Controller

STRIVE Recruitment Inc.; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

STRIVE Recruitment Inc. in Toronto seeks a Controller, Client Finance to lead the team delivering financial reporting for institutional clients. The role blends strategic direction with hands-on oversight to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

You will work 2 days per week in the office, collaborate with Property Finance, Corporate Finance, and Investment Management teams, and drive process improvements to support growth and client service excellence.

Qualifications

• CPA designation required and recognized.
• 5–7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Minimum 3 years in a management or leadership capacity.
• Experience in real estate, investment management, property accounting is asset.
• Strong IFRS/ASPE knowledge preferred.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop staff.
• Excellent client relationship management with executives.
• Advanced Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Client Finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting and top-tier client service.
• Oversee monthly financial reporting, budgets, year-end activities, and client-specific requirements.
• Serve as a key financial contact for clients and manage expectations.
• Ensure compliance with investment management agreements and reporting obligations.
• Coordinate annual audits with external auditors.
• Oversee accounting for real estate acquisitions and dispositions.
• Identify risks and drive efficiency improvements across processes.
• Develop, coach, and manage a high-performing finance team.

Skills

CPA designation

Leadership

Financial reporting

IFRS/ASPE knowledge

Excel/Office

Real estate accounting

Client relationship management

Education

Professional accounting designation (CPA)

Tools

Yardi Investment Management module

Job description

Controller, Client Finance - Hybrid - 2 days per week in Office

Investment Management | Toronto, ON

THE CLIENT

Our client is a leading global investment management organization specializing in real estate investments and asset management. With a diverse portfolio and established institutional client relationships, the organization provides sophisticated investment solutions across multiple markets and asset classes.

Known for its collaborative environment and commitment to operational excellence, the organization offers an opportunity for an experienced finance leader to make a meaningful impact on client service, financial performance, and team development.

They are currently seeking a Controller, Client Finance to join their Toronto team.

THE ROLE

The Controller, Client Finance will provide strategic direction and operational oversight to a team responsible for delivering financial reporting and accounting services to institutional investment clients.

This leadership position combines financial management, client relationship oversight, team development, and operational improvement. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of financial reporting, strengthening client partnerships, and ensuring the team consistently delivers accurate and timely results.

Working closely with senior leadership across Property Finance, Corporate Finance, and Investment Management, you will also play an important role in improving operational efficiencies, supporting business growth, and developing a high-performing finance team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the Client Finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, timely deliverables, and exceptional service to institutional clients
• Oversee monthly financial reporting, annual budgets, year-end accounting activities, and other client-specific financial requirements
• Serve as a key financial contact for clients, managing expectations, resolving complex issues, and maintaining strong professional relationships
• Ensure compliance with investment management agreements and associated financial reporting obligations
• Coordinate annual audit activities, including financial statement preparation and communication with external auditors
• Oversee accounting and reporting requirements related to real estate acquisitions and dispositions
• Monitor financial performance, identify operational risks, and recommend strategies to improve efficiency and profitability
• Evaluate resource allocation, team structure, and service delivery costs to support financial targets
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support new business opportunities and strategic initiatives
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of finance professionals, including direct and indirect reports
• Manage team performance, workload distribution, employee development, and succession planning
• Promote accountability, collaboration, and consistent service standards across the finance function
• Build strong working relationships with senior management and cross-functional stakeholders
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and improve reporting consistency
• Support financial systems enhancements, technology implementations, and process automation initiatives
• Participate in special projects, acquisition due diligence, and initiatives focused on improving investment performance
• Contribute to organizational initiatives related to governance, sustainability, and corporate responsibility

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Recognized professional accounting designation, such as CPA, required
• 5–7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including a minimum of 3 years in a management or leadership capacity
• Experience within real estate, investment management, property accounting, or a related financial services environment is an asset
• Strong understanding of financial reporting principles, with knowledge of IFRS and ASPE preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing financial reporting, budgeting, audit processes, and accounting operations
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop accounting professionals while managing competing business priorities
• Strong client relationship management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with senior executives and institutional stakeholders
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with sound financial judgment and attention to detail
• Experience identifying process improvements, strengthening financial controls, and driving operational efficiencies
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple deliverables and meet demanding deadlines
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Experience with Yardi, particularly the Investment Management module, is considered an asset
• A proactive, solutions-oriented leadership style with the ability to adapt to changing business requirements
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with a strong commitment to confidentiality and client service