Corporate Cost Controller - CBRE Investment Management
The Corporate Cost Controller will be responsible for the monitoring and controlling of all costs across the UK region within Investment Management. The Corporate Cost Controller will ensure the accurate and timely processing of costs including monthly payroll, labor allocations, administering the accounting for compensation awards and perform monthly variance analysis to identify cost-saving initiatives. The role will also monitor intercompany costs are recharged accurately and timely across the CBRE Group and review balance sheet reconciliations are materially reconciled at month end. Reporting to the UK Finance Manager based in London the successful candidate will be a qualified ACA or CPA, with Big4 audit background, having previously challenged existing processes to seek efficiencies and enhanced internal control environment ideally in a U.S.-based multinational company within Financial services.
Key Responsibilities
* Accountable for the monthly, quarterly and annual accounting close process; monitoring that all cost-related journal entries are prepared and approved timely by BD3 with sufficient IPE documentation for all Direct and Indirect Private Real Estate strategies across the UK region;
* Process payroll accounting and labor allocation recharging related to employee salaries, benefits, performance bonus, and other incentive awards schemes that are accrued as part of the month end close process ensuring allocated journal entries are recorded accurately within a timely manner ;
* Maintain accurate records of employee compensation, including salary adjustments, promotions, terminations and incentive award pools for global reporting purposes on a quarterly basis ;
* Prepare payroll reports and collaborate with the People team to ensure accuracy and compliance with Group policies and procedures related to bonus and incentive scheme accounting ;
* Analyze and report monthly costs on a statutory and functional unit basis conducting variance analysis to identify cost drivers and seek efficiencies by identifying opportunities for automation and cost savings;
* Manage key stakeholders including FP&A to provide commentary for monthly P&L cost reporting analysis, challenging any deviations of actuals to budget on P&L and balance sheet flux analysis;
* Proactive to communicate with CBRE Group counterparties to ensure completeness of monthly costs accruals, preparing quarterly intercompany invoice recharges accurately and on a timely basis, providing all the necessary support to ensure all intercompany balances are settled prior to BD-5 with any material intercompany variances investigated to settle any outstanding amounts on a timely basis;
* Prepare and review material balance sheet account reconciliations using Trintech Cadency, analyze transactions for accuracy and completeness ensuring any material reconciling items are appropriately resolved and documented in line with CBRE's SOX internal controls and policies;
* Coordinate and oversight of the Shared Service Centre (BSO) to ensure invoices, expenses and payments are appropriately and timely accounted for within the ledger as well as monitoring supplier and cash management;
• Liaise with the Global Finance Team to resolve any financial accounting activities and questions on a timely basis, providing accounting data input to requests from management;
* Assist with the preparation of financial statements and employee compensation related disclosure requirements including Directors emoluments.
Key Skills/Experience
* Qualified ACA or CPA accountant with 5+ years of professional experience with Big4 audit background ideally previously worked in US global matrix environment within Financial services
* Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SOX to ensure compliant internal control environment
* Positive mindset with a drive to continually improve and challenge existing processes
* Proficient with excel, excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Strong organizational and analytical skills
* Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
* Self-starter, able to resolve issues with own initiative
* Excellent attention to detail and accuracy, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills
* Experience with PeopleSoft, OneStream and Trintech Cadency is a key advantage, knowledge of TM1, PowerBI, Smartsheets is desirable.