Lease Accounting Manager, Americas

Richemont Regional Functions | Shelton, Connecticut

Reports to: Brand Accounting Senior Manager

Role Overview:

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.

Responsibilities:

Lease Accounting:

• 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

Lease Administration:

• 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

Reporting and Analysis:

• 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

Compliance:

• 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

Qualifications:

• 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

Richemont offers a generous compensation and benefits package for eligible employees. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

We Offer - United States

Employee wellbeing is a top priority at Richemont. We offer a comprehensive benefits program to support employees and their loved ones. Our core benefits include medical, dental, and vision programs. Health savings and flexible spending accounts are also available. The company offers income protection solutions including life insurance,

disability benefits, and 401(k) with employer match. Understanding the importance of work-life balance, our total rewards include paid time off, a wellness reimbursement benefit, and access to the employee assistance program. Employees are encouraged to make a difference in their local communities with volunteer days off, supporting initiatives that drive change.