Cost Accountant

A growing real estate business is seeking a Cost Accountant to support the accounting and control of property and portfolio-level costs across its operational portfolio. The role focuses on accurate cost recognition, accruals and prepayments, and maintaining strong cost governance across multiple assets.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Control & Month-End

• Prepare and post accruals and prepayments as part of the month-end close process
• Support balance sheet reconciliations relating to cost balances
• Review cost trends and investigate variances, working with FP&A and operational teams to resolve issues
• Assist with month-end close activities and maintain clear supporting schedules

Capitalisation & Cost Classification

• Support the identification and capitalisation of qualifying costs in line with accounting policies
• Ensure consistent treatment between operating expenditure and capital expenditure
• Maintain accurate tracking of capital costs across the portfolio

Cost Tracking & Reporting

• Maintain reporting schedules for key cost areas across the portfolio
• Work with operational and asset management teams to ensure completeness and accuracy of cost data
• Support internal and investor reporting requirements where required

Purchasing & Cost Governance

• Review purchase orders to ensure correct coding and appropriate approval
• Support adherence to procurement and financial control policies

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain accurate cost postings within finance systems
• Develop and maintain Excel-based cost tracking and reporting schedules
• Support audit processes and respond to auditor queries when required

Requirements

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Experience in cost accounting, management accounting or financial reporting
• Strong experience with accruals, prepayments and month-end processes
• Strong Excel skills and ability to manage and analyse financial data
• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders across finance and operations

Desirable

• Experience in real estate, property, BTR, infrastructure or asset-heavy environments
• Exposure to capital expenditure tracking and cost capitalisation
• Experience with ERP or property accounting systems (e.g. Yardi)