A private family is seeking an experienced Household Accountant / Finance Manager to oversee the financial administration of its London home and Buckinghamshire country estate. This is a hands-on role combining accounting, budgeting, payroll, supplier management, purchasing and cost control. The successful candidate will take ownership of day-to-day financial matters, resolving issues directly with suppliers and service providers so that the principals can focus on other priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Reporting

• Manage day-to-day bookkeeping, invoice processing, payment runs and monthly bank and card reconciliations using Xero and Dext.
• Maintain accurate records, separating personal, household, estate, staff and business-related expenditure.
• Prepare monthly financial reports, annual budgets and year-end accounts for the family’s accountants.
• Track significant payments, refunds, credits and potential tax-related items.

Cost Control & Utilities

• Maintain oversight of utilities, insurance and recurring contracts across both properties and the estate.
• Monitor bills and consumption, investigate anomalies, challenge estimated charges and manage renewals and supplier switching.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and ensure contracts remain competitive.

Purchasing & Expense Cards

• Source and compare quotations, negotiate terms and oversee purchases and major works from order through to delivery and final invoice.
• Manage routine household and estate purchasing, supplier relationships, returns and warranty claims.
• Administer staff expense cards, including limits, receipts, monthly reviews and reconciliation.

Payroll & Staff Administration

• Lead the transition of payroll from an external bureau and manage in-house payroll for approximately ten employees.
• Manage PAYE and HMRC Real Time Information submissions, starters and leavers, statutory payments, pensions and year-end reporting.
• Act as the first point of contact for staff pay, expenses and reimbursement queries.

Liaison & Projects

• Handle supplier, utility, bank, insurer and HMRC correspondence, queries, negotiations and claims.
• Prepare and coordinate payment approvals requiring the principals’ involvement.
• Maintain a clear budget tracker for an ongoing construction project, recording committed, invoiced, paid and remaining costs.

The Ideal Candidate

• AAT Level 4 qualified or equivalent, with several years’ experience managing a full set of accounts through to trial balance.
• Strong Xero knowledge and Xero certification.
• Proven experience running in-house UK payroll, including RTI, auto-enrolment, statutory payments and year-end, and transferring payroll from a bureau.
• CIPP Level 3 Payroll Technician Certificate or Xero UK payroll certification preferred.
• Experience managing budgets, project costs, suppliers, utilities and purchasing, with a track record of negotiating and controlling costs.
• Private household, family office or country estate experience preferred.
• Experience with Soldo or a similar staff expense-card platform advantageous.
• Highly organised, meticulous, self-motivated and discreet, with excellent telephone and communication skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

This role suits someone who combines strong financial control with a practical, hands-on approach and is comfortable taking ownership of issues through to resolution.