Manager - Controller

The Manager, Global Business Services Business Advisory Controllership –Tower Reporting role is a key role in providing accounting and reporting support for American Express’ headquarter building at World Financial Center Tower C.  This role will support internal Real Estate business partners as well as external partners such as Brookfield and CBRE.  The Manager, GBS Business Advisory – Tower Reporting, reports directly to the Director, GBS Business Advisory Controllership – Tower Reporting.

American Express co-owns WFC Tower C building with Brookfield Properties and the ownership arrangement is governed by a Tenant in Common agreement.  As the managing co-tenant, American Express is responsible for day-to-day operations, facility management and the financial functions including, but not limited to, the preparation and submission of Financial Statements to the Battery Park City Authority. 

Primary responsibilities of this role will include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare lease schedules in accordance with ASC 842, allocate lease payments between both parties, compute refund amounts, and maintain separate accounts receivable schedules distinct from the normal billing process.
• Compute accelerated depreciation by considering residual value and remaining useful life, ensuring depreciation is calculated separately for each co-tenant. 
• Establish and document tenant and co-tenant processes from both perspectives to enable a smooth and well-controlled transition, if required. 

• Prepare tower financial statements (Balance Sheet, P&L, and Cash Flow projections) and manage American Express WFC Tower C’s monthly and quarterly reporting, including general ledger review, consolidated financials, and tax filings.

• Lead budget book discussions for Tower C by aligning with leaders on capitalization versus expense treatment of projects based on lease term and expected useful life across co-tenant books.

• Managing the Billings and Accounts Receivable processes and overseeing CBRE’s accrual process.

• Reviewing Tower C related contracts, advising on the accounting and reporting implications, and establishing procedures and controls to operationalize contract terms.

• Establishing appropriate controls and procedures to address process risks and control gaps.

• Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with and providing regular updates of Tower C matters to key Business and Finance partners within American Express, as well as external partners such as Brookfield and CBRE.

• Determine and recognize the appropriate balance sheet amounts for calculating net profit or gain upon exit, additional investment, or change in ownership position.

• Supporting all WFC Tower C related audits, both internal and external including going concern assessments, market risk analysis, translation of business strategy into accounting implications, and evaluation of related financial statement disclosures.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 3-5 years of cumulative audit/accounting/finance experience.
• Strong understanding of ASC 842 lease accounting, including provisions related to lease remeasurement, treatment of lease incentives, and direct lease expenses. 
• Strong understanding of ASC 360, including assessment of fixed asset impairment and depreciation accounting.
• Well-versed in ASC 420 for determining and accounting for exit or disposal cost obligations. 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong accounting and financial acumen with excellent communication skills.
• Excellent relationship management skills; ability to understand business drivers & manage expectations of business partners.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently from leader.
• Knowledge of accounting systems (Oracle, Ariba/ACW) and familiarity with real estate lease accounting required.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• CPA Preferred or equivalent. 

Depending on factors such as business unit requirements, the nature of the position, cost and applicable laws, American Express may provide visa sponsorship for certain positions.