Chanel Senior Manager, Compensation Accountant

About Chanel

Chanel is one of the world’s most revered luxury houses, founded by Gabrielle Chanel and distinguished by an enduring vision of elegance, freedom, and modernity. As an employer, the House brings together métiers ranging from haute couture, fashion and leather goods to fragrance, beauty, watches, and fine jewelry, offering employees the opportunity to contribute to a legacy defined by exceptional craftsmanship and creative audacity. Chanel values excellence, discretion, collaboration, and long-term development, fostering an environment where talent is nurtured and heritage is continually reinterpreted for contemporary clients. Its teams are united by a commitment to quality, innovation, and the timeless spirit of the brand.

Role & Responsibilities

• Reconcile payroll transactions from the UKG system to the general ledger, ensuring all compensation-related transactions are accurately recorded in the correct fiscal period and in accordance with IFRS standards
• Record and review accruals for salaries, payroll taxes, annual bonuses, and long-term incentives (LTI)
• Conduct monthly reconciliations of deferred compensation accounts and perform health and life insurance account reconciliations with related accounting entries
• Liaise with HR and Finance leaders to stay informed of employee agreements and arrangements requiring specific accruals
• Support defined benefit pension plan accounting with third-party actuaries, including recording necessary entries and analyzing plan activity and funding status
• Prepare separate financial statements for the company's defined benefit pension plan, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant accounting standards
• Lead the audit process for the defined benefit plan's financial statements and collaborate with external auditors as needed
• Complete and file Form 5500 in coordination with third-party administrators and actuaries
• Ensure compliance with IFRS standards and relevant regulations; collaborate with actuaries to ensure proper financial statement disclosures
• Support internal and external audits related to all compensation accounting functions
• Assist financial planning teams in understanding budget and forecast variances related to compensation and benefit accounts
• Maintain thorough documentation of financial flows and assess internal controls related to compensation accounting
• Proactively identify compliance gaps or risks and recommend improvements to compensation accounting processes and controls
• Understand data flows and reconciliations between UKG, Workday, and SAP, as well as flows with third-party partners (AON – actuary; Fidelity – benefit administrator)
• Participate in the upcoming transition from SAP to Microsoft Dynamics 365, including testing, data migration, and process documentation for compensation-related modules

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA highly preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in accounting, payroll, or compensation administration
• Strong knowledge of compensation structures, payroll systems, benefits accounting, and payroll tax regulations
• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle confidential information with professionalism
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across internal departments and external partners
• Experience in process improvement and risk assessment within compensation accounting
• Experience with UKG (payroll system), Workday (HR system), and SAP (accounting system) preferred; familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 a plus

Skills

Experience

5+ years of experience in accounting, payroll, or compensation administration with demonstrated expertise in compensation structures, payroll systems, benefits accounting, and payroll tax regulations. Experience with process improvement and risk assessment within compensation accounting is essential. Familiarity with the interaction between payroll systems and accounting platforms is crucial for ensuring accurate reporting and compliance.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA certification is highly preferred.

Workplace

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 87,500 to USD 150,000 per annum.

Benefits

Wellbeing resources include dedicated paid time off for wellbeing (2-week August office closure and a Wellbeing fund). Family and caregiving benefits include parental leave, fertility support, MilkStork, and Care.com membership. Generous paid time off policies covering vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days. 401(k) and other incentives. Robust healthcare offerings including medical, dental, vision, MDLIVE virtual care, One Medical, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, and Employee Assistance Program. Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Health Advocate, International Business Travel Accident & Medical, and Commuter Transit & Parking.

Culture

Chanel fosters a culture of timeless creativity, exacting craftsmanship, and quiet excellence, where employees are encouraged to uphold the house’s heritage while contributing to its continued innovation. The workplace environment is refined, collaborative, and deeply committed to quality, offering professionals the opportunity to grow within a globally respected maison that values discretion, artistry, and long-term vision.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.