Controller – Mat Leave Coverage
Location
Vancouver, British Columbia
Application Deadline
Ongoing
Description
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 40 co-ops in their portfolio, with more than 3,000 occupied homes and another 800 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
The Senior Development Manager is responsible for managing the development of a portfolio of affordable housing projects within Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island. They will lead or support early site identification activities and be responsible for the planning, consultant procurement, design, municipal approvals, review of complex residential and mixed-use financial pro formas, risk assessment, construction oversight, the project draws, and occupancy turnover to operations. This position also provides project leadership and coordination to a project team and works collaboratively with partners, including other non-profit societies, private sector developers, consultants, industry specialists, contractors, government ministries, municipality officials, First Nations, and various agencies in achieving project objectives.
Key Responsibilities
As a member of our close-knit finance and accounting team, you will be asked to:
- 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.
COMPENSATION
$115,000 – $140,000 annually. Salary commensurate with experience. In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement, and education allowances.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
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.
