Sustainability Analyst, Sr. jobs in Atlanta, GA

Cousins Properties is a fully integrated, self-administered, and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company, based in Atlanta, GA, and acting through its operating partnership, Cousins Properties LP, primarily invests in Class A office buildings located in high-growth Sun Belt markets. Founded in 1958, Cousins creates shareholder value through its extensive expertise in the development, acquisition, leasing, and management of high-quality real estate assets. The Company has a comprehensive strategy in place based on a simple platform, trophy assets, and opportunistic investments. For more information, please visit www.cousins.com.

Job Summary:

The Internal Audit and Sustainability Analyst is responsible for assisting with the completion of Audit Plan projects and testing and evaluations required by Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley, including the testing of the operational and financial processes for compliance of management's control structure. This role will also assist in sustainability data analysis and tracking, preparation of sustainability reports and external filings. This position will report directly to the Vice President of Internal Audit & Sustainability but have regular exposure to the SVP - Operations, Executive Vice President – Development, Executive Vice President - Operations, General Counsel, and other members of senior leadership.  This person will also assist in additional projects as needed, gaining a valuable understanding of the accounting and operations of the Company, as well as the industry as a whole.

This position is located in our Corporate office in Atlanta. 

Description of Responsibilities:

• Performs financial and operational audits to determine compliance with policies and procedures and to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control systems.
• Meets with managers to discuss audit findings.
• Prepares and maintains accurate audit work papers to properly document audit findings.
• Assists the VP of Internal Audit & Sustainability, along with external consultants, on tracking of key environmental performance metrics (energy, emissions, water, and waste), performing tie-out analysis of corporate responsibility reports, analyzing performance data for significant trends, and on other sustainability initiatives.
• Assists with the tracking of asset level sustainability characteristics, including all certifications (e.g., LEED), and coordinate with Operations teams on new and renewal certifications.

Required or Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• 2-3 years of accounting or finance experience preferred.
• Experience in Public Accounting or internal audit preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook) required.
• Real estate experience preferred.
• CPA license preferred.
• Experience with Yardi is preferred.
• Must be organized, concise, detailed, flexible, and efficient.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of operations.
• Responsiveness – Need to perform responsibilities with an acute sense of urgency to meet the needs of others.
• Integrity - Demonstrate sound business ethics, consistently complying with organizational values and protecting confidential information.
• Communication - Able to clearly express ideas, present verbal information, and ask questions. Able to listen to and understand the perspective of others.  Must possess strong interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with all levels of operations and leadership.
• Reliability - Must demonstrate initiative and ability to take on projects that benefit the accounting department and/or Company, working outside the core business hours when needed, and willing to accept a variety of tasks associated with this position.

Cousins is an equal opportunity employer where employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and aptitude. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, age, genetic information, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.