Global Client Finance Director

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you've got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you're looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

Role summary

The Client Finance Director is a senior leadership role. You will act as a strategic business partner to the Real Estate Management Services EMEA team to provide financial and strategic support to the business leaders. The role is critical to the success of the Client relationship through driving informative decisions based on the current spend plan, navigating through Client priorities, market conditions and strategic business plans with oversight of a key client account.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership and Team
  • Provide clear direction and strategic Financial advice to the EMEA team.
  • Set objectives and measurable goals and motivate others to achieve them.
  • Promote a culture of teamwork and collaborate across other accounts within JLL in adopting/sharing of best practices.
  • Manage Annual Compensation planning process in conjunction with EMEA Account Director and HR Teams.
• Stakeholder Management
  • Financial strategic partner for Regional Operational Leadership teams.
  • Proactively develop and manage both external and internal client/business unit relationships ensuring that the expected services are delivered across region consistent with the contractual scope of services and within budgets.
  • Actively encourage an environment that supports teamwork, functional integration, financial transparency, co-operation & performance excellence across the account.
  • Key financial/accounting liaison for Business Unit Executives, Product Line owners and Corporate Finance Teams.
• Budgeting, Reporting and Financial Performance
  • Lead Budget/Forecast process and define timing, outputs and targets for client deliverables.
  • Work with the Operations Groups to determine cost of delivery and identify cost reduction opportunities.
  • Collaborate with the global lead on alignment around financial best practices to achieve streamlined processes and global consistency.
  • Produce accurate financial reports, including operational and financial performance results, variance analysis (Actual vs. Budget vs. Forecast vs. Prior Year).
  • Provide and interpret monthly financial and operational results and develop metrics and KPIs that support business insights and decision making including highlighting risks and opportunities to management in regular reviews and translate financial results into action planning with follow up.
  • Drive performance against financial KPIs including Budget overspend, Financial Compliance and delivery of insights.
  • Manage the revenue recognition process in compliance with contract terms.
• Transformation / Continuous Improvement
  • Identify and drive transformation projects and look for innovations within area of responsibility to add value to the client and the JLL business.
  • Influence and drive the Operations partners to manage operating and cost efficiencies and identify opportunities for productivity improvement.
• Governance, Controls & Compliance, Policies & Procedures and Audit
  • Support client governance programme to ensure compliance to the MSA.
  • Contribute to Contract Change Control Process.
  • Ensure timely submission and tracking of Budget changes.
  • Determine direct cost recharges of shared business models and allocate to regions.
  • Work with Regional Tax team to ensure compliance and control in Cross Border charges/transactions.

KEY RESULT AREAS

• Timely analysis and insightful commentary of platform, delivery and recovery financial results to the C-Ops LT team, Finance Director, Operations.
• Ability to report consistently with action orientated cost insights and financial analysis.
• Proactive resolution of daily financial and operational issues and act as a change agent to both the C-Ops LT and finance team.
• Imbedded and active member of the Client Operations management team for your area of responsibility ensuring financial processes remain relevant.

CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION: KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Qualified Accountant with 7 to 10 years of experience in leading finance teams.
• Experience in partnering with business leaders.
• Ability to work with and manage leaders and peers who work in different countries and regions.
• Previous EMEA or international experience essential.
• Sound technical expertise in management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and month end accounting.
• Must be a team player and can work well under uncertain environment.
• Working knowledge of E1/PeopleSoft/ PAX is highly advantageous.
• Strong accounting knowledge, US GAAP knowledge preferred.
• Demonstrated superior client relationship skills (business partnering) and people management skills.
• A desire to work within a diverse, collaborative, and driven professional environment.
• Strong communicator - good presentation skills and possesses strong verbal & written communication skills (English & local language), also an active listener.

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all of the requirements. We're interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!