JOB SUMMARY
To lead sustainable financial growth by taking ownership of the financial operations, controls and management information for the Business Unit.
Provide insight and influence to impact performance and maintain competitive advantage alongside financial and contract support leadership and direction in the Business Unit. Act as point of liaison for Finance and Commercial issues for the Client and Contract teams.
This will involve personal attitude, use of skills and dissemination of knowledge. Use specialist skills and experience to provide insight and influence in order to impact performance standards. Implement improvements, drive change, raise standards through the direct and indirect management of the team. Act as a business partner to the Business Unit Director to both advise and challenge senior management on contract performance.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Customer
* Developing high quality and effective Client relationships especially across the Business Unit.
* Build good working relationship with account management and key client's members and be a business partner for both.
* Tightly manage contract governance, demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of the terms and conditions of the contract to ensure that all cost elements are appropriately accounted for.
* Assist with client team requests in a timely and accurate manner.
* Positively respond to both our internal and external customers (often in a matrix environment) through effective communication and personal accessibility/credibility.
Financial Reporting
* Monthly formal Contract and Business unit reviews. Ensure use of best practice, communication and understanding of key business messages through monthly site visits with focus on underperforming contracts.
* Liaising with the CBRE US Finance or GWS US Financial Planning and Analysis team to fulfill any ad hoc information requests.
* Support any GWS transformation and client initiatives, working closely with other functions to ensure full alignment of deliverables and results.
* Prepare accurate Business Unit reports in line with monthly company timetable including full Profit & Loss account with analysis and commentary, Balance Sheet extracts and reconciliations, detailed Project Profitability reporting, Profit & Loss forecasts and annual plans.
* Ad-hoc reporting as requested by Divisional Finance Director or Business Unit Director.
* Provide best in class Management Information to both Client and GWS management to include Actuals v Budget.
* Provide ad-hoc support and financial analysis as required.
Contract and Finance Management
* Continually review, maintain and improve cash-flow, margins and reporting. Develop targets and benchmarking processes to challenge the financial information.
* Drive high quality financial / commercial performance through understanding the contractual commitments on service lines in US and ensure is aligned and consistent with global contract management practices.
* Identify and help drive implementation of savings opportunities to ensure Client and GWS financial savings targets are maximized.
* Review Contract and Business Unit P&L results and challenge.
* Carry out regular Business Unit reviews and Project reviews.
* Active management of overheads for business whilst seeking out areas for efficiencies for savings.
* Build and develop high level relationships with business and account leaders, central finance teams, customers and external agencies (e.g. auditors).
* Constantly improve quality, service and efficiency.
* Communicate regularly with contract financial and contract support staff to ensure they are fully informed of operational objectives and achievements.
* Identify, analyze and resolve potential business risks, as well as opportunities and solutions to enhance business performance.
Finance Processes, Procedures and Reporting
* Ensure company policies and procedures are adhered to consistently throughout the Business Unit / Contract.
* Ensure full substantiation of all accruals, un-billed revenue and WIP, in line with GWS policy.
* Manage the integrity of data in Client reporting and GWS systems.
* Develop an understanding of how to best utilize GWS system-generated reporting capabilities.
* Continually develop systems to maximize efficiency benefits for client & GWS.
* Ensure the accuracy and integrity of accounting records and financial systems, identify opportunities to enhance system efficiencies
* Have thorough knowledge of procedures and processes and lead the delivery of these to the required standard.
* Manage compliance through the required procedures and processes.
Finance Planning
* Assisting in the preparation of annual bottom up Plan for and monitoring the forecast through the year.
* Ensure balance sheet and cash flow Plans are prepared.
Financial Governance
* Ensure CBRE and statutory obligations are met for reporting and governance purposes.
* Responsibility for ensuring the integrity of the Balance Sheet and Balance Sheet Commentary.
* Ensure monthly balance sheet reconciliations are carried out, reviewed and maintained in ART.
* Driving and agreeing any financial policy requirements with the Divisional Financial Director.
People Management
* Recruit, induct, manage, target, motive and develop the Contract Support team.
* Review and advise on resourcing gaps.
* Carry out structured appraisals and ensure personal development plans are in place and include succession plans.
* Build, lead and motivate a diverse and effective team. Empower team members to take responsibility and accountability.
* Supervise and review performance of individuals in the team.
* Convey messages and ideas clearly and openly. Involve people and influence decisions.
Success in this role will be measured through defined targets as follows:
* Achievement of Business Unit annual financial plan
* Achievement of Business Unit KPIs in line with business requirements
No SOX or audit deficiencies in the Business Unit
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides formal supervision to individual employees within single functional or operational area. Approves subordinate's recommendations for staff recruitment, selection, promotion, advancement, corrective action and termination. Effectively recommends same for direct reports to next level management for review and approval. Plans and monitors appropriate staffing levels and utilization of labor, including overtime. Prepares and delivers performance appraisal for staff. Mentors and coaches team members to further develop competencies. Leads by example and models behaviors that are consistent with the company's values.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from a four-year college or university in a business related field. Requires a minimum of six years related experience to include at least three years in a lead or supervisory capacity. Public accounting experience preferred.
CERTIFICATES and/or LICENSES
CPA or MBA (graduate degree) preferred, but not required (depending on experience).
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret the most complex business documents. Ability to effectively interact with management, employees, auditors, etc. and respond effectively to the most sensitive issues. Ability to accurately explain/report activity in verbal and written communications. Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on complex topics to employees, clients, top management and/or public groups. Ability to motivate and work collaboratively with business partners, key employees, top management, and client groups on various projects. Fosters an environment of team-building and an open door policy.
FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE
Requires in-depth knowledge of financial terms and principles. Ability to forecast and prepare budgets. This position conducts complex financial/business analysis, including the preparation of complex reports. Broad, in-depth understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), concepts. SEC reporting experience desired (depending on the specific finance role).
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve advanced problems and deal with a variety of options in complex situations. Requires expert level analytical and quantitative skills with proven experience in developing strategic solutions for a growing matrix-based multi-industry sales environment. Ability to problem-solve, both independently and working as a team. Draws upon the analysis of others and makes recommendations that have a direct impact on the company.
OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES
Strong computer skills, including specific knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.). Broad experience with other software and financial systems is desired (particularly HFM Consolidation, PeopleSoft Financials and Cognos Planning). Knowledge of real estate service industry and terminology is helpful. Ability to plan and manage multiple projects and work streams. Strong work ethic and adaptable. Microsoft Dynamics & Anaplan Planning tool preferred.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY
Decisions made with in-depth understanding and interpretation of procedures, company policies and business practices to achieve general results. Responsible for setting department deadlines. Errors in judgment may cause long-term impact to co-workers, supervisor , department and/or line of business. |
