Assistant Controller

CBRE; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE is seeking an Assistant Controller in New York to lead the day-to-day accounting for a portfolio of office properties and to drive accurate financial reporting. You will supervise close processes, ensure GAAP/IFRS and tax compliance, and partner with FP&A and asset management to optimize operations.

You will mentor Accounting Managers and collaborate with auditors, with a focus on internal controls and operational excellence. A strong background in real estate accounting is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• 5+ years accounting experience in real estate.
• GAAP and FASB knowledge required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting for a portfolio of office properties.
• Manage month-end and quarter-end close processes.
• Coordinate audits and ensure tax and regulatory compliance.
• Develop internal controls and partner with FP&A.
• Provide coaching to Accounting Managers and staff.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

IFRS knowledge

Real estate accounting

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Job description

About The Role:

As a CBRE Assistant Controller, you will focuson the generation, preparation, and communication of information that iscomplete and accurate to support effective decision making, management,internal controls, and financial reporting.

Assistant Controller is responsiblefor the coordination and review of the accounting for a portfolio of officeproperties. Additionally, this position will be a key resource in the review ofsignificant accounting transactions to ensure compliance with GAAP, IFRS aswell as Tax(legal entity) requirements and will serve under a management and oversight role in special projects as they arise. The positionworks closely with other Property Accounting and Regional leaders, businessowners, and the client’s Corporate, FP&A, and Risk Management teams andexternal auditor.

The Assistant Controller willcontinuously improve policies, processes, systems and controls as part of theCompany and Client’s operational excellence initiatives. This position willreport directly to the Controller and additionally to the respective RegionalLeadership Team for the office property portfolio the Assistant Controlleroversight.

What You’ll Do:

• Take ownership and accountability of the day-to-day accounting for an assigned portfolio of properties and oversee and manage the financial close process, to ensure completeness and accuracy of the accounting through a detailed review of the results and key metrics prior to the general ledger close. Review of significant accounting transactions to ensure GAAP, IFRS, and tax compliance.
• Oversee the month-end and quarter-end close cycle, ensuring completion of tasks on or before deadlines per the Accounting Calendar.
• Review monthly/quarterly financial packages such as SOX packages, NOI reports, Co-owner reports, recovery analysis, job cost validation, move-in/move-out schedules, co-owner reporting etc.
• Develop business partner relationships with Asset Management and FP&A leaders while identifying opportunities to provide services and enhance flow of communication and information with the accounting team. Ensure regular and consistent communication and touchpoints with our client to ensure service performance level expectations are satisfied and maintained.
• Partner with FP&A to support Property Accounting teams in solutioning issues and providing technical guidance on accounting treatments, processes, and documentation requirements.
• Liaise with FP&A to understand, prioritize, and communicate business plan requests and budget reporting requirements to Property Accounting teams.
• Support FP&A and AM teams with ad-hoc reporting requests (valuations, financing, tenant audit requests) by acting as the point of contact for the Property Accounting teams.
• Support the Business Plan and budget cycle by reviewing forecast/budget expenses, recovery and CAM files, depreciation & imputed interest, and other key assumptions as applicable.
• Oversee the quarterly tasks related to internal controls, financial reporting and auditor requests which may include variance analysis and reviewing SOX packages. Assist in balancing and allocating the workload across the portfolio and establishing and maintaining the accounting organizational strategy and annual goals.
• Facilitate close meetings with Property Accounting teams to review financials and recommend action items.
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and strengthen the reconciliation process.
• Review corporate-required reporting (e.g., NOI variance analysis, executive summaries etc.).
• Ensure compliance with SOX Controls, which includes the preparation and review of process documentation, providing examples and support, monitoring progress of team and working with internal and external auditors when needed. Manage and coordinate the separate property and joint venture audit process as well as monthly and quarterly reporting to ensure compliance with deadlines.
• Liaise with the BP Corporate team and External Auditors during Corporate and property audits, including coordination of deliverables, schedules, confirmations, and audit support.
• Review audit financial statement templates and note disclosures.
• Participate in control walkthroughs and support teams in understanding control responsibilities; identify control weaknesses and recommend remediation actions.
• Review monthly reporting packages to be sent to lenders and joint venture.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to Accounting Managers and Senior Accountants/Financial Accountants and Property Management team (when required). Provide professional development opportunities - both technical and soft skills - for Accounting Managers and/or Senior Accountants/Financial Accountants through formal and informal channels. Conduct performance evaluations and managing direct reports’ performance development process.

What You’ll Need:

To perform this job successfully, an individual will need toperform each crucial duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below arerepresentative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to performessential functions.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and 5+ years accounting experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Prior experience in real estate accounting and analytics required.
• Requires proven knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) regulations including an understanding of financial terms and principles to include accounting methods: cash, accrual, fair value, and GAAP.
• Knowledge of real estate terms, definitions, and real estate analytical methodology.

Why CBRE

When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values—respect, integrity, service, and excellence—and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.

Our Values in Hiring

At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.

Disclaimers

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage serving, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. The minimum salary for the Assistant Controller position is $130,000 annually and the maximum salary for the Assistant Controller position is $160,000 annually. The compensation that is offered to a successful candidate will depend on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience. Successful candidates will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on CBRE’s applicable benefit program.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We have a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Candidate Accommodations:

CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at [e-mail] or via telephone at [phone] (U.S.) and [phone] (Canada).

CBRE, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity and affirmaton Employer (Women/Minorities/Persons with Disabilities/US Veterans)