Director, Accounting Operations

Avenue Living Asset Management is dedicated to sourcing, analyzing, and strategizing long-term investments. Our unique approach has led to rapid growth across North America now representing one of Canada’s largest alternative asset managers. Since 2006, we have acquired over $6 billion in assets under management across a variety of sectors throughout Canada and the USA. Our various funds include assets in multifamily residential, self-storage, commercial, as well as agricultural land.

The strength of our platform lies in working with the right people. Acting with integrity and employing an entrepreneurial mindset, our employees work together to create an exciting, dynamic workplace. By employing an active hands-on approach to asset management, our skilled and innovative team operates closely alongside our investors. We’re disciplined, we focus on value, and we’re informed experts. We pride ourselves on our diverse and inclusive workplace; we are a unique workplace with unique people.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

We are seeking a results-oriented and forward-thinking Director of Accounting Operations to lead the accounting and treasury team for a portfolio group within our Financial Reporting department. Reporting to the SVP, Financial Reporting, the successful candidate will drive process improvements and provide strategic oversight across our accounting, treasury, and accounts payable functions. This role is pivotal in ensuring our financial systems operate at peak efficiency while maintaining the highest level of accuracy and compliance.

• Design, execute, and manage internal control policies for budgeting, cash management, credit, and other financial operations to optimize efficiency and mitigate risks.
• Under the direction of the SVP, provide tactical leadership and day-to-day management to accounting, treasury, and accounts payable/receivable departments, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
• Manage daily cash reporting and create rolling weekly cash flow forecasts to give leadership clear insight into both short- and long-term cash requirements.
• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of financial controls within the accounting department to ensure accuracy and adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and manage the utility accounting division, ensuring smooth operations in utility billing setup, meter reading, penalties, rate changes, and customer service.
• Ensure timely, accurate payments to vendors and suppliers, maintaining full compliance with legal, regulatory, and professional standards across both U.S. and Canadian divisions.
• Act as a key point of escalation for vendor inquiries related to invoices and utility billing, delivering exceptional customer service with a solutions-focused approach.
• Collaborate with the broader Financial Accounting and Reporting Group to evaluate and enhance current processes and systems, driving initiatives that improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Partner with Field Operations, Asset Management, Investment, Tax, and other teams to analyze the impact of operational decisions on accounting, providing insightful recommendations.
• Serve as a primary contact for internal and external auditors, preparing necessary documentation and reports. Address and resolve audit queries in a timely manner.
• Prepare ad-hoc financial reports for senior leadership and participate in high-level strategic planning discussions, contributing to overall business objectives.
• Contribute to a dynamic and agile team culture by willingly embracing additional responsibilities.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED?

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or equivalent professional designation is required.
• 8-10+ years of experience in accounting operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a real estate, retail, or investment environment.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and Canadian accounting regulations, tax laws, and financial reporting standards.
• Proven experience in cash flow management, financial control systems, and process improvements.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and motivate teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Proficiency in accounting software systems (experience with ERP systems preferred) and advanced Excel skills for reporting and data analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a solutions-oriented mindset. The ideal person for this role will be comfortable in a fast-paced, adaptable environment and be able to lead a team effectively through changing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and internal stakeholders.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

• We live and breathe our core values. We go the extra mile. We’re honest. We always have each other's back. We have tons of integrity. And we always own it and adapt – no matter the challenge.
• With the support to do things differently, grow personally and professionally, and bring your whole self to work, there's no limit to the impact you can make.
• We provide a competitive compensation package composed of a group benefits plan, GRSP matching, and a discretionary bonus program. In addition, Avenue Living also offers an Employee Referral Program that rewards active employees for successful referrals.
• An employee centric culture with paid time off for employer supported volunteerism, a generous awards and recognition program, discounted monthly rent in Avenue Living Communities’ properties, and employee and savings program savings through industry partnerships.
• We are committed to a strong, safe work environment.

What makes us different makes us stronger. We want Avenue Living to be a great place to work for everyone; where people feel safe, included, inspired, trusted, and supported so they can be, and bring, their best. We're committed to creating a respectful and inclusive workplace where unique perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, cultures, and attributes are valued and utilized to help achieve better results. As an organization with operations across different geographies, we celebrate the fact that our workforce is made up of people with diverse demographics. We are committed to ensuring our workplace is fair, equitable, and free of discrimination and harassment. Should you require accommodation to participate fully in the recruitment process, please email peopleandculture@avenueliving.ca.