Finance Lead - Transitions

Job Title

Finance Lead - Transitions

Job Description Summary

We are seeking an experienced Finance Lead – Transitions to support Client Transitions and the Small to Medium Business (SMB) portfolio across our IFM business in Australia. This role plays a critical part in ensuring seamless financial governance, onboarding, and transformation for new and transitioning clients.
You will act as the key finance partner across operations, commercial teams, project management, and client stakeholders, ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and strategic insight throughout the transition lifecycle.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Client Transitions

• Lead all financial activities during client onboarding, transitions, and transformation projects.

• Develop and manage transition budgets, forecasts, and financial models.

• Ensure accurate setup of billing structures, cost allocations, and revenue recognition processes.

• Partner with operations and project teams to track transition costs, risks, and savings opportunities.

• Support contract reviews and ensure financial terms are implemented correctly.

• Provide financial analysis and reporting to internal stakeholders and clients.

• Drive financial governance, controls, and compliance throughout transition phases.

• Coordinate with AR, procurement, FP&A, and controllership teams to ensure seamless financial operations.

• Support process improvement and standardisation across client finance transitions.

• Prepare presentations and executive updates for leadership and client stakeholders.

Finance Business Partnering

• Build strong business partnerships across Cushman & Wakefield and client stakeholders, from Executive Management to operational teams.

• Deliver client and corporate financial requirements within agreed timeframes and budgets.

• Ensure compliance with SOX controls across client finance processes.

• Deliver commercial and financial KPIs while maintaining high service standards and contractual obligations.

Specific Accountabilities

• Provide leadership and management for client escalations, including audits and performance improvement plans.

• Ensure governance of key client processes across multiple teams.

• Oversee delivery of all client finance deliverables across assigned contracts.

Stakeholder Groups

You will partner closely with:

• Head of Finance & Finance Director

• CFO, Controllership, FP&A

• PSC Stream Leads

• National & Senior Account Directors

• Account Directors

• Finance Business Partners (internal & client side)

• Head of Finance Operations

• Heads of Property (client side)

Degree of Independence

This role operates with a high degree of autonomy, requiring sound judgement and decision‑making that impacts the wider organisation.

Key Behaviours & Skills

• Strong commercial background with proven senior stakeholder engagement.

• Qualified Accountant (CPA / CIMA / CA).

• Advanced IT skills including Excel and PowerPoint; JDE experience highly advantageous.

Why Join Us?

This is a high‑impact role where you will shape financial outcomes during critical client transitions, influence senior stakeholders, and contribute to the growth of our IFM business. You’ll work in a collaborative environment with the autonomy to drive meaningful change.

As an equal opportunity employer, Cushman & Wakefield encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and female candidates to apply. Cushman & Wakefield promotes safety at all times.

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”