Accounting & Finance Analyst

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