With a strong emphasis on people management, the Associate Director – Financial Accounts will be supportive of a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across teams. We are looking for someone with the interpersonal and technical skills together with strategic thinking and leadership ability with the capacity to develop and step up to one of the Director roles within the finance team in the medium term.

Salary range up to £150,000 per annum.

Main Responsibilities

• Oversee a diverse team of approximately 40 people (5 direct reports), providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure the delivery of accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Collaborate closely with the Financial Controller to support delivery of a high quality finance function and critical resource for the rest of the business.
• Ensure the preparation of high quality financial management information including KPIs.
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology and AI to streamline financial reporting processes and improve efficiency.
• Lead or sponsor finance-oriented projects, ensuring successful implementation and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Represent the finance team on group-wide projects, providing financial expertise and contributing to cross-functional collaboration.
• Make strategic and technical assessments of improved ways to deliver the financial functions.
• Cultivate professional relationships with executive management, shareholders, and key external stakeholders to promote transparency and trust.
• Foster a collaborative work environment, encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing across teams and departments.
• Develop the internal control environment. Foster a culture of financial discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement to ensure robustness of the internal controls.
• Oversee the external audit process of the subsidiary financial statements to ensure a smooth and efficient audit.
• Regularly update the Group Financial Controller on financial and staff matters.
  
  

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Proven experience in effectively managing finance teams, with a focus on coaching, mentoring, and developing team members.
• Strong technical accounting skills and the ability to navigate complex financial situations with confidence and accuracy.
• Proven ability to use technology solutions to drive improvements in speed and accuracy of reporting, management information and robustness of internal controls.
• Demonstrated sound judgement in financial decision-making, with a commitment to upholding integrity and ethical standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaborative approach to working across teams, fostering positive working relationships, and driving cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and effectively manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in using financial software and ERP systems. Experience with Yardi would be a significant advantage but not essential.
• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA) with significant (+7 years) post qualified experience. Proven industry experience (minimum 4 years) in finance leadership roles. Real Estate experience would be an advantage but not essential.
• Bring energy and passion for what they do. A self-starter that is prepared to challenge the norm and explore new ways of doing things.
  
  

Health Safety And Welfare Responsibilities

All staff are required to fulfil their legal duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts and omissions, and to follow all guidance and instructions given in this respect. Further details regarding Health & Safety responsibilities are set out in the Health & Safety Policy in the Administrative Rules and Procedures, and the Health, Safety & Welfare Manual.

Environmental, Social & Governance (esg) Responsibilities

Recognising the centrality of ESG principles within our organisation, we have developed a comprehensive ESG Strategy. It is imperative that all staff members understand and adopt this strategy into their respective roles. This includes adhering to environmental regulations, minimising waste, supporting nature within our urban environment, and facilitating positive change for those in need within our community and utilising our volunteering.

Quality Management Responsibilities

In line with the latest ISO 9001 requirements and our dedication to quality management, all staff are mandated to comply with system requirements as detailed within the Company Quality Manual & Policies. Additionally, it's vital to ensure the effective implementation of all Procedures, Plans, and Forms within our Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) to meet the ISO 9001: Quality Management Standard.

Company Values

Commit to Excellence

• Act with integrity and deliver high performance
• Put our customers at the heart of what we do
• Resolve issues by providing high quality solutions
  
  

Foster Collaboration

• Find opportunities to collaborate with others across the business to achieve shared goals
• Encourage inclusive networks and treat others with respect and fairness
• Use knowledge to work effectively with suppliers / contractors to meet shared goals
  
  

Encourage Engagement

• Confident in making decisions appropriate to the role
• Learn from mistakes and listen to constructive feedback to improve performance
• Prioritise safety and actively support community, wellbeing and sustainability programmes
  
  

Take Ownership

• Take pride in delivering high quality service which exceeds expectations
• Committed to opportunities for self-development
• Take responsibility for my own performance and look for ways to improve
  
  

Embrace Innovation

• Embrace change and innovation
• Proactively suggest ways to improve our business and encourage others to share ideas
• See new challenges as opportunities to deliver effective change
  
  

What We Offer

Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise the importance of embracing diverse experience, skills and perspectives at all levels and operating in an inclusive working environment, in order for everyone to reach their full potential. We also recognise that it makes business sense, since being an inclusive employer leads to better business performance and higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills and are committed to fostering a culture whereby everyone can reach their full potential.

Flexible Working

As an inclusive employer, we recognise the positive impact flexible working can have on an individual, their wellbeing, engagement and productivity. Therefore, we are open to consider flexible working arrangements, both temporary or permanent.

Learning and Development

At Canary Wharf Group, our employees receive a wide range of support to help improve their skills and achieve their career goals. We offer development opportunities through classroom and e-learning training, mentoring, cross department experience and on the job learning. We heavily invest in our staff attaining accreditations to develop existing and new skills, support chartered status, sponsorships and provide further educational opportunities which are job and business related. We never stand still and continually invest in developing skills and knowledge to ensure individual and company growth.

Other Benefits

We are committed to building a safe, happy and healthy community for our employees and we offer a comprehensive range of benefits, all designed with our employees and their wellbeing in mind. From generous pension and insurance plans, to health benefits, subsidised gym membership, store discounts and family leave, our benefits package allows our employees to choose the benefits that suit them and their individual needs.

If you are interested in joining our highly professional and skilled team for our next exciting phase of development, please complete the form on this page to apply online.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to appoint at any point.