Controller in Toronto

A leading global investment management organization specializing in real estate investments and asset management is seeking a Controller, Client Finance to join their Toronto team. This role provides strategic direction and operational oversight to a team responsible for delivering financial reporting and accounting services to institutional investment clients.

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.