Greystar is a market leading, fully-integrated real estate company offering expertise in investment, development, and property management of residential properties globally. The European business is rapidly growing and currently covers the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Spain and The Netherlands.

The Senior Accountant role is primarily responsible for the application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to monitor project job costs and provide the related internal and external reporting. You will also be responsible for maintaining the project budgets, accounting and reporting of a mixed portfolio of multifamily and student ground up developments primarily focused in the UK and Europe.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Role Responsibilities:

• Business Partners Development Managers on a portfolio of Development projects, providing financial analysis of key decisions, review of actual costs versus budget and providing the financial perspective on the development where appropriate.
• Compiles and analyses the financial information in preparation for entry into various financial statements and accounting reports and makes appropriate journal entries for recording in the general ledger by checking calculations, reviewing basis for figures, and balancing and reconciling figures.
• Reviews budget, invoices, and other accounting documents and researches and resolves discrepancies as necessary.
• Maintains and reports on project budgets to include compilation of draw packages and necessary approvals, ensure accurate coding of invoices, charging of Development Management Fees, and submission of payment requests to third party administrators.
• Reviews completeness and accuracy of investment accounting completed by 3rd party administrators.
• Liaises with external partners and lenders, providing additional data and information as requested, and answering questions necessary to facilitate the funding process in a timely manner.
• Provides cost to complete information for input into quarterly desktop valuation and annual 3rd party valuation.  Reviews valuation from a financial perspective.
• Performs bank reconciliations, ensuring accuracy.
• Prepares monthly financial reporting packages for distribution to internal and external stakeholders.
• Reviews monthly/quarterly VAT returns on a portfolio of Development projects.
• Works alongside the operational finance team to standardise processes and ensure a seamless transition from the development team to operations team when completed assets are transferred.
• Reviews and abstracts development and lender agreements for projects assigned, understanding reporting requirements, deadlines and fee calculations.
• Acts as the first point of contact with external auditors e.g. to explain journal entries and financial transactions, providing research data and information as requested, and answering questions necessary to complete the audit in a timely manner.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Responds to questions regarding developments, provides support, and ensures timely completion of accounting processes for reporting.
• Completes various financial, accounting, administrative, and other reports and analysis, and performs other duties as assigned or as necessary.

Knowledge & Qualifications:

• Qualified Accountant ACA/ACCA (or equivalent).
• Good level of general education with excellent written and numerical skills.
• Thorough understanding of accounting procedures and double entry book-keeping.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word and Powerpoint. 
• Experience with Yardi (preferred).
• Working knowledge of IFRS within the Real Estate sector.
• Working knowledge of fund structures desirable.
• Working knowledge of VAT.
• Understanding of job cost/project accounting.

Experience & Skills: 

Essential:

• Experience working in a similar role within a fast-paced business ideally with exposure to the Real Estate sector.
• Strong team working and interpersonal skills.
• Strong communicator with the ability to interpret and explain complex financial data.
• Good attention to detail, methodical and takes pride in work.
• Positive “can do” attitude.
• Self-starter with an organised and proactive approach.
• Ability to meet multiple client deadlines and multi-task are essential, using initiative to prioritise.

Desirable:

• Experience in a Development/Construction accounting role.