CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS)
Finance Manager - Data Centre Solutions - London

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Job Title: Finance Manager
Business Sector: Data Centre Solutions, Critical Environment
Location: London
Please ensure to include your CV with your application to be considered for this role.
COMPANY PROFILE
CBRE is the global leader in real estate services and investment. We leverage the industry's most powerful knowledge base to meet the commercial real estate needs of our clients worldwide. Our commitment is to be the preeminent, vertically integrated, and globally capable real estate service firm. With over 70,000 employees globally, we operate in 48 countries.
Job Purpose
To promote sustainable financial growth by overseeing the financial operations, controls and management information for the Business Unit.
- Provide insight and influence to enhance performance and maintain competitive advantage, offering financial and contract support guidance and direction in the Business Unit.
- Act as point of liaison for Finance and Commercial issues for the Client and Contract teams.
This will involve personal approach, use of skills and dissemination of knowledge. Use specialist skills and experience to provide insight and influence in order to enhance performance standards. Implement improvements, foster change, raise standards through the direct and indirect guidance of the team. Act as a business partner to the Business Unit Director to both advise and collaborate with senior management on contract performance.
Key Tasks
Customer/Business Partnering
- Act as a dedicated business partner to the Business Unit Director, serving as their financial advisor on all matters relating to the financial performance of the business unit.
- Developing high quality and effective client relationships within the Business Unit.
- Build strong working relationships with account management and key client members, acting as a business partner for both.
- Rigorously manage contract governance, demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of the terms and conditions of the contract to ensure that all cost elements are appropriately accounted for.
- Positively respond to both our internal and external customers (often in a matrix environment) through effective communication and personal accessibility/credibility.
Financial Reporting
- Monthly formal Contract and Business Unit reviews. Ensure use of best practice, communication and understanding of key business messages through monthly site visits with a focus on underperforming contracts.
- Liaising with internal CBRE Finance teams on any ad-hoc FP&A and audit requests.
- Support any CBRE transformation and client initiatives, working closely with other functions to ensure full alignment of deliverables and results.
- Prepare accurate Business Unit reports in line with monthly company timetable including full Profit & Loss account with analysis and commentary, Balance Sheet extracts and reconciliations, Profit & Loss forecasts and annual plans.
- Ad-hoc reporting as requested by Divisional Finance Director or Business Unit Director.
- Provide leading Management Information to CBRE management to include Actuals vs. Budget vs. Forecast vs. Prior Year.
- Provide ad-hoc support and financial analysis as required.
Contract and Finance Management
- Continually review, maintain and improve cash-flow, margins and reporting. Develop targets and benchmarking processes to assess financial information.
- Promote high quality financial / commercial performance through understanding the contractual commitments and support the operational teams in fostering improved financial performance.
- Review Contract and Business Unit P&L results and assess.
- Carry out regular Business Unit reviews and Project reviews.
- Active oversight of overheads for the business while seeking out areas for efficiency and savings.
- Build and develop high level relationships with business and account leaders, central finance teams, customers and external agencies (e.g. auditors).
- Constantly improve quality, service and efficiency.
- Communicate regularly with contract financial and contract support staff to ensure they are fully informed of operational objectives and achievements.
- Identify, analyse and resolve potential business risks, as well as opportunities and solutions to enhance business performance.
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Finance Processes, Procedures and Reporting
- Ensure company policies and procedures are adhered to consistently throughout the Business Unit / Contract.
- Ensure full substantiation of all balance sheet items owned by business finance in line with CBRE policy.
- Oversee the integrity of data in CBRE finance systems.
- Develop an understanding of how to best utilize CBRE system-generated reporting capabilities.
- Continually develop systems to maximize efficiency benefits for client & CBRE.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of accounting records and financial systems, identify opportunities to enhance system efficiencies.
- Have thorough knowledge of procedures and processes and guide the delivery of these to the required standard.
- Oversee compliance through the required procedures and processes.
Financial Governance
- Ensure CBRE and statutory obligations are met for reporting and governance purposes.
- Accountability for ensuring the integrity of the Balance Sheet and Balance Sheet Commentary.
- Ensure monthly balance sheet reconciliations are carried out, reviewed and provided to controllership.
- Shaping and agreeing to any financial policy requirements with the Divisional Financial Director.
People Leadership
- Recruit, induct, manage, set objectives, motivate and develop the finance and Contract Support team.
- Review and advise on resourcing gaps.
- Carry out structured appraisals and ensure personal development plans are in place and include succession plans.
- Build, guide and motivate a diverse and effective team. Empower team members to take responsibility and accountability.
- Supervise and review performance of individuals in the team.
- Convey messages and ideas clearly and openly. Involve people and influence decisions.
Success Measures
Success in this role will be measured through defined targets as follows:
- Achievement of Business Unit annual financial plan.
- Achievement of Business Unit KPIs in line with business requirements.
- No SOX or audit deficiencies in the Business Unit.
Person Specification
Education
- Hold a Chartered Accountant qualification (or equivalent).
- Higher educational qualifications to 'A' level or degree (or equivalent).
Skills
- Highly computer literate.
- Ability to combine strategic vision with practical, effective delivery.
- IT Skills to achieve key tasks and give the business a sound reporting base.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills with strong oral presentation skills.
- Capable of working in a matrix environment.
- Formal training in the use of Excel, Word and presentation software packages.


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Knowledge
- Understands the requirements of operating in a matrix management environment.
- Previous experience in working within the finance function at a management level.
Experience
- Track record of achieving results through others.
- Proven business acumen and ability to contribute to decision-making.
- Management skills to maximize the performance of staff working directly for them and others.
- Experience with Fixed Price and cost-plus commercial models.
- Experience in using PeopleSoft ERP, Coupa, TM1.
- Previous outsourcing FM experience.
Aptitude
- Ability to shape, guide and influence other senior managers.
- Well developed, effective communication skills enabling the individual to work with SLT Members, clients, suppliers, and staff at all levels and of all abilities.
- Self-motivated and forward-thinking.
- Results/ task-oriented, with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills.
- Commitment to continuous improvement.
- Ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently.
- Committed to customer service delivery.
- Able to make sound decisions when needed and take accountability for outcomes.
- Calm manner, able to work under pressure and with changing demands and priorities.
- Confidential and discreet approach.
Circumstances
- The individual must be willing to undertake travel as the role/business requires.
- Collaborates Across Boundaries.
- Commercial Excellence.
- Communication.
- Integrity.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
CBRE is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability, or age. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
Why CBRE?
When you join CBRE, you become part of a leading global organization in commercial real estate services and investment, dedicated to helping businesses and people thrive. We are a team of effective problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create a significant impact in the industry. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared core values: respect, integrity, service, and excellence. We highly value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you will have the opportunity to define your own path, develop your skills, and realize your full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Applicant AI Use Disclosure
We are committed to understanding each candidate's unique experience, skills, and aspirations. To ensure a genuine evaluation, we do not utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions. We kindly request that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process to promote transparency and ensure a fair and equitable evaluation.
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