Director, Financial Advisory (Occupier)

Job Title

Director, Financial Advisory (Occupier)

Job Description Summary

The Director, Financial Advisory is a leadership role responsible for managing a financial analysis and advisory function that specializes in corporate real estate transaction analysis for corporate occupier clients. This role works closely with brokerage professionals, transaction managers, and client stakeholders to deliver transaction analysis and recommendations regarding lease evaluations and comparisons, lease restructures, lease vs. buy, acquisitions/dispositions, strategic real estate alternatives, subleases, relocations, build-to suit transactions and other customized projects. It is essential to demonstrate a high level of customer service/interpersonal skills to internal and external stakeholders. The Financial Advisory Manager is accountable for developing standardized, scalable financial deliverables, ensuring the accuracy of lease-related modeling, and managing a team of advisors supporting transactions locally to globally.

In addition, this role will oversee the P&L, driving decisions to optimize overall brokerage revenue, control costs, and ensure financial performance aligns with business objectives.

Job Description

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Financial & Strategic Advisory

• Accountable for the performance of a multi-region team whose responsibilities include:
• Lead the continued development and refinement of standard financial models to be used in the delivery of analysis and recommendations to clients; evolve delivery as appropriate given the availability of new technology and tools
• Support or lead the production of business case materials, transaction summaries, and strategic implementation plans.
• Collaborate with industry groups and companies to identify new means, methods, materials and other industry innovations to promote to our clients and teams
• The preparation of accurate complex and sophisticated cash flow and GAAP analyses, lease comparisons, lease restructures, lease vs. buy, acquisitions/dispositions, strategic real estate alternatives, subleases, sale leasebacks, cancellations/buyouts, relocations, build-to suits, and other strategic real estate alternatives
• Translation of complex financial findings into clear, strategic recommendations to inform leasing negotiations and broader portfolio decisions.
• Analysis of real estate costs and recommendation of optimal transaction strategies based on client financial objectives and risk tolerance.
• The preparation of client materials that are professional, accurate, high-impact and reflect the standards of quality normally associated with C&W work product
• Reading and analyzing complex legal real estate related documentation to include leases, financing/loan agreements, mortgage documents, partnership agreements, and corporate financial statements for relevant financial information that will impact the assignment

Client & Brokerage Collaboration

• Conduct outreach to broker markets to raise awareness of the team’s capabilities and drive usage of the centralized financial team
• Partner with internal brokers, transaction managers, and client account leads to understand client goals, project parameters, and key success metrics.
• Prepare and deliver financial reports and presentations to internal leadership
• Participate in client meetings and facilitate discussions as the financial subject matter expert.
• Support ES teams by determining correct delivery model, pricing, and identification of resources to staff accounts and projects

Team & Workflow Management

• Lead the tracking, reporting, and presentation of internal work outcomes and performance data to deliver strategic insights and industry trends.
• Provide leadership and establish a long-term strategic vision for the team that drives collaboration, upskilling, and increased efficiency
• Supervise a team of financial analysts and advisors, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of all financial work product across asset types, industries, and geographic regions
• Hire, attract and retain a team of top talented employees; improve team performance through regular coaching and feedback; provide recognition.
• Manage team assignments, deliverables, and deadlines across multiple active transactions and client engagements, including the appropriate resources for GOS accounts via dedicated, partially dedicated, or variable resources.
• Support or provide hands-on training, coaching, and performance feedback to analysts and other transaction support staff.
• Participate in the onboarding and integration of new team members and brokers.

Process Improvement & Standardization

• Assist in the creation and maintenance of standard operating procedures, playbooks, and templates to enhance consistency and value in transaction execution.
• Recommend process enhancements and technical improvements that streamline financial workflows and data analysis within C&W
• Support the implementation of scalable tools for performance measurement, reporting, and transaction benchmarking.
• Support compliance efforts by ensuring execution of client-required documentation, proper financial reconciliation, and adherence to internal controls.

Key Competencies

• Advanced Real Estate Financial Analysis
• Knowledge and experience with Finance Theory and a familiarity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and IFRS as they relate to lease reporting is required (in particular ASC 842)
• Transaction Lifecycle Knowledge (Occupier-side)
• People Management & Team Leadership
• Client Communication & Presentation Skills
• Problem Solving & Change Management Skills
• Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen
• Workflow Optimization & Efficiency
• Technology Proficiency (Excel, PowerPoint, BI tools)
• Effective Time Management

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required in Finance, Real Estate, Economics, Accounting, or related field; Master’s degree or MBA a plus.
• CPA is strongly preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 10  years of commercial real estate experience with a focus on financial analysis, lease modeling, and occupier strategy.
• At least 2 years in a managerial capacity, with direct oversight of analysts or transaction support personnel.
• Strong understanding of commercial lease terms, occupancy costs, and common deal structures from the tenant perspective.
• Experience collaborating with brokers and transaction managers in support of leasing transactions for corporate occupiers.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency financial modeling (P&L, NPV, IRR, cash flows); understanding of international nuances a strong plus
• Software competency:
• Experience developing tools, templates, and automation to enhance reporting and decision-making.
• Required: Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBI, SharePoint
• Preferred: Access, ARGUS
• Working knowledge of lease modeling platforms such as Pro Calc or other commercial real estate specialized financial software a plus
• Experience with AI agents a plus

Other Requirements:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to non-financial audiences and C-suite executives.
• LEED, CCIM, or MCR certifications are a plus.

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $ 149,685.00 - $176,100.00Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email HRServices@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”