Head of Accounting

Key objectives   

This role sits within a regional Operational Finance team of approximately 40 colleagues and leads a close-knit Accounting team of six across Sweden and the Netherlands. As Head of Accounting for Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands, you will be responsible for delivering accurate, compliant and timely financial reporting across all legal entities (excluding statutory reporting for the Netherlands). You will lead quarterly and annual close processes under IFRS and local GAAP, ensure robust internal controls and high-quality external reporting aligned with URW standards, and support the ongoing development of high-performing accounting teams. Working closely with Group Finance, you’ll provide technical accounting expertise and insight to senior stakeholders, while driving process harmonisation, automation and continuous improvement. The role also plays a key part in the Record-to-Report transformation and SAP S/4HANA implementation, alongside owning and delivering accurate financial reporting to URW HQ in Paris.

You will be responsible for performing and executing:

• Ensure that proper accounting processes are set up, documented and followed in SE, DK & NL.

• Maintain accounting records in line with URW accounting policies and the Group chart of accounts.

• Oversee fixed asset accounting, CAPEX tracking and correct activation of investments in accordance with IFRS and Dutch GAAP

• Manage quarterly and annual closings, including balance sheet and P&L reporting for all entities to the consolidation team in Paris.

• Ensure annual reports are produced with high quality for all Swedish, Danish and Dutch companies.

• Lead collaboration with external auditors for all three countries.

• Support investment and divestment processes by assessing accounting impacts (e.g., classifications, restructuring, disposals).

• Provide oversight on VAT and CIT compliance in partnership with tax advisors

• Coach, mentor, and conduct performance reviews and salary reviews for the team.

• Drive SAP S/4HANA developments.

You are accountable to approve /make final decision on the following:

• Final sign‑off on statutory accounts in SE and DK.

• Accuracy, completeness and timeliness of accounting records and financial reporting.

• Final approval of technical accounting decisions, IFRS interpretations or adjustments.

• Is to be consulted on the following matters before a decision or action is taken:

• Legal (corporate governance, entity maintenance)

• Tax (VAT filings, corporate tax)

• Investment/Divestment teams

• SAP support, Controlling, Treasury, P2P/OTC teams

• Is to be informed about decisions and changes that have been taken on the following areas:

• Senior Finance leadership & Group Consolidation on major issues, deviations, risks and changes.

Your delegated responsibilities are:

• Full responsibility for annual accounts, bookkeeping, quarterly closing and intercompany reconciliations.

• Follow‑up of local GAAP obligations in SE, DK and NL

• Maintaining compliance with Work Environment legislation in all countries where the team operates.

• Delegated Financial Limits:

• Authority to negotiate, conclude, terminate and amend agreements related to accounting operations up to EUR 20,000.

What skills, experience, and knowledge will you need to be successful?  

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration or equivalent

• 10+ years of accounting experience, preferably within real estate or asset‑heavy industries.

• Several years of team management experience.

• Strong knowledge of IFRS and Nordic or Dutch local GAAP (SE, DK, NL)

• High level of SAP experience

• High proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint

• Strong communication skills; fluent in English and Swedish.

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and meet tight deadlines.

• Strong analytical skills, structured approach, and problem‑solving mindset

• Experience working in a multinational environment.

Desired background:

• Real estate sector experience.

• Experience with financial audits (Big 4 background is a plus).

• Experience with automation, process improvement, and digital transformation projects.

• Experience with CAPEX accounting, asset accounting, and classification between costs and investments

Who are we?  

At Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), we develop and operate a portfolio of sustainable, premium, mixed-use real estate assets across Europe and the United States. Driven by our purpose to Reinvent Being Together, we are committed to accelerating urban regeneration and rethinking how we live together in cities. Today, 2,000 dedicated individuals are working together to reshape the future of real estate and shopping centers by creating innovative, engaging spaces that truly redefine community connections. 

Our flagship destinations are more than just places; they're the heartbeat of the community. We empower our employees to make a real impact through volunteering, DE&I programs, and leading ESG efforts. URW is at the forefront of experiential entertainment, constantly pushing boundaries to craft unforgettable in-person and digital experiences. By surprising and delighting our customers, we create magical moments and reinvent togetherness in every interaction. 

Within our Northern Europe Region - spanning the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and the UK - we own and manage eight exceptional assets. These include Westfield Mall of the Netherlands, Stadshart Amstelveen, Westfield London, and Westfield Stratford City. 

As an international company, our primary internal language is English. Therefore, we kindly ask that you submit your application and resume in English. 

Why work for us:  

We put people's development and learning at the heart of what we do. We'll help you master your role, build your technical skills, and take advantage of top-notch management and leadership programs. From face-to-face workshops to our global online learning resources, we encourage you to make learning a part of your daily routine. 

We offer a fantastic bonus scheme, and many other incentives, including company health insurance is available at a reduced tariff.  We offer a one-year contract with an option to extend to permanent; You will get a meal allowance of € 2,- per day and a commuting allowance of € 0,32 cts per km, or an NS business card. Our company culture Centres on caring for our employees and supporting their success. With diverse roles, you won't be limited to one area but have the chance to grow a broad range of skills and experiences. We also have other great perks, such as a health care allowance is 5000 SEK per year and 6 weeks’ vacation!   

Want to know more about what it's like working at URW? Visit our site https://www.urw.com/join-us/life-at-urw   

What Matters to Us: 

At URW, our purpose is to Reinvent Being Together, reimagining how people and communities connect, socialise, and experience dynamic moments in unique and meaningful ways. 

We are proud to promote equal opportunities and embrace diversity in profiles, experiences, and skills. At URW, we believe that diversity is the cornerstone of our success, and we are dedicated to fostering an environment that respects, values, celebrates, and leverages individual differences to their fullest potential. 

We evaluate each application with fairness and without discrimination based on disability, age, gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristics. Our commitment is to provide equal access to our services for everyone. If you require any adjustments for your interview, please let us know in advance, so we can support you accordingly. 

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy working environment, we conduct comprehensive security checks on all employees prior to their start date. These checks may include identity verification, employment history, and criminal record screening, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 

Join us and be part of a team that's making a real difference in your local communities!