Vice President of Client Accounting

Vice President of Client Accounting Location New York, NY (Midtown area) :

Job Overview:

The Vice President Client Accounting, New York will have oversight of and be the face of client accounting for our New York operations. Leading a team of 125+ associates, the Vice President will be responsible for: building a strong team culture rooted in accountability; and building a scalable department that can support client growth and retention. The Vice President will partner with local leadership teams and assist with engagement of external clients on transactional and financial accounting and reporting related matters to deliver exceptional service.

A successful candidate will be an outstanding manager of people and processes with a proven track record in process improvement, performance optimization, change management, service delivery, and talent development.

The Vice President will have a dotted line report to our Market President supporting performance management of Client Accounting resources as well as financial systems and process related initiatives.

Your Responsibilities:

Client Accounting Management

• Oversees client accounting teams including accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reporting, client relations, treasury banking and payroll functions.
• Holds department accountable for delivering timely and accurate client financial statements while supporting our goal to deliver the best financial accounting services in the market.
• Oversees the accounting support for current clients and the onboarding of new clients to ensure excellent customer service is provided to support client retention.
• Develops and executes strategies to improve service delivery of financial products and/or solutions including monthly financial statements, budgets, collection of tenant payments, and facilitation of bill payments to vendors.
• Oversees creation of detailed financial management cash flow management reports, develop consistent budgeting and forecasting approach, develop metrics, targets, KPI's and reports, evaluation of results against forecasts.
• Collaborates and innovates with property management teams and clients to develop new and/or improve existing products, solutions, and related experiences.
• Be a financial accounting thought leader, partnering with cross functional leaders, to provide: i) accounting-based training to property managers and directors and ii) sound financial analysis and advice to clients, as required.
• Partners with operations and assists with the management of accounting, auditing, and budgeting for clients.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls are in place, operating standards are met, and financial reporting accuracy is achieved on behalf of the clients.
• Works with internal IT leaders and external vendors in order to ensure optimal deployment of enabling technologies as needed to efficiently and effectively deliver the accounting and financial services.
• Creates and implements SOP's and ensures they are properly communicated to stakeholders.
• Effectively communicates changes within the department to all stakeholders involved.
• Identifies potential process improvements and develops a plan for implementation, with a focus on efficiency and streamlining processes.
• Builds an efficient organizational structure around systems and processes that creates scale and opportunities for growth.
• Ensures department and SOPs comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings.
• Responsible for implementing new organizational R & R structure and consistently evaluates department structure based on client and organizational needs and growth.
• Ensures proper controls, policies and procedures are developed and working effectively to identify and mitigate financial and reputational risk.
• Establishes and drives short and long-term blue chips for the department.
• Develops the annual budget / forecast for the financial management department, including periodic re-forecast and review with management.
• Reviews and presents internal metrics utilized by senior management to track the progress of the monthly financial close across Financial Management division.
• Ensures training materials are developed and delivered a minimum on a quarterly basis to provide updates in reporting requirements and educate personnel across the division to further enhance and improve financial reporting deliverables.
• Attends new client presentations and financial related board meetings for blue-chip clients on per needed basis.
• Practices and adheres to FirstService Residential Global Service Standards
• Conducts business at all times with the highest standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct.
• Actively promotes and represents FirstService Residential in the marketplace to build our reputation as a financial services provider with the broader community, accounting professionals and vendors serving our industry.

People Management

• Attracts, develops and retains a diverse team knowledgeable and capable of meeting the financial management needs of each client. Supports the onboarding of new financial management associates.
• Provides ongoing support with training, coaching and developing career paths for associates that desire growth opportunities.
• Regularly influences and mentors' directors/managers and their teams and communicates the importance of having a positive attitude, demonstrating professionalism, and maintaining a strong work ethic.
• Holds self and directors/managers accountable for completing leadership responsibilities and financial management tasks and activities in alignment with standard operating procedures and owning issues and solving problems in collaboration with other departments to deliver measurable business results.
• Ensures team has is consistent and high performing.
• Conducts ongoing performance management activities by providing constructive feedback and coaching through regular check ins, structured one-on-meetings, mid-year touchpoints and annual reviews.
• Has a regular team meeting cadence to review key performance indicators, update on company initiatives, discuss client expectations, review financials, address training needs and overall department objective.
• Builds trust and camaraderie with team and inspires and motivates teamwork.
• Cultivates an open team environment and seeks feedback.
• Leads and mentors the team to build on our service culture and results-based accountability for performance.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, master's degree/MBA preferred
• Seven (7) to Fifteen (15) years' of experience as an accountant in the property management industry or real estate field is preferred.
• CPA license required
• Experience leading large teams of both direct and indirect reports
• Practice and adhere to FirstService Residential Global Service Standards
• Anticipate needs across the company and manage department resources to provide timely and reliable service to internal customers; prioritize and communicate when workload or requests for support exceed departmental capacity
• Manage in a no surprises manner; proactively communicate financial issues to leaders
• Safeguard the company's assets
• Other Tasks and Duties as Assigned

What We Offer:

As a full-time exempt associate, you will be eligible for full comprehensive benefits to include your choice of multiple medical plans, dental, vision, life insurance, short term disability, legal, and identity theft. You will also be eligible for company paid life insurance, long term disability, and benefits from our employee assistance program. In addition, you will be eligible for paid time off, paid holidays, and a 401k with company match.

Compensation:

$175000 - $200000 / year