Financial Reporting Manager

Who are we

Founded in 1896, Knight Frank was registered as Knight Frank LLP a Limited Liability Partnership, on 3 November 2003, registered in England & Wales at 55 Baker Street, London, W1U 8AN with the registered number of OC305934. Headquartered in London, UK, Knight Frank is one of the world's leading independent real estate consultancies. We work responsibly in partnership to enhance people's lives and environments in over 50 Markets, 600+ Offices, 20,000+ People, 1 Global Network.

At the heart of all we do are our Clients. A relationship built on trust is vital. As trusted partners in property, we act with integrity and care, understanding our clients’ unique needs and consistently thinking about the bigger picture to provide personalised, clear and considered advice across all areas of property. Through our deep understanding of key markets and sectors – both emerging and established – we are dedicated to meeting and exceeding their property goals.

A true partnership is a balanced one, and our People are passionate about, and committed to, making our business inclusive and diverse. We give every individual the space and opportunity to perform at their best and be recognised for the immense value they bring. We empower everyone to have autonomy in their role and encourage them to use their voice in how we can make a positive impact as a firm and shape the future of real estate, the built environment and the impact on the communities we serve. Our collaborative and engaged teams provide excellent and dedicated client service. In our workplace, opinions are respected, everyone is invited to contribute to the success of our business and innovation, and new ideas are celebrated.

In 2021 we celebrated our 125th anniversary and set out Our Desired Future, cemented in three pillars: People Potential, Client Centricity and always Creating our Future, together. Learn more about what sets us apart here.

About The Role

Knight Frank is seeking a Financial Reporting Manager to join their Head Office in 55 Baker Street.

The Financial Reporting Manager is responsible for overseeing the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of UK financial reporting across the business. This role plays a key part in delivering high-quality management information, statutory financial statements, and ensuring strong financial controls within a complex commercial real estate environment.

The role is a hands-on leadership position managing a small team and requires strong technical accounting expertise (UK GAAP / IFRS), experience managing and supporting external audits, the ability to work across multiple stakeholders including finance, asset management, and external advisors. The role is a central point of contact being able to interpret and explain management and statutory accounts results to a broad set of internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial results

• Ensure accurate accounting for key process areas such as payroll, revenue recognition, dividends, Investments and Lease accounting transactions (IFRS 16 where applicable).

• Maintain compliance with UK GAAP / IFRS and other relevant regulatory standards.

• Manage balance sheet account reconciliations in accordance with agreed perpetual reconciliation cycle.

• Support the use of BPC consolidation tool in preparation of global financial results on a monthly basis.

Management Reporting

• Lead the production of monthly management accounts and reporting packs for the UK Board.

• Deliver insightful variance analysis and commentary to senior management, explaining key month on month variances across P&L and balance sheets.

• Support budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with financial results as required.

Statutory Accounts

• Manage the preparation of annual statutory financial statements for UK legal entities

• Ensure compliance with Companies Act & GAAP requirements and applicable accounting standards presentation.

• Prepare and coordinate year-end audit disclosures for all accounting notes.

• Support corporate transactions (acquisitions, disposals, restructures) from an accounting perspective when required.

Audit & External Reporting

• Act as a key point of contact for external auditors when responding to audit requirements

• Support the audit process, ensuring timely delivery of audit requests and resolution of queries

• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation as required

• Address audit findings and implement remediations where required.

Month-End Close Process

• Manage the UK month-end close timetable, identifying process improvement opportunities to accelerate.

• Ensure timely and accurate completion of close activities across all entities

• Review key estimates and accounting judgements (e.g. valuations, impairments, accruals etc)

• Drive continuous improvement in close processes and efficiency

Internal Controls & Governance

• Maintain and enhance a robust internal control framework

• Ensure adherence to financial policies, procedures, and delegated authorities

• Support internal audits and risk reviews, identify and mitigate financial and operational risks

• Maintain adherence to accounting standards, contractual obligations, and internal policies

Systems & Process Improvement

• Support the optimisation of finance systems (e.g. ERP, property management systems)

• Drive process improvements and standardisation across reporting activities

• Leverage automation tools to enhance efficiency and reduce manual intervention

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Manage and develop a small team of qualified and/or part-qualified accountants

• Provide coaching, performance management, and technical guidance

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external advisors

• Act as a key finance contact for cross-functional projects

Skills & Experience:

Core Requirements

• Extensive experience in Record to Reporting and Financial Control within a large, complex organisation

• Strong knowledge of IFRS/UK GAAP and statutory reporting requirements

• Experience working in an LLP environment is highly desirable

• Demonstrated experience managing large data sets, multiple entities, and complex structures

• Experience working in a multi-entity, multi-currency environment

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to manage multiple priorities to tight deadlines

• Proactive and solutions-orientated mindset

Leadership & Behavioural Skills

• Stakeholder influence: Strong communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, an effective communicator to non-finance stakeholders.

• People leadership: Experience leading, developing, and motivating high-performing teams.

• Change management: Proven ability to lead transformation initiatives and embed sustainable improvements

• Problem-solving mindset: Able to identify root causes and implement effective, scalable solutions

• Collaboration: Builds strong cross-functional partnerships in a complex, matrixed organisation

• Resilient & adaptability: Maintain high standards of accuracy, ensuring financial information is reliable and compliant.

• Accountability: take full responsibility for deliverables, ensuring deadlines are met and quality is maintained.

Qualifications

• Essential: 5 years post qualified experience within a large complex matrix organisation

• Essential: Qualified Accountant (ICAEW and/or ACCA)

Systems and IT Competence

• Systems-savvy with hands on experience using SAP (general ledger, FICO) is essential

• Use of BPC reporting tool highly desirable.

• Advanced level of Excel knowledge for handling large data is essential.

Dimensions

• Managing a team of 2 accountants.

• No. of UK legal entities: c 25 (through a mix of audited/non audited and trading./holding entities)

• UK landscape / Turnover £450M

• Balance sheets accounts under areas of control c. 500+

Competitive salary

Please note: this is a Direct Search led by Knight Frank. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs, even if provided by PSL agencies.