Property accountant

Gérances Westcliff Ltée; Montreal; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Westcliff Management in Montreal seeks an experienced Property Accountant to oversee the full accounting cycle for a portfolio of retail and commercial properties. You will mentor Property Accountants and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting in line with owner requirements.

The role emphasizes technical accounting, variance analyses, lease term interpretation in Yardi, year-end activities, and collaboration with property managers and external auditors to strengthen controls and deliver

Qualifications

• CPA designation is an asset.
• 5 years of real estate accounting experience required.
• Public practice Big 4 experience is an asset.
• Bilingual in French and English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Manage a designated portfolio of retail and commercial properties.
• Prepare and review monthly reporting packages and variances.
• Oversee full accounting cycle: reconciliations, GL, payables/receivables, year-end billing.
• Ensure timely financial reporting per deadlines and owner requirements.
• Review lease terms and recording in Yardi; CAM/TAX recovery calculations.
• Coordinate year-end audit working papers and liaise with external auditors.
• Identify process improvements and strengthen internal controls.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Education

CPA / Chartered Professional Accountant

Tools

Yardi

Job description

Westcliff is a private real estate development company that unlocks the full potential of every property. For over 50 years, Westcliff has been actively involved in the development of prestigious properties across Canada and the United States. In addition to our role as developers, we also handle the construction and management of commercial, industrial, and residential real estate projects.

Over the years, teamwork, integrity, and creativity have driven the company’s exceptional performance. Recognized for its commitment to building lasting relationships with partners and clients, Westcliff relies on the excellence, efficiency, dedication, and professionalism of its team members.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Accounting Manager, you will oversee the full accounting cycle for a designated portfolio of retail and commercial properties. The successful candidate will combine strong technical accounting expertise with leadership skills, acting as a mentor to Property Accountants while ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting across the portfolio.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a designated portfolio of retail and commercial properties.
• Prepare and review monthly reporting packages, including financial statements, supporting schedules, and variance analyses.
• Oversee the full accounting cycle, including bank reconciliations, journal entries, general ledger maintenance, recoveries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and year-end billing processes.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with established reporting deadlines and owner requirements.
• Prepare detailed monthly variance analyses, account reconciliations, CAM/TAX recovery calculations, investigate variances, and recommend corrective actions where required.
• Monitor and reconcile capital projects, tenant improvement allowances, and leasing costs.
• Review lease agreements and ensure the accurate interpretation and recording of lease terms within Yardi.
• Oversee year-end audit working papers preparation, entity financial statements, and act as a key contact for external auditors.
• Review and analyze financial information, identify issues, and implement appropriate solutions with minimal supervision.
• Ensure all financial reporting procedures comply with corporate policies, owner reporting requirements, and property-specific reporting obligations.
• Ensure all regulatory filings and government remittances, including GST/HST returns and annual information filings, are completed accurately and on a timely basis.
• Build effective working relationships with Property Managers, Leasing Representatives, and other internal stakeholders to provide proactive financial support and value-added service.
• Act as a technical resource and mentor to Property Accountants by providing guidance, training, and support on the full accounting cycle, recoveries, financial reporting, and best practices.
• Review selected accounting work prepared by Property Accountants to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to accounting policies and reporting standards.
• Assist the Manager in coordinating workflow, prioritizing deliverables, and supporting the achievement of departmental deadlines.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen internal controls, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of accounting operations.
• Support special projects, system implementations, and process improvement initiatives as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Professional designation CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) is an asset.
• Industry experience 5 years of experience in real estate accounting is required.
• Public practice background Big 4 accounting firm experience is an asset.
• Technical skills Very strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Systems experience Experience working with Yardi is required.
• Language skills Perfectly bilingual (French and English), written and spoken.

Westcliff Management is an equal opportunity employer. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.