EMEA Compensation Accountant (Senior Associate Accounting & Control)

CBRE; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment management firm seeks an EMEA Compensation Accountant to oversee accurate payroll and equity compensation accounting across the EMEA region. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with financial reporting standards and effective management of compensation-related transactions.

Benefits

A competitive and comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• 3-6 years of progressive accounting experience focusing on compensation accounting.
• Familiarity with U.S. GAAP preferred.
• Experience with a multinational team and matrix reporting structure.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for payroll processing, equity compensation accounting, and bonus accruals.
• Prepare financial statements and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
• Collaborate with HR and finance teams to process transactions accurately.

Skills

Chartered accountant

Compensation accounting

Equity-based compensation

Process improvement

Financial analysis

Education

CPA qualification

Tools

PeopleSoft

OneStream

Trintech Cadency

Job description

The EMEA Compensation Accountant / Senior Associate Accounting & Control is responsible for the accurate and timely accounting and reporting of all compensation-related transactions across the EMEA region for CBRE Investment Management. This includes payroll processing, equity compensation accounting, bonus accruals, and other compensation-related expenses. Reporting to the Expenses Manager within the Controllership department, this role collaborates closely with the Payroll team, HR Business Partners, Finance teams, and other stakeholders to ensure the integrity of financial records and compliance with accounting standards and local regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Payroll Accounting and Processing:
   • Review payroll accounting for all EMEA employees, including base salary, overtime, benefits, and deductions.
   • Reconcile payroll accounts to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
   • Work closely with the Payroll team to address payroll-related inquiries and issues.
2. Equity Compensation Accounting:
   • Account for equity compensation plans, including stock options, restricted stock units, and other equity awards, based on centrally distributed information.
   • Review journal entries for equity compensation and implement reasonability checks.
   • Reconcile equity compensation accounts and maintain accurate records of equity transactions.
   • Prepare and analyze equity compensation reports for management and auditors.
3. Bonus and Incentive Compensation Accounting:
   • Accurately accrue and account for bonus and incentive compensation programs across EMEA, based on centrally distributed information.
   • Reconcile bonus and incentive compensation accounts to ensure accuracy.
   • Analyze bonus and incentive compensation data and provide insights to management.
4. Reporting and Analysis:
   • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual compensation-related reports for management, including variance and trend analysis.
   • Assist with the preparation of financial statements and supporting schedules.
   • Ensure compliance with accounting standards and local regulations related to compensation.
   • Assist with budgets and forecasts related to compensation expenses.
5. Compliance and Controls:
   • Implement and maintain strong internal controls over compensation processes.
   • Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax regulations, and local laws.
   • Assist with internal and external audits related to compensation.
6. Collaboration and Communication:
   • Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Payroll, and other Finance teams to ensure accurate and timely processing of transactions.
   • Communicate effectively with stakeholders to address inquiries and resolve issues.
   • Stay informed of changes in accounting standards and regulations related to compensation.
   • Assist with ad-hoc projects and tasks as needed.

Key Skills/Experience

• Chartered accountant or CPA, with 3-6 years of progressive accounting experience, focusing on compensation accounting.
• Strong understanding of compensation accounting, equity-based compensation, and bonus awards.
• Strong technical grasp of U.S. GAAP preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to implement process and system improvements.
• Financial services experience, particularly in asset management or private equity accounting (preferred).
• Prior experience with a multinational team and matrix reporting structure.
• Familiarity with PeopleSoft, OneStream, and Trintech Cadency is desirable.

CBRE Investment Management is a leading global real assets investment management firm operating in over 30 offices and 20 countries. The firm aims to deliver sustainable investment solutions across various real assets categories, geographies, risk profiles, and execution formats, fostering thriving clients, users, people, and communities.

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• A competitive and comprehensive benefits package