Controller, Real Estate

Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group Ltd.

Toronto

Interested in joining one of Canada’s top performing asset managers? We are looking for a Controller, Real Estate for an existing position in our Finance department, working exclusively for our affiliate, Crestpoint Real Estate Investments Ltd. ("Crestpoint"). The Controller, Real Estate, is responsible for financial reporting, tax compliance and management reporting for Crestpoint’s portfolio of real estate investments. This person will work with a growing team of finance professionals and will report to the CFO, Real Estate. Our offices currently operate on a hybrid model with a combination of in-office and remote working days throughout the week.

What You Will Do

• You will oversee the coordination of the full cycle accounting function for the Fund’s open-ended investment vehicles and real estate projects (together, “the Investment Vehicles”), along with a team of direct reports.
• Managing all aspects of accounting and reporting relating to the books and records of Crestpoint’s Core Plus Strategy and various other real estate investments, including evaluating cash flow projections and recommending distributions impacting the Investment Vehicle’s operating partners and projects across different stages of development
• Helping lead team of direct reports through coaching and mentoring to further improve performance and develop confidence in their abilities
• Preparing financial reports and presenting findings and recommendations to management, investors and the external advisory committee
• Support diligence requirements on a variety of transactions, collaborating with internal teams and external advisors to address tax, financial reporting, and administrative matters
• Assisting with the review, calculation and reporting of net asset valuations (NAV) for an investment fund, including multiple series, on a monthly basis or at interim dates as required
• Reviewing, and in some cases preparing, monthly and quarterly financial statements prepared in accordance with either ASPE, IFRS or specified basis of accounting
• Acting as a liaison between Crestpoint’s asset management team and the accounting team to coordinate the transition of financial reporting and tax compliance for newly acquired investments and address ad hoc queries related to the investments
• Coordinating with external auditors on the preparation of the annual financial statements and ensuring audited financial statements are delivered to stakeholders in a timely fashion
• Managing all debt and lender reporting compliance through review of covenant calculations (i.e. DSCR, Distributable Cash) and officer certifications
• Continuously reviewing existing processes, procedures and reporting systems to increase automation and improve the quality and/or effectiveness of the accounting environment, as well as improve scalability
• Acting as the primary contact for select external investors, providing and coordinating our responses to their requests for information
• Preparing or reviewing all tax working papers to support tax compliance function including both partnership returns (T5013), corporate tax returns (T2) and GST/HST/QST returns and remittances.
• Coordinate with other CC&LFG departments on matters such as capital calls, client reporting, and performance measurement
• Implement key initiatives with the objective of improving the accessibility, timeliness, and quality of financial information outputs. Collaborating with other CC&LFG resources to improve systems, workflow, and document management

The expected salary range for this position is $120,000 - $160,000. The salary range provided reflects the base salary range for this position as required by legislation. In addition, there is an annual performance bonus which contributes to the total compensation for this position. Further questions may be directed to the HR team during the interview process.

What You Bring

• Seven plus years of accounting experience in financial management, preferably in the real estate industry and/or fund management, that includes some supervision of more junior employees
• Professional Accounting Designation (CPA-CA, CGA, CMA). ‘Big 4’ firm experience strongly preferred
• Solid understanding of accounting principles including ASPE, IFRS and fair value accounting
• Highly organized with a high attention to detail, with an ability to balance multiple projects in a fast- paced environment
• Well-developed interpersonal skills - at ease dealing with both management and direct reports, able to communicate complex ideas and concepts and a communication style (both spoken and written) that is concise and efficient
• Strong investor facing communication skills, with the ability to present to advisory committees, investors and senior management
• Strong entrepreneurial skills who thrives in a high-growth, fast-scaling environment while still operating with institutional discipline
• Strategic thinker who can anticipate fund and investor needs and translate financial insights into business decisions
• Superior analytical skills - the ability to solve problems, to extract and organize essential information from a variety of sources and present findings in a logical and easy to follow format.
• Very strong Excel skills, familiarity with Yardi real estate accounting/reporting software and tax software is definitely an asset
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently under pressure; dealing with changes and interruptions while maintaining strict deadlines
• Experience writing technical accounting memos, financial statement note disclosures, and dealing with complex accounting issues

About Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group

At CC&L Financial Group, we understand the value of opportunity – for our clients and our team. Independent and employee-owned, we partner with investment professionals to grow successful asset management businesses, giving them the space to innovate and truly make an impact. With more than 40 years of history and offices across Canada and in the US, the UK and India, CC&L Financial Group and our multi-boutique family of affiliate firms collectively manage over $179 billion in client assets, providing a diverse range of traditional and alternative investment products and solutions to institutional, high-net-worth and retail clients.

Crestpoint Real Estate Investments Inc.

is a commercial real estate investment manager with approximately $10.0 billion of assets under management that is dedicated to providing institutional and high net worth investors with direct access to commercial real estate assets. Through the execution of our disciplined investment approach and active management of our properties, we strive to deliver stable income and attractive long-term returns through a diversified portfolio of office, retail and industrial properties. As we look forward, we can see both opportunities and challenges for further growth that only reinforce our commitment to attracting, retaining, and motivating the most talented people. For more information visit Home - Crestpoint Real Estate Investments Ltd.

CC&L Financial Group is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or expression, disability, or age.

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Your application will be reviewed by a member of the hiring team - AI is not used in the screening, assessment or selection of applications at this time. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, but only those candidates shortlisted for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls or recruitment agencies will be accepted.