
Cobalt Recruitment
A market-leading real estate investment fund in London is seeking an analytical Associate for its European finance team. This permanent role involves financial planning, forecasting, and analysis across a diversified portfolio. The Associate will develop financial models, conduct variance analyses, and prepare reporting packages for stakeholders. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or a related field, along with 3–5 years of relevant experience in FP&A or corporate finance, preferably within real estate. Strong Excel skills, business acumen, and excellent communication abilities are essential for success in this fast-paced environment.
Associate – FP&A | Large Cap Fund | Real Estate
- London
- Permanent
- Hybrid working
About the Company
We are working with a market-leading real estate investment fund with a diversified portfolio of assets across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors and a strong track record of performance to recruit a sharp and analytical Associate. This person will play an integral part of the European finance team and help drive strategic insights and operational excellence.
Role Overview
The Associate will be a key member of the finance team, responsible for supporting the strategic planning and financial analysis functions across the fund. You will deliver high-quality financial modelling, budget forecasts, and performance analysis across real estate assets, operating platforms, and corporate initiatives. This role requires a detail-oriented, highly motivated individual with strong analytical and communication skills who thrives in a fast-paced and intellectually demanding environment.
Key Responsibilities,
1. Financial Planning and Forecasting
- Support the annual budgeting and quarterly reforecasting processes across the portfolio.
- Develop robust financial models to project property-level and fund-level P&L, cash flows, and returns.
- Partner with asset managers and investment teams to gather key inputs and challenge assumptions.
2. Portfolio and Asset Analysis
- Conduct variance analyses comparing actuals vs. budget/forecast, and provide insight into key drivers.
- Track and evaluate KPIs across operating assets and development projects.
- Monitor capital expenditure and leasing activity impacts on asset valuation and performance.
3. Reporting and Presentations
- Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reporting packages for internal stakeholders and senior leadership.
- Contribute to investor reporting and board materials with accurate and compelling financial visuals.
- Ensure data integrity and timely delivery of reporting requirements.
4. Strategic Support
- Conduct ad-hoc scenario modelling, sensitivity analysis, and long-range planning exercises.
- Assist in capital allocation analysis and business case evaluations for new initiatives.
- Partner cross-functionally with accounting, investments, and operations teams to improve financial processes and decision-making tools.
Qualifications and Experience,
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
- Full accounting qualification (ACA or CPA)
Experience
- 3–5 years of relevant FP&A, corporate finance, or investment analysis experience, ideally within real estate.
- Strong understanding of real estate valuation metrics, investment structures, and fund-level modelling.
Skills
- Advanced Excel modelling skills and proficiency with PowerPoint.
- Experience with budgeting and planning tools highly desirable.
- Strong business acumen, with a strategic mindset and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable interacting with senior leadership.
- Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Source ⇲
joblookup.com