Controller - Mat Leave Coverage

Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local community organization in Vancouver is seeking a Controller for maternity leave coverage. This position involves overseeing the accounting department operations, managing a team, and ensuring sound financial management. The ideal candidate should hold a university degree in Accounting and a CPA designation, with 5+ years of relevant experience. Strong leadership skills and proficient in accounting software such as Yardi Voyager and Sage 300 are essential. The role offers opportunities for fostering inclusive communities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive professional accounting experience in real estate development or property management.
• Payroll experience is required.
• Public practice and fund accounting experience would be considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the accounting department.
• Recruit and train finance and accounting staff.
• Maintain a full set of accounts for development projects and housing operations.

Skills

Strong excel and budgeting skills

Ability to grasp accounting concepts quickly

Strong verbal and written presentation skills

Exemplary leadership skills

Education

University degree in Accounting

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation

Tools

Yardi Voyager

Sage 300

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Organization Overview

Based in Vancouver, Community Land Trust (CLT) is a social purpose real estate developer focused on creating communities people are proud to call home. Established in 2015, CLT is a member of the CHF BC group of social enterprises. CLT stewards its real estate, asset management, development, and finance portfolios with access to shared corporate services of the CHF BC group.

CLT currently has more than 30 co-ops in their portfolio, with more than 2,600 occupied homes and another 750 homes in development or under construction in Victoria, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, Vancouver, Surrey, New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Kelowna and North Cowichan.

Over the past 10 years, CLT has grown significantly, building their own real estate, development, asset management, and finance divisions. Today, CLT has a real asset portfolio of approximately $1.25 billion, with $35 million in operating budgets and a team of 48 staff.

Our team of skilled industry professionals is focused on creating and advocating for inclusive communities that residents are proud to call home.

Purpose of the Position

Reporting directly to the Managing Director of Finance and Accounting, the Controller (maternity leave coverage – 12 months) will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the accounting department and the sound financial management of the organization. This is a temporary position covering a maternity leave, with key responsibilities including recruiting, training and oversight of accounting staff, implementing robust internal controls, and supporting the development, property management, audit and accounting functions of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the accounting department.
• Recruit and train finance and accounting staff, supervise and manage the finance and accounting team in discharging their routine operational duties.
• Maintain a full set of accounts for development projects and housing operations.
• Manage all aspects of property accounting and development accounting, including reporting, treasury, and auditing of the CLT’s real estate portfolio.
• Oversee and review monthly and quarterly financial packages and ensure accuracy and timely delivery to internal and external stakeholders, while verifying that all reporting requirements are being consistently met.
• Supervise the preparation of operating and capital budgets for approval by the Managing Director of Finance and Accounting.
• Research and identify accounting issues as they arise, taking corrective action to minimize the opportunity for problems to occur.
• Assist in all financial aspects of development, income producing properties and housing co-ops.
• Track actual costs against budget during pre-development, development, and construction stages of new properties.
• Prepare and maintain cash flow projections for the organization and its real estate portfolio.
• Review and manage annual tax returns and reconcile all required schedules.
• Work with the development and housing operations teams to update and review anticipated costs.
• Assist in the formulation of internal controls and policies to comply with established best practices.
• Assist, develop and implement accounting policies, procedures, and systems.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to exchange and deliver financial information.
• Liaise with external auditors in completing the year-end audit.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and training to the accounting team.
• Develop and maintain supportive, collaborative relationships with colleagues.
• Provide ad hoc support to the Executive Director and Managing Director of Finance and Accounting as needed.

Education and Experience

• University degree in Accounting
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, or equivalent) designation
• 5+ years of progressive professional accounting experience; experience in real estate development, property management or construction industries is desirable
• Payroll experience is a requirement; Public practice and fund accounting experience would be considered an asset
• Finance knowledge and experience would be considered an asset, but not required
• Experience reporting in a co-operative housing environment would be considered an asset, but not required

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to grasp accounting, technical and legal concepts quickly
• Strong excel and budgeting skills
• Knowledge of accounting software, Yardi Voyager, Sage 300 and Payworks
• Knowledge of Microsoft products (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Strong verbal and written presentation skills including the ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple way and tailor messages and presentation styles to multiple audiences
• Exemplary leadership skills; highly collaborative and operating with authenticity and transparency
• Self-motivated and highly proactive; Proven ability in a deadline-driven environment
• Strong planning, organizational, and facilitation skills
• Time management skills for self and team
• Ability to travel to housing co-operatives within our portfolio for budget presentation meetings or as needed
• Ability to work outside of the regularly scheduled work week

CLT Development Services Society is an equal opportunity employer. We hire based on merit and are strongly committed to equity, diversity and accessibility. Upon request accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment selection and / or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. We value diversity and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.