Financial Controller - Italy

Nido is on an exciting journey to become Europe’s leading Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) provider. Our story began with a vision to create exceptional living spaces that bring together quality, community, and design — a vision that continues to guide our growth today. With 12,000 beds across 32 properties in the Iberian Peninsula and our new European headquarters in Madrid, we’re shaping the future of how students live, connect, and thrive.

In 2025, we welcomed Livensa Living into the Nido family, creating one of Europe’s largest and most dynamic living platforms. Together, we’re expanding into new markets like Germany and Italy, bringing our passion for design, community, and exceptional resident experiences to even more people across Europe.

Purpose of the Role

The Financial Controller – Italy will lead all financial operations for Nido and Livensa’s Italian platform. This includes property and corporate accounting, monthly and regulatory reporting in coordination with the appointed SGR, tax compliance, internal controls, treasury, and financial planning. The role is critical in establishing the financial foundations for Nido’s Italian portfolio and supports strategic decision-making through accurate reporting, analysis, and forecasting. Reporting to the Group Finance Director in Madrid, the Controller will have the opportunity to grow their team of accountants in Italy to reflect the growth of the business.  

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary financial lead for Nido Italy across property and corporate entities.
• Serve as day-to-day liaison with the SGR, coordinating monthly reporting deliverables, regulatory submissions, and compliance with Bank of Italy requirements.
• Oversee full accounting processes under Local GAAP and IFRS, ensuring timely and accurate financial information.
• Lead preparation and submission of VAT returns, statutory financial statements, and tax filings.
• Manage and mentor the local accountant(s), ensuring strong internal controls and quality of reporting.
• Set up and maintain the financial infrastructure for newly acquired PBSA assets, including PMS implementation and integration with MSD (ERP).
• Support financing activities, including loan compliance, reporting to lenders
• Adhere to internal control frameworks to safeguard assets and ensure compliance.
• Produce monthly management accounts, P&L analysis, balance sheet, cash flow and variance reporting.
• Coordinate with external auditors and advisors for tax, audit, and regulatory matters.
• Assist with onboarding of new acquisitions into the Italian structure.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Asset Management, Business Controlling and the wider Group Finance team.

Requirements

• 5-10 years in a Financial Controller or senior finance role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Qualified accountant (CPA, ACCA, or Italian equivalent) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Local GAAP and IFRS.
• Experience preparing VAT returns and statutory financial statements
• Proven experience overseeing finance in Italy, including tax and statutory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of real estate operations, reporting cycles, and cashflow management.
• Experience working with SGRs and regulatory submissions is advantageous
• Familiarity with Bank of Italy regulatory reporting (preferred).
• Experience with PMS implementation and ERP systems (MSD experience is a strong plus).
• Exposure to the living or real assets sectors (e.g., student accommodation, residential, or hospitality) is highly advantageous.
• Commercially minded and pragmatic, with strong business acumen and the ability to balance risk with operational goals.
• Confident communicator, comfortable working with investors and senior stakeholders.
• Fluent in English; Spanish, German or Italian language skills are strongly preferred.

Personal Traits

• Hands-On: Willing to roll up your sleeves to resolve issues and drive outcomes.
• Independent: Ability to work independently, take initiative, and make decisions with minimal supervision.
• Strategic Thinker: Able to balance long-term vision with tactical execution.
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to guide, mentor, and develop team members.
• Collaborative Partner: Effective at managing cross-functional teams and third-party stakeholders.
• Detail-Oriented: Strong organisational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Resilient & Adaptive: Ability to work across jurisdictions and adapt to a dynamic, fast growing business.
• Influential Communicator: Able to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to align diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, lenders, and valuers.