Position Summary
The Manager, Real Estate Accounting leads an accounting team responsible for accurate, complete and timely financial reporting across an assigned portfolio of clients and properties. The role provides controller-level review, strengthens reporting and control processes, resolves complex or escalated accounting matters, supports property and client transitions, and builds trusted relationships with internal partners and external clients.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting and Quality Control
- Lead the preparation and delivery of accurate, complete and timely financial reporting for assigned real estate portfolios.
- Review and certify financial statements, reporting packages, reconciliations and supporting schedules before release to internal stakeholders and external clients.
- Ensure reporting complies with management agreements, financial services agreements, client requirements, accounting policies and established internal controls.
- Perform high-level financial analysis, identify unusual trends or variances, and ensure issues are investigated, documented and resolved.
- Oversee the timely completion of balance sheet reconciliations, Corporate A/R reconciliations and other portfolio control activities.
Portfolio Oversight and Operational Controls
- Oversee critical portfolio payments and accounting activities, including debt service, real estate taxes, sales taxes and owner distributions, and confirm related records and internal databases are current.
- Monitor open accounting issues, assign clear ownership and follow through to timely resolution.
- Troubleshoot complex or escalated matters and provide practical, well-supported recommendations to management, clients and operating teams.
- Promote standardized, efficient and scalable processes that improve accuracy, timeliness, control and transparency.
Client Service and Stakeholder Partnership
- Build constructive and reliable relationships with clients, property teams and internal business partners through proactive, clear and professional communication.
- Ensure client and internal requests are addressed accurately, courteously and within agreed timelines.
- Understand portfolio-specific requirements and translate contractual obligations into practical accounting procedures and service expectations.
- Communicate emerging risks, service gaps, scope changes and significant accounting matters to the appropriate stakeholders.
Transitions, Change and Continuous Improvement
- Support internal and external property and client transitions, including planning, knowledge transfer, data validation and stabilization of recurring accounting processes.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver special requirements defined in management agreements and financial services agreements.
- Identify changes to scope or service requirements and communicate impacts to the manager and accounting team.
- Recommend process improvements and value-added service opportunities based on portfolio needs, client priorities and the department’s service model.
People Leadership
- Provide formal supervision, direction and support to accounting team members.
- Establish clear priorities, workload expectations, quality standards and accountability across the team.
- Coach and mentor employees to strengthen technical knowledge, judgment, communication and client service capabilities.
- Prepare and deliver timely, balanced performance feedback and development plans in accordance with company practices.
- Model professional conduct and behaviours consistent with the company’s values and foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-accountability team environment.
Qualifications And Experience
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- A minimum of six years of progressive accounting, finance or real estate accounting experience, including prior people-leadership or supervisory experience.
- Strong knowledge of financial reporting, reconciliations, internal controls and accounting processes in a multi-property or multi-client environment.
- Experience with commercial real estate accounting or property management accounting is strongly preferred.
- Professional accounting designation, such as CPA, is preferred.
- Experience with real estate accounting platforms and the ability to work effectively across multiple financial systems and applications.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience using reporting, workflow or data-analysis tools is an asset.
Core Competencies
- Leadership and Coaching: Sets clear expectations, develops talent and builds accountability.
- Financial Acumen: Applies sound judgment to reporting, analysis, controls and complex accounting matters.
- Analytical Problem-Solving: Evaluates options, identifies root causes and develops practical solutions.
- Client Focus: Delivers reliable, responsive and professional service to internal and external clients.
- Communication: Explains financial information clearly and responds effectively to sensitive or complex issues.
- Planning and Organization: Balances competing priorities and consistently meets quality and timing commitments.
- Collaboration: Works effectively across accounting, operations and other internal teams.
- Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to simplify work, strengthen controls and improve service delivery.
Success in the Role
Success is demonstrated through accurate and timely portfolio reporting, strong control discipline, proactive resolution of accounting issues, dependable client service, effective transitions, and the continued growth and engagement of the accounting team.
Note: This job description summarizes the primary responsibilities and qualifications of the role. Responsibilities may evolve based on client, portfolio and business requirements.
Why CBRE?
When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values - respect, integrity, service and excellence - and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.
Our Values in Hiring
At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.
Disclaimers
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in Canada without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Applicant AI Use Disclosure
We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills, and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.
The posting is for an existing vacancy with the organization
CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. The salary range being offered for this Accounting Manager position is between $108,000 annually and $120,000 annually. The compensation that is provided to a successful candidate will depend on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience. This role will provide the following benefits: Group Retirement Program, Medical, Dental and Vision coverage, Life Insurance and more.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: CBRE is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages application from all persons regardless of race, creed, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, colour, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, family status, gender identity or expression, disability or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, provincial or territorial law.
Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individual with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at recruitingaccommodations@cbre.com or via telephone at Via telephone at +1 866 388 4346 (Canada) and +1 866 225 3099 (U.S.)
