Director, Lease Accounting

At Cresa, we believe our clients deserve better. A better space to work, create, build, grow. A better outcome for their people and organization. A better partner who puts their needs first, helping them navigate the landscape, tilting the playing field in their favor and giving them an insider’s edge.

Our mission is to find and foster the best environment for every business. Our purpose is to think beyond space - strengthening those we serve and enhancing quality of life for our clients and employees. We are built to champion our clients’ aspirations through real estate. When considering partnership, we strive to connect with those who share our values: Work Together, Create Value, Be Tenacious, Enhance Community, and Embrace Diversity.

We believe in being the change. We work together to find new ways of doing things that create value for our clients — and for each other. Because there is not much that feels better than collaborating to make a positive difference each day.

At Cresa, we offer an opportunity to be part of something bigger. To learn, advance, mentor and be recognized. Your voice will be heard, and you will be valued for both your individual and team contributions.

Summary

Cresa is seeking a dynamic Director of Lease Accounting to lead client-facing lease accounting operations. This role is critical in ensuring the accurate application of lease accounting standards (ASC 842/IFRS 16) and delivering best-in-class service to our corporate occupier clients. The ideal candidate will have deep technical accounting knowledge, a strong background in real estate lease administration or lease accounting, and a proven ability to partner effectively with Lease Administration, Transaction Management, Legal, and Client Accounting teams.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Direct the end-to-end lease accounting function for CRESA’s select client account(s), ensuring compliance with ASC 842 and IFRS 16.
• Serve as the primary accounting liaison to Lease Administration and the client, ensuring data integrity, and seamless flow of information between operational and financial systems.
• Oversee the use and optimization of lease accounting platforms (e.g., CoStar, etc.) for client portfolios.
• Lead all lease-related accounting activities including ROU asset/liability recognition, lease modifications, terminations, remeasurements, and reconciliations.
• Provide subject matter expertise and technical guidance to internal stakeholders and clients on complex lease structures and their accounting treatment.
• Partner with CRESA’s client team(s) to support outsourced lease accounting solutions, including onboarding, process improvement, and audit support.
• Collaborate with Real Estate, Legal, and Transaction Management teams to review lease agreements for accounting impact prior to execution.
• Drive process enhancements and automation opportunities to improve accuracy, scalability, and efficiency in lease accounting operations.
• Support internal and client financial audits by preparing documentation, reconciliations, and technical memos.
• Mentor and lead a team of accounting professionals and contribute to CRESA’s culture of excellence, service, and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA required)
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 5 years in lease accounting
• In-depth knowledge of ASC 842 and IFRS 16 lease accounting standards
• Experience working for or with real estate service providers, REITs, or large occupiers of commercial space
• Strong collaboration history with Lease Administration, Real Estate Operations, and Transaction Management teams
• Hands-on experience with lease accounting systems such as CoStar
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-accountants
• Proven leadership ability, including team development, cross-functional influence, and client engagement

Preferred Experience

• Commercial Real Estate
• Experience supporting third-party lease administration or client accounting programs
• Familiarity with global accounting standards and multi-national portfolios
• SOX compliance and internal controls implementation

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

NOTE: The job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; supervisors may assign other duties as deemed necessary.

Cresa is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse workforce. Cresa strongly believes in equal opportunity extended to all individuals in all aspects of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, belief, creed, age, sex, pregnancy or maternity (including childbirth and related conditions), family responsibility (e.g. child care, elder care), nationality, ethnic or national origin or ancestry, citizenship, marital status, civil partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, veteran’s status, genetic information, political view or status as a qualified individual with a disability, protected leave status or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.