Senior Treasury Analyst - Chicago, United States - Equity Residential

Description

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), an industry leading multi-family REIT, means being part of a community and striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together. We've got the best people in the business, and our experience shows in our dedication to residents and in how much we value each other as colleagues. That's why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that knows how home should feel. That's what our Be.Think.Play.Live. culture is all about.

The Senior Treasury Operations Analyst position is crucial for the effective execution of cash management activities. The Senior Analyst collaborates with cross-functional internal teams (Accounting, Tax, Legal, Property Operations, etc.) and external entities to resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, they provide support in the Debt and Compliance area and serve as backup for Cash and Accounting functions in the treasury workstation. Ensuring compliance with internal controls and driving process improvements are also key responsibilities of this role.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Analytical. You are comfortable building models, analyzing data, forecasting, interpreting financial statements, and evaluating trends. Without a doubt, you've got strong quantitative skills.
• Knowledgeable. Interest rates, debt products, and fixed income concepts are comfortable topics for you to discuss and your solid understanding of capital structure optimization and rating agency methodologies are other tools you're comfortable engaging in.
• Strong Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear and effective, demonstrating your ability to be articulate and understood.
• Organized and Accountable. You are flexible and able to juggle the needs of changing priorities of the business.
• Efficient and Effective. You handle pressure well and do so with confidence. And when a tight deadline comes up, you organize the tasks to be completed —including quality checks— and focus on how to re-prioritize your other tasks to meet the timeframe.
• A Team Player. You are known for serving as a resource and trusted business partner for internal groups. Participating in cross-functional projects is the type of work you love.
• Technologically Savvy. You've got a deep knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, plus at least a basic knowledge of Bloomberg and SNL Financial.
• Passionate. Motivated. Eager to Learn. You ask smart questions, challenge the status quo, and regularly seek to understand. You invest extra energy to reach your goals. And when a special project arises, you volunteer.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Responsible for completing various quarterly reports, including the reconciliation of cash accounts, analyzing the company's debt portfolio, investment memo, escrow analysis, budgets, and accruals.
• Deliver detailed account analysis reports to identify any discrepancies or deviations. Work closely with the Senior Director to convey findings and address issues with the banking services provider.
• Maintain consistent communication with banks or vendors regarding new treasury management products and services. Additionally, identify and present opportunities to negotiate favorable rates with current service providers or explore potential alternative services offered by new providers.
• Lead the implementation of new products or services by identifying requirements, coordinating with banks/vendors, and collaborating with the IT Department, as needed. Assist in the testing and implementation of Treasury workstation software updates.
• Establish and maintain robust controls within the treasury department to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations. This involves preparing, reviewing, and maintaining internal audit compliance, overseeing proper controls for cash receipts, disbursements, and general Treasury activities. Additionally, collaborate with Internal Audit as needed to address inquiries, provide additional support, and conduct transaction testing on primary banks' websites.
• Ensure the maintenance and organization of audit backup files to establish an efficient folder structure for documentation and easy retrieval of information for other team members.
• Create metrics for debt and payment reporting, encompassing frequency, volume, and differentiation between internal and external payments.
• Perform thorough analysis of actual interest income and expenses in comparison to budgets and forecasts. Identify variances and clarify key factors contributing to the disparities.
• Accurately record interest and loan activity for debt associated with joint ventures, encompassing interest payments, loan draws, and repayments/capitalizations.
• Ensure adherence to covenant terms and conditions by communicating with leaders across the organization to confirm compliance with financial covenants. Monitor for potential non-compliance and take appropriate action as needed.
• Troubleshoots day to day cash management issues, as needed.
• Monitors and oversees existing bank account services and signatories including bank account administration for opening and closing accounts and performs monthly Account Analysis review to confirm charges and services are accurate.
• Collaborates and supports internal business partners including Accounting, Tax, Legal and Property Operations.
• Serve as a backup for the Cash Ledger processes, including tasks such as identifying and removing duplicates, accurately coding transactions with appropriate descriptions, and conducting various checks and balances. This process requires careful attention to detail, including gathering all necessary backup documentation, and accurate coding of transactions in the Treasury Workstation ("Quantum"). Additionally, the role entails investigating any unidentified transactions or postings to maintain the integrity of financial records.
• Monitors segregated security deposits and other miscellaneous investments. This involves setting up new investment accounts and investing or redeeming funds as necessary. Gives timely direction to bank(s) on reinvesting funds, and updates/distributes investment tracking sheets.
• Backup other members of the department for treasury functions on an as needed basis. This includes corresponding with the banks and internal staff on various issues/problems, running and reviewing certain reports, posting cash activity in the treasury workstation, concentrating cash balances, processing required fundings, and investing or redeeming excess cash.
• Contributes to designing, recommending improvements, and documenting Treasury processes, within both Operations and Debt Compliance.
• Assist in the testing and implementation of Treasury workstation software updates.
• Takes leadership role during the absence of management by handling priority cash concerns, system requirements, and any other escalation matters. At times, may also assist with cash forecasting and commercial paper dealing functions, ensuring timely funding while minimizing costs.
• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times. Consistently maintains a professional courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public.
• Performs special projects as assigned. Performs other duties as necessary.

EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field. An advanced degree or possession of a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) certification is a plus. A minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting or treasury roles is required, demonstrating proficiency and a deep understanding of treasury operations and proactive problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with treasury workstations Quantum Preferred) is essential, with at least 5 years of working knowledge. Candidates must exhibit strong communication skills to engage effectively with bank personnel and internal stakeholders. A self-starting attitude, strong organization, and prioritization abilities are necessary. Previous experience leading projects or processes is a plus, along with the capability to thrive in high-pressure environments. Exceptional attention to detail, follow-up skills, and computer literacy are a must. Adaptability to changing responsibilities through cross-training is pivotal for success in this role.