Controller, Property Management

Description

Job Overview:

The Controller, reporting to the Director, Property Management - Canada, is a proactive leader focused on aggressive change management within the client accounting team. This role emphasizes change management and operational expertise, requiring strong business acumen, effective communication, and excellent interpersonal skills.

The Controller will be the lead in onboarding new Property Management clients, ensuring accurate and timely financial reports, overseeing processes, resolving issues, and aligning with FirstService Residential's objectives.

This is a multi-market role and requires the candidate to understand the business operations and industries in each market to ensure that business targets in each market are adequately supported.

This is an Operational Controller position, focused on delivering Process Management in addition to some Financial Analysis. The candidate should exhibit strong accountability, urgency, and ownership and drive process improvements and efficiencies. They will design, execute, and train on new systems, partnering with teams to establish best practices.

Responsibilities:

Client Accounting:

• The Controller will lead a team of accounting team members and will be the primary lead for onboarding new clients for the Property Management division.
• Ensure smooth onboarding of new clients and provide excellent client service to support client retention.
• They will support and lead accountants in the following functions and may also be required to complete these functions themselves:
• Perform complex accounting functions for a portfolio of real estate properties accurately, efficiently, and by the assigned deadlines with limited supervision.
• Have full involvement, responsibility, and accountability for their portfolio, which includes Monthly Financial Statement preparation and distribution, Annual Budget Input and Loan/Mortgage Calculation, etc.
• Coordinate with property manager to ensure compliance with all procedures and evaluate and prepare all annual budgets and review all expense ledgers and assist in recovery reconciliations.
• Research and analyze financial data as required internally by management and externally by investors and other parties.
• Daily bank reconciliations including follow up and correction of outstanding items.
• Reconciliation and understanding of all balance sheet accounts and produce monthly financial statements and supplementary reporting as required.
• Ensure all GST and other legislated taxes and assessments are reconciled and remitted.
• Monitor and review monthly receivables for accuracy, adjustments, and/or corrections.
• Monitor cash positions and anticipate future cash deficiencies.
• Complete year end CAM recovery adjustment and tenant billings for assigned properties.
• Support annual budget process and follow up on status of budgets throughout the workflow stages to ensure completion within the assigned deadlines.
• Build a team culture rooted in trust, respect, and collaboration.
• Nurture and develop a team by working closely with the Accounting Managers to ensure timely and accurate preparation of client financial information and reports.

Special Projects and Programs:

• Assess business processes identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices
• Coordinate systems enhancements/implementations supporting business process reengineering

Other:

• Ability to build strong performing teams by coaching and developing people
• Possess strong conflict management skills and comfortable having tough conversations
• Able to multi-task, manage time and handle complex issues in a fast-paced dynamic environment by being positive, flexible, and open-minded
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal

Skills & Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Strong Canadian GAAP knowledge and financial statement disclosure
• Advanced working knowledge of Excel and strong database skills together with proficiency in Microsoft suite
• Strong financial acumen and analytical agility
• Detail oriented, organized, and able to meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Proven prioritization, time management and project management skills
• Effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build effective relationships across the organization
• Demonstrated commitment to service excellence
• Ability to lead people, processes, and systems
• Experience with an ERP system; proficiency with MS Suite with advanced skills in Excel. Yardi Voyager is an asset.

Education & Experience:

The successful candidate will possess an undergraduate degree and accounting designation (CPA, CA, CMA, CGA) together with a minimum of 10 years experience, preferably multifamily residential or commercial property management.

What We Offer:

As a full-time associate, you will be eligible for employer paid health & dental, time off benefits, access to our Employee Assistance Plan, RRSP matching, and Tuition Reimbursement Program.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm

Compensation:

$110,000 - $120,000 per annum