Finance Analyst, Real Estate Accounting

This role is part of the Sherwin Business Services (SBS) team and is critical to the accounting and management of the Company's retail and non-retail property leases. The position is responsible for ensuring accurate reconciliation and payment of lease-related expenses, including Common Area Maintenance (CAM), property taxes, insurance, and utility reimbursements to landlords. The role involves high-volume, high-dollar disbursement activities and requires close collaboration with management and cross-functional teams such as SBS General Accounting, DT, IT, Legal, and business real estate executives. The position also supports business-critical account reviews and helps expedite the resolution of legally binding lease and contractual agreements to ensure timely payments, mitigate financial risk, and maintain operational continuity. This position is not hybrid/remote and will be located at our Global Headquarters in Cleveland, OH. Because this role involves access to confidential financial information, the Company has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and to provide similar protections for its clients and potential investments. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS 1. Lease Expense Management, Reconciliations & Compliance - Ensure the timely and accurate review, reconciliation interpretation, approval, and payment of retail and non-retail lease expenses for approximately 5,000 locations across the U.S., Canada, and Jamaica. - Review lease agreements and validate landlord invoices against lease terms, supporting documentation, and company policies. - Process and reconcile Common Area Maintenance, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and other lease-related expenses within Lucernex. - Review and approve expense payments, credits, recoveries, and debit balances while ensuring compliance with lease obligations, internal controls, and Real Estate Accounting procedures. 2. Reconciliation Oversight, Auditing & Risk Management - Perform approval audits of lease expenses, payments, and accruals processed by U.S. and Malaysia teams, identifying variances, risks, and opportunities for corrective action. - Support daily invoice validation cycles and ensure landlord payments are processed in accordance with lease requirements. - Serve as a primary point of contact for landlords, Accounting, Legal, field teams, and Real Estate leadership. - Proactively communicate and escalate issues that may impact lease compliance, landlord relationships, payment obligations, or business continuity. - Lead the investigation and resolution of lease defaults, accounting inquiries, landlord disputes, estoppel requests, and other escalated issues. 4. Team Leadership, Training & Development - Provide guidance and support to U.S. and Malaysia Real Estate Accounting teams on complex reconciliations, escalations, and process-related matters. - Train, mentor, and develop analysts, associates, interns, and other team members on procedures, controls, and best practices. - Promote high standards of communication, documentation, customer service, and analytical performance. - Participate in departmental projects, cross-functional initiatives, and leadership activities, assuming leadership responsibilities as appropriate. 5. Process Improvement & Special Projects Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements, standardization efforts, automation opportunities, and internal control enhancements. Drive operational efficiencies through process validation, reporting improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives. Manage ancillary Real Estate Accounting activities, including unclaimed property reporting, 1099 maintenance, payment requests, and other ad hoc assignments.