Accounting & Finance Analyst - Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

Do you want to help revolutionize a major industry? At Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), you’ll have the opportunity to impact the future of real estate by developing innovative and engaging places that reinvent being together. Come join a team that builds excitement about working at URW. You’ll get to work with leaders who are passionate about tackling changing consumer behavior with innovative experiences. All this bold vision means the company culture embraces evolution and change. We believe there is no "perfect" candidate and want to encourage applying even if all the requirements listed aren’t met. If you're passionate about URW and looking to learn and grow, then we look forward to reviewing your application!

We are currently looking for our: Accounting & Finance Analyst

Scope

The Accounting and Finance Analyst is responsible for maintaining the books and records for Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield assets demonstrating full autonomy. This position is also responsible for the related asset data accuracy, analysis and reporting. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Analyst to join our finance team. Reporting to the Finance Manager, this role is perfect for someone with a few years of experience in finance and accounting who is looking to expand their skills in both accounting and analysis.

The Accounting and Finance Analyst will oversee analyzing monthly/quarterly closing actuals, preparing forecast and budget in close collaboration with the asset General Manager and the Operating Managers, and applying critical thinking to challenge and enhance business performance.

Responsibilities for the role

Accounting

• Prepare accurate financial, asset, liability and capital expenditures account entries by compiling and analyzing information using our ERP system (JD Edwards)
• Maintain and analyze the general ledger to ensure the accuracy of revenue and cost allocation including accruals and prepayment preparation
• Interpret and compare variances between budget/forecast and actual results and prepare variance analysis schedules and comments to support the Operations team action plan
• Understand and properly apply accounting rules given the circumstances applicable to each asset in US GAAP and IFRS, as applicable, and follow Group guidance
• Prepare detailed reconciliations between the GL and all subsidiary ledgers.
• Perform reconciliations with the aid of automated system (Blackline)
• Maintain the fixed assets register
• Manage, reconcile and peer review tenant recoveries and allocations (incl common area maintenance and property tax charges)
• Prepare monthly and quarterly sales and use tax returns if applicable
• Prepare cash distributions to co-investors when required
• Show a thorough understanding of real estate accounting issues and their impact on the financial statements

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Participate in the annual 5 years budget process and quarterly current year reforecasting for the responsible asset
• Excel as a business partner to the Operating Management & Shopping Center Management teams, providing knowledge of the business and economic factors
• Maintain intimate knowledge of operating capital projects and opportunities for designated centers.

Business Analysis

• Maintain, update and improve the existing KPIs reports to maximize their efficiency
• Assist the business operations teams (Shopping Center Management, Operations Management, Leasing, Development, Marketing) with diverse Accounting and Finance issues that impact their areas
• Explain key operational drivers and related impacts on the financial statements to key managers to help set and strive action plans.
• Leverage a thorough understanding of all sources of revenues (fixed and percentage rents, tenant recoveries) and their impact on the financial statements to support business understanding and action plan setting.
• Think critically and challenge business assumptions, strategies & tactics using KPIs and knowledge of industry trends in order to suggest ways to;
• maximize revenue, minimize cost and control capital expenditures.
• optimize return on investment,
• help business teams reach budgeted targets.

Reporting

• Provide data in a way that is consumable and illustrative, where necessary, to explain performance and support decision-making
• Responsible for the timely and accurate distribution of monthly reports to clients when applicable
• Prepare annual stand-alone financial statements (US GAAP) and work with the company’s auditors to obtain audit opinions according to strict deadlines

What We Are Looking For

• 2+ years of accounting and financial expertise (Retail or Commercial Real Estate preferred with general ledger and financial statement experience required
• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in accounting and/or Finance
• CPA or equivalent qualification preferred
• Proficiency in Excel. Experience with Power BI preferred
• Strong analytical and general quantitative skills, with an attention to detail
• Must be proactive, totally autonomous and able to challenge status quo while having excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills to interact with senior management.
• Change Agent – you must be ready to learn the business needs and requirements and have the ability to quickly adapt when there are modifications or new requirements
• Cross-functional translator and facilitator – you must be able to effectively deliver when communicating financial information. You must be able to communicate finance to business and vice versa. This role is both front-of-house and back-of-house
• Quick learner who overcomes objections, adjusts on the fly in a fast-paced business, you should have full understanding of processes from the start to the end, and then offer insightful recommendations on how to improve

Compensation

• Exempt
• $66,000 - $82,000 per year + Annual Discretionary Bonus

What Is Important To Us

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) is driven by an entrepreneurial foundation of talented and ambitious employees who embrace change, strive for innovation, and know when to venture into uncharted terrain. Teams within URW are collaborative and thrive by working together to seize opportunity and solve challenges. Employees receive mentorship and guidance while being empowered to drive their initiatives, embracing their individuality and unique backgrounds. URW‘s flagship destinations are interwoven into the community fabric, and we give employees the power to be impactful in their work and lead meaningful change in our communities through volunteering, DE&I programming and leading ESG efforts. URW is an innovator and trend setter in experiential entertainment and is making bold moves to be a brand that creates inspiring consumer experiences in-person and digitally. Breaking beyond conventional beliefs, URW is surprising and delighting customers by reinventing being together and creating memorable moments.

Our company purpose – to Reinvent Being Together – is about reimagining how individuals and communities come together, socialize, and enjoy dynamic experiences alongside one another in entirely new ways. We are at our best when we are TOGETHER safely and joyfully.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is an equal opportunity employer that embraces diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, experience, and skills. We believe that diversity plays an important part in the success of our business, and we are committed to creating an environment which respects, values, celebrates and makes the most of people’s differences.

We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, and other legally protected characteristics.

Join us in Creating Sustainable Places That Reinvent Being Together.