Client Cost Accountant

Job Title: Client Cost Accountant

Job Description Summary

This role supports the finance team with client fee management, forecasting, and billing, alongside providing administrative support for property and team operations. Ideal candidates will have previous fee management experience in property and strong client-facing communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Extract and manage client Cost Plus model data to accurately forecast, budget, and raise client fees in line with GDPR requirements.
• Oversee monthly accruals and balance sheets for senior stakeholders within Cushman & Wakefield.
• Generate and process ad hoc billing instructions for fixed-fee work.
• Manage live property changes, including properties entering and leaving management, and coordinate staffing accordingly.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and explain variances clearly.
• Conduct quarterly reconciliations to ensure accurate bad debt accounting and collection.
• Oversee the end-to-end billing process, including approval logs, fee memos, and corporate debt solutions.

People Management Experience:

• Leads a team to meet daily objectives and improve performance.
• Develops high-performing teams through one-to-ones, coaching, performance reviews, and career planning.
• Communicates team objectives clearly, fostering engagement and motivation.
• Actively supports HR processes, including recruitment and monitoring team capabilities.

Supervisory Experience:

• Sets clear performance expectations and monitors team workloads effectively.
• Manages escalated queries, resolves issues, and liaises with senior stakeholders.
• Sets SMART targets aligned with departmental objectives.
• Conducts root cause analysis and drives change across systems and processes.

Daily Competencies:

• Previous experience in fee management within property is preferred.
• Qualified accountant required (AAT acceptable if experience aligns).
• Skilled in client communication, problem-solving, and MS Office (including formula management).
• Flexible with remote/office-based work, with the ability to commute to Birmingham as needed.