Management Accountant EMEA

Job Summary

The Management Accountant EMEA is responsible for the accurate and timely performance of various functions required in support of the month-end close and reporting process of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WHR) EMEA operational entities. Responsibilities include preparation of monthly journal entries, review of financial statements, management of bank accounts, preparing and/ or reviewing balance sheet accounting reconciliations, and the management of the accounts payable process for the four sub-regional offices via the related entities. They are also be required to support the quarterly reporting and audit cycles by preparing reporting schedules and assisting with external audit requests, and overall ensuring proper accounting treatment of transactions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ('GAAP').

In addition to supporting the close process,  they are responsible for preparing statutory financial statements and supporting schedules in connection with our various statutory audits and tax requirements for the designated entities. They also assist with special projects that arise throughout the year.

They should be self-motivated and have strong leadership skills, being required both independently and through the leadership of the Accounting team, ensuring actions are taken to achieve the organisation’s goals. They should also have strong PC skills, including Excel, Oracle and Hyperion (Enterprise/ HFM) and strong communication skills (both written and verbal). 

Responsibilities

• Perform individually and through the management of the Accounting team the month-end and quarterly close and reporting processes for  the identified/ assigned EMEA operational entities, including preparation of monthly journal entries, review of financial statements, preparing and/ or reviewing balance sheet accounting reconciliations, and overall ensuring proper accounting treatment of transactions in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage the accounts payable function for all EMEA regional entities, ensuring compliance with WHR policies, appropriate cash flow requirements, and timely and accurate vendor payments. Included in this is the accurate review, accounting and processing of team member expense vouchers to meet both tax and WHR compliance requirements.
• Manage the quarterly and annual reporting tax and audit cycles for assigned entities by ensuring reporting schedules as well as audit and tax requests are met in an accurate and timely manner, and the relevant filings are made in compliance with legislative requirements.
• Liaise and manage the external accounting firm relationships for assigned entities ensuring both cost effective use of support and legislative compliance of both local and US GAAP requirements. Identify and implement opportunities to streamline accounting processes and work cross-functionally to design and implement changes.
• Audit and approve expense claims in the company's SAP Concur System. Train new hires for future proficiency of the system to minimise input errors and allow for a smooth, efficient and timely authorisation and payment process. Redirect incorrectly coded expenses when necessary by adhering to and applying the companies Travel & Entertainment (T&E) policy.
• Conduct expenses analysis as part of the monthly cost center calls. This is to alert to any budget overrun or expense coding queries, and to accurately forecast expenses for the coming months.
• Manage the yearly budget process in proactively alerting the cost center leaders and Finance team members in any changes relating to price/ rent increases that have been flagged by internal and external stakeholders throughout the year.
• Manage and develop the Accounting team including formal goal setting, performance reviews and ongoing feedback throughout the year. Interview and on-board new hires and Interns to integrate into the team's business and work needs. Monitor their performance, especially during the trial period, and introduce them to the department's workflows and best practices.

Complexity

• The Management Accountant EMEA is responsible for making high value financial decisions as it relates to their job function. On technical issues, they identify the appropriate solution and take the necessary action.
• They are self-motivated and independently take action to achieve the organisation’s goals.
• Decision making can have a positive and/ or negative impact on the operating results of the company due to the nature of the position (i.e. accounting).  
• They are required to direct individual team members in accounting matters and decisions on WHR policies as well as the wider corporate team population on process compliance.

Scope/ Financial Responsibility

Preparation and review of WHR financial results through balance sheet and profit and loss analysis, ensuring compliance with internal and external reporting requirements.  

Abilities/ Key Competencies/ Skills

• Strong technical accounting/ analytical skills including preparation of statutory accounts.
• Knowledge of practices and concepts associated with GAAP.
• Strong PC skills, including Excel, Oracle and Hyperion (HFM).
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to interact with all levels of the organisation and external contacts.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to work individually and on cross-functional teams.
• Innovative team player that challenges current processes.
• Good leadership skills to motivate, direct and support a team.

Experience/ Certificates/ Education

• ACCA or equivalent certified.
• 4-7 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Fluency in English is essential - working knowledge of European languages an advantage.

Organisational Relationships

The Management Accountant EMEA reports into the Head of Finance EMEA and has 4 direct reports, including two Assistant Management Accountants EMEA, the Accounts Payable Assistant EMEA and the Intern Finance EMEA.