Job Title: Director, Property Accounting
Reports To: Senior Director, Property Accounting
Department: Property Accounting
Position Summary
The Director, Property Accounting is responsible for leading the end-to-end property accounting function for a defined portfolio, ensuring accurate, timely, and value-added financial reporting, while driving operational excellence, process improvement, and scalability.
This role serves as a key business partner to Property Management, Asset Management, and Finance leadership, with accountability for delivering high-quality financial information, enhancing processes, and building a high-performing team aligned with SmartCentres’ growth objectives.
Responsibilities:
1. Transactional Accounting & Reporting
- Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes for assigned property portfolio
- Ensure accuracy of:
- Revenue recognition, CAM recoveries, and property tax billings
- Journal entries, reconciliations, and working papers
- Manage year-end processes, including tenant billings and audit support
- Prepare, report, and present financial results to senior management
- Monitor compliance with:
- Lease agreements
- Management agreements
- Internal accounting policies
- Ensure integrity of property-level financial data and reporting outputs
2. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis
- Lead preparation and review of:
- Annual operating budgets
- Reforecasts and cash flow projections
- Provide portfolio-level insights including:
- Variance analysis
- NOI drivers
- Cost optimization opportunities
- Partner with Asset Management and FP&A to enhance forecasting accuracy and decision-making
3. Project Work & Process Improvement
- Lead or participate in cross-functional initiatives, including:
- System implementations and upgrades
- Process transformation and standardization
- Integration of new properties / developments
- Identify opportunities to:
- Improve efficiency, controls, and reporting quality
- Streamline workflows across accounting and operations
- Support transaction-related activities (acquisitions, dispositions, refinancing, developments)
4. Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and develop a team of Accounting Managers and staff:
- Set clear expectations and accountability
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback
- Build bench strength and succession planning within the team
- Foster a culture of:
- Accountability and ownership
- Continuous improvement
- Collaboration across departments
5. Technology & Data Enablement
- Champion the use of technology to enhance accounting processes, including:
- Advanced use of Yardi and related modules
- Automation of repetitive tasks (RPA, workflow tools)
- Data analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, advanced Excel)
- Partner with systems and IT teams to:
- Improve data integrity and accessibility
- Implement scalable solutions for portfolio growth
- Drive adoption of standardized reporting and process automation across the team
Academic/Professional Requirements:
- Accounting Designation is an asset;
- Bachelors’ degree in a related field.
Required Skills/Experience:
- 7–10+ years of progressive experience in property accounting or real estate finance
- Strong experience managing teams within a real estate environment
- Deep understanding of:
- Property accounting
- CAM, tax and chargeback billings
- Financial reporting and audits
- Proven ability to lead process improvements and system enhancements
- Advanced Excel skills; experience with Yardi required
- Experience with data analytics and automation tools considered an asset
Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities
- Business acumen with ability to partner across functions
- High attention to detail balanced with strategic thinking
- Ability to manage complexity and multiple priorities
- Continuous improvement and technology mindset
Values
The Director, Property Accounting shall conduct him/herself in a respectful and ethical manner in representing the Trust’s interests. The Director, Property Accounting shall demonstrate entrepreneurialism and behave like an “owner” in carrying out daily tasks and responsibilities; demonstrating creativity and resourcefulness in achieving desired results. The Director, Property Accounting must take accountability for decisions made and the Director, Property Accounting is expected to be a team player and work effectively with colleagues and associates in terms of input, sharing of ideas and working to achieve common goal.
The expected base pay range is: $125,000-$135,000. The base pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. SmartCentres values the contribution of our Associates, and our individual salaries may vary based on the geographical location of successful candidates, as well as their experience, qualifications or skills.
Smartcentres does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in its own applicant tracking system, and all hiring decisions are made by our recruitment / hiring team. AI may be used by external platforms or third-party agencies during the application process. Applicants should be aware that such external platforms operate independently of the employer.
The role posted is for an existing, active vacancy.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment and selection process. If you are contacted about an employment opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation.
