Varsity Communities Controller

**Looking to supercharge your career? Come work with us**

Here at Varsity Communities, our mission is to operate the best communities for student success.. Varsity Communities is changing the Canadian student housing landscape by providing students with access to the best community living experience with the highest quality suites and the finest services. We offer a friendly, positive, and inviting work atmosphere for all of our team members, and are looking forward to hearing from you

**Position Summary**

The Controller, reporting directly to the Vice President, Student Housing Management is primarily responsible for the oversight and financial management for all properties under the firm’s management. The Controller will have day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing, and controlling all financial related activities for these properties. Their main focus will be on building structure, streamlining processes, building a strong internal control environment, and providing coaching, guidance, and leadership to the accounting team.

Accounting Responsibilities
- Direct and oversee all aspects of Finance & Accounting functions for properties under our management, including full-cycle accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, producing monthly financial reports, and budgeting.
- Ensure the accounting team stays on track to complete all monthly/quarterly/yearly tasks.
- Responsible for month end close, preparing financial reports and analysis, and communicating and providing recommendations on the results to all stakeholders (owners, employees, investors).
- Play a key role in property software adoption due diligence and implementation.
- Assisting and communicating effectively with external auditors and legal counsel.
- Ensure accounting team is following best practices according to IFRS.
- Primary liaison between the firm and ownership groups on financial matters.

Leadership Responsibilities
- Lead oversight and review of the accounting team, providing coaching and support where necessary.
- Ensure day-to-day accounting functions are being completed efficiently and correctly by the accounting team.
- Communicate, on behalf of the accounting team, with stakeholders that have questions or concerns.
- Must be able to take responsibility and ownership of the accounting team's functions.

Operational Responsibilities
- Weekly operational meetings with various brands to discuss current state of affairs.
- Maintain strong working relationships with internal team, external contractors, and financing partners.
- Work closely with the Vice President, Student Housing Management, on devising workflow strategies for the accounting team.

Skill Requirements
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is required.
- A degree in Business Administration or Finance is required.
- Public practice experience is considered an asset.
- Strong background in internal controls and compliance.
- Must have extensive full-cycle accounting experience.
- High level of communication skills is a must. Must be able to convey complex financial information to many parties with varying levels of financial literacy.
- Ability to prioritize and balance multiple tasks, properties, and ownership groups at once is required.
- Experience in a rapid growth and changing environment.
- Exceptional time management and organization skills
- Ability to give input and challenge decision making at all levels of the firm.
- Experience with Property Management and/or real estate is considered a strong asset.
- Experience with PropertyWare or Entrata software is considered an asset.
- Ability to meet strict, recurring deadlines.
- A high level of proficiency with MS Excel is required.