Global Director of Accounting Compliance

JLL•Chicago, IL

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. Global Director of Accounting Compliance – JLL Location: Chicago (hybrid) What this job involves: As the Global Director of Accounting Compliance at JLL, you will serve as a critical leader in our global finance organization, overseeing enterprise-wide compliance programs that ensure the integrity of our financial reporting and regulatory adherence. This executive role involves leading and developing a world-class team to manage JLL's global Sarbanes-Oxley compliance program, SOC report administration, and our emerging ESG data controllership initiatives. You'll partner directly with senior executives, external auditors, and the Audit & Risk Committee while serving as the primary subject matter expert on compliance frameworks across JLL's operations in 80+ countries. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of compliance excellence at one of the world's leading real estate services firms while driving innovation in ESG reporting and sustainability initiatives. What your day-to-day will look like: Lead and develop a high-performing global team responsible for SOX compliance program execution, SOC report coordination, and ESG data controlling across all JLL operations worldwide Oversee annual SOX program planning, risk assessment, and testing strategy while managing external auditor relationships and ensuring optimal audit reliance strategies Collaborate with executive management and the Audit & Risk Committee through quarterly communications on compliance findings, risk assessments, and program effectiveness evaluations Drive the establishment and enhancement of JLL's ESG data controllership program, partnering with Sustainability, HR, and Legal teams to advance environmental and social governance initiatives Serve as key advisor on Finance technology roadmap decisions, identifying and implementing technological solutions to enhance compliance program efficiency and effectiveness Partner with Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management teams on cross-functional risk assessment initiatives while developing expertise in critical business areas including M&A and systems transformations Build and maintain strategic relationships with finance leadership globally, providing education and guidance on regulatory compliance requirements across all geographical and business lines

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field with minimum 12-15 years of progressive experience in SOX compliance, internal controls, and risk management
Professional certification as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) strongly preferred
Extensive experience with large U.S. public companies and/or public accounting firms, including direct involvement in SEC reporting requirements and regulatory compliance
Demonstrated expertise in leading and managing global teams with proven ability to oversee complex, multi-national projects and diverse stakeholder groups
Expert-level knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley Act, related regulations, and control frameworks including COSO and COBIT
Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills with demonstrated ability to communicate complex compliance matters to all organizational levels, including Board of Directors
Strong diplomatic and consensus-building skills with proven track record in collaborative leadership environments

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA, MSA) or additional professional certifications in risk management or information systems auditing
Experience with ESG reporting frameworks, sustainability data management, and environmental compliance initiatives
Knowledge of real estate industry operations, including property management systems and investment management processes
Familiarity with emerging compliance technologies, data analytics tools, and automated control monitoring solutions
Experience managing co-sourcing relationships with external compliance providers and consulting firms
Previous exposure to international regulatory environments and cross-border compliance requirements
Project management certification (PMP) or equivalent experience managing large-scale organizational transformation initiatives

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a high-performing global team responsible for SOX compliance program execution, SOC report coordination, and ESG data controlling across all JLL operations worldwide
Oversee annual SOX program planning, risk assessment, and testing strategy while managing external auditor relationships and ensuring optimal audit reliance strategies
Collaborate with executive management and the Audit & Risk Committee through quarterly communications on compliance findings, risk assessments, and program effectiveness evaluations
Drive the establishment and enhancement of JLL's ESG data controllership program, partnering with Sustainability, HR, and Legal teams to advance environmental and social governance initiatives
Serve as key advisor on Finance technology roadmap decisions, identifying and implementing technological solutions to enhance compliance program efficiency and effectiveness
Partner with Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management teams on cross-functional risk assessment initiatives while developing expertise in critical business areas including M&A and systems transformations
Build and maintain strategic relationships with finance leadership globally, providing education and guidance on regulatory compliance requirements across all geographical and business lines