Assistant Controller

Goal of the function

For our fast-growing Belgian platform, we are looking for an ambitious person who likes to pursue a career in finance within the Belgian real estate business. To support our office in Brussels we are looking for an Assistant Controller.

About us

CBRE’s Investment Accounting and Reporting Solutions is the only provider offering fully integrated real estate property accounting and fund administration services to developers, investors and asset managers. We pair deep real estate accounting expertise with industry-leading technology to tailor global and local accounting and reporting solutions for distinct portfolios, optimizing operations and reducing risk. This allows our clients to focus on competitive investment activities that drives value for investors.

We currently have more than 450 fund accountants servicing upwards of $120 billion in real estate funds in key global investment markets and 1,800 property accountants servicing more than 16,500 properties, making us the largest combined property and fund accounting business in the world. We are part of the CBRE Group, the world’s largest, full-service commercial real estate services firm.

Your mission

The Assistant Controller is accountable for supporting the financial administration on a timely and accurate basis. It is a supportive role to the Fund Controller and Finance Manager. He/she is the direct interface between external accounting firms and financial management team to collect accurate accounting and reporting information. The role is also the direct interface between the property Analyst and Financial management team to collect and analyze the property information.

• Preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting: budget, actuals, forecast…
• Collect information from property managers and asset managers needed to report actuals/ prepare accounting
• Participation in transaction process (acquisitions, sales, partial sales…). Fully involved in the preparation of data room in case of sales. Participation in due diligences during acquisition audits from external advisors
• Monitoring of the local statutory compliance of real estate companies, as well as compliance with the Belgian Investment legislation and internal/external policies
• Coordination of the external advisors (e.g., tax auditors, legal counsels, auditors, notaries, international SPV accounting teams, etc.)

Profile

• Master’s degree with emphasis in Accounting or Finance
• You have a master’s degree in business economics, finance & controlling, preferably with at least 2-3 years of experience in a similar role. Experience with real estate, REITs and real estate investment funds is a plus.
• Advanced Excel skills (spreadsheet applications)
• Experience with Yardi is considered as a plus
• Demonstrated analytical skills, financial acumen, proven ability to work in a detail-oriented environment, strong problem solving and quantitative abilities
• Strong accounting skills (Belgian GAAP, IFRS)
• Knowledge of the Belgian tax rules
• High proficiency in English, Dutch and French
• You are result-oriented with an analytical and problem-solving attitude, looking into details without losing the helicopter view and dedicated to find and propose practical, simple and cost-effective solution.
• You have strong organizational skills, are stress resistant, flexible and dedicated, you are able to set priorities and meet critical reporting deadlines.