Fund Controller

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 a Controller.

TheController is responsible for reporting packages preparation and analytics for large and multitenant property companies. He/she is responsible for facilitation of information and data flow between accounting, property management and asset management teams. He/she is the direct interface between external accounting firms and financial management team to collect accurate accounting and reporting information. He/she prepares monthly, quarterly and annual reporting packages and other client reporting. He/she is accountable for various restructurings and complex transactions (refurbishments, developments, tax/legal restructurings) on property company level including coordination of client equity contributions and distributions

What are going to be your main responsibilities?

• Produce property company monthly, quarterly and annual reporting packages (regular and ad-hoc)
• Collect information from property managers and asset managers needed to report actuals/ prepare accounting
• Prepare periodic financial statements as per the reporting standards of the client
• Perform budgeting, forecasting and reporting activities
• Support activities leading to improvement of financial performance of the property companies
• Perform or support preparation and execution of periodic asset payment, cash and corporate action reconciliations
• Participate in new business proposals and assists with structuring investments
• Participate in systems testing and implementation and have in-depth supporting role in an audit process
• Act as supervisor for junior team members (provide informal assistance such as technical guidance and/or portfolio-specific training to others)
• 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 firms, etc.)

What are we looking for?

• Master’s degree with emphasis in Accounting or Finance
• You have a master’s degree in business economics, finance & controlling, preferably with at least 5 years of experience in a similar role. Prior experience with real estate, REITs and real estate investment funds is preferred.
• 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)
• Good 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.
• You communicate clearly, effectively and concisely.

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 500 professionals servicing upwards of $120 billion in real estate funds in key global investment markets in 19 countries, 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.