Director of Finance

Cushman & Wakefield - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Chicago, IL

Real Estate

About the position

The Finance Director directs the Financial Control activities for a real estate services and facilities management Global Occupier Account. This role encompasses the operations and maintenance of office facilities, ensuring strict compliance with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) outlined in the Management Agreement, Policies and Procedures, and defined reforecast objectives. The successful candidate will work closely with the Managing Account Director to facilitate and ensure budgetary control, adherence to reforecasts, and oversight of the day-to-day activities of the finance team. This includes accurate financial management and reporting of the account, as well as leading procurement for the client team. The Finance Director is responsible for ensuring that the finance function of the account is organized, efficient, and produces accurate results in compliance with the Management Agreement. Specific goals include making recommendations to encourage continuous improvement in financial performance. As a proactive member of the Account Management Team, the Finance Director will have direct involvement in and accountability for the overall financial performance of the account. This includes managing the finance function and overseeing the finance team, anticipating the needs of the client to ensure that financial management continually adds tangible value. The role requires a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build effective working relationships with individuals and client representatives. The Finance Director will also be responsible for preparing global budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reporting, as well as maintaining financial ledgers and accounting processes and controls. Continuous improvement is a key focus, ensuring high standards of financial control are maintained and that appropriate systems and internal controls are implemented, reviewed, and validated.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the finance lead and business advisor to the Account Director.
• Manage the finance function and oversee the finance team.
• Anticipate the needs of the client to ensure that financial management continually adds tangible value.
• Work with the Financial Team to ensure proper accounting and reporting of expenses and business tax implications.
• Prepare global budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reporting.
• Conduct forecasting, financial modeling, and expense analysis.
• Identify potential risks and upsides to Budget or Forecast.
• Maintain financial ledgers and accounting processes and controls.
• Oversee cash management and expense disbursements.
• Produce internal financial reports in a timely manner.
• Prepare Monthly Funding and financial reporting to the client.
• Prepare Consolidated P&L and Balance Sheet on a monthly basis.
• Ensure high standards of financial control are maintained and appropriate systems and internal controls are implemented, reviewed, and validated.
• Work closely with Finance Platform to ensure financial management conforms with Global Occupier Services standards.
• Identify best practices to enhance efficiencies and improve quality.
• Participate in training programs for financial employees and clients.
• Conduct seminars and programs to enhance employee skills and improve morale.
• Lead staff meetings and conference calls with Group Client Accounting Managers to discuss strategies and pending financial issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Graduate work or CPA certification preferred.
• 10 years' experience in the real estate industry, including at least 5 years in commercial property management.
• 5 years supervisory or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of SOC1 and SOX Compliance.
• Excellent analytical and mathematical skills.
• Proven track record of surpassing expectations of internal stakeholders and clients.
• Working experience with real estate accounting systems, preferably Yardi, and corporate reporting systems.
• Experience as a department head including business planning, budgeting, personnel management, and staff modeling.
• Ability to manage, coach, and counsel a team of financial professionals.
• Strong team player with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Energetic, lateral thinker with a commercial approach.
• High degree of personal drive and motivation to succeed.
• Strong communicator with high-quality report writing skills.
• Committed to achieving assigned goals and targets.
• Ability to multi-task and maintain progress on multiple projects.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a global financial environment.
• Familiarity with advanced financial modeling techniques.
• Knowledge of real estate market trends and economic factors affecting the industry.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Vision insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Health savings accounts
• Retirement savings plans
• Life insurance programs
• Disability insurance programs
• Paid and unpaid time away from work
• Competitive pay based on various eligibility factors.