Lease Accounting Manager, Americas

Richemont•Shelton, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all lease accounting activities for the Americas region, specifically adhering to IFRS 16 standards. This position is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of lease accounting, serving as the primary subject matter expert, and fostering strong collaborations with cross-functional teams. This role will be instrumental in driving continuous process and system improvements to optimize efficiency, accuracy, and reporting capabilities within the lease accounting function.

Requirements

BS/BA in Accounting with a CPA certification or Master’s Degree in Accounting a plus
Minimum 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with a significant focus on lease accounting
Comprehensive understanding of IFRS 16 and broader lease accounting principles
Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply complex lease agreements
Accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of lease accounting
Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Proactively identify and resolve lease accounting issues
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of high-performing finance team
Experience with lease accounting software
Strong proficiency with SAP or similar large-scale ERP systems is highly preferred

Responsibilities

Maintain a comprehensive and accurate lease database, capturing all relevant lease terms, renewal options, amendments, and critical dates
Analyze and interpret complex lease contracts to determine appropriate accounting treatment in accordance with IFRS16
Ensure accurate entry and management of lease data within SAP
Oversee lease-related activities in financial close cycles, including journal entries, reconciliations, and reporting
Coordinate and track monthly fixed and variable rental payments, collaborating closely with the Accounts Payable team to ensure timely and accurate disbursements
Proactively monitor changes in lease accounting guidance and implement necessary adjustments to processes and procedures
Provide guidance and support to the Mexico and Brazil regions as needed
Collaborate effectively with Real Estate, Legal, and other relevant departments to ensure key terms of new leases, lease modifications, and terminations are accurately documented and accounted for
Complete lease abstractions for key date information and reference
Conduct annual common area maintenance (CAM) reconciliation audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with lease terms
Ensure monthly percent rent calculations adhere to lease agreements
Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords, addressing billing inquiries, resolving reconciliation discrepancies, coordination audits, and managing other lease related issues
Act as a strategic business partner, providing accounting and reporting knowledge to other departments to support informed decision-making
Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and best practices within lease accounting operations to enhance efficiency and control
Partner with FP&A to assess actuals against budget and supporting potential cash flow simulations for new projects or lease scenarios
Prepare and submit accurate monthly sales reporting to landlords and manage the process for yearly certified sales reporting
Reconcile landlord statements against lease agreements, proactively investigating and resolving any discrepancies
Generate ad-hoc reports and analyses as required by management for strategic planning and decision-making
Prepare, review, and maintain lease-related audit schedules and support internal/external audit requests
Ensure compliance with IFRS16 and company policies related to leases
Actively participate in internal and external audits, serving as a key resource for lease accounting matters
Collaborate effectively with the local Internal Controls team to ensure key lease related Swiss SOX controls are documented, assessed, and operating effectively