Controller – Housing Operations

Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Position Type: Full-Time, Contract 

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About Homeward Trust

Homeward Trust Edmonton is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in our community. Alongside funding programs and services, we directly manage and support housing operations, including property management and property development. Strong financial oversight is central to ensuring sustainable housing solutions for those we serve.

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Position Summary

Reporting to the CFO, the Controller – Housing Operations will be responsible for the overall financial management of Homeward Trust’s housing portfolio. This includes leading accounting operations, ensuring accurate reporting, managing audits, consolidations, and maintaining strong internal controls.

The Controller will lead the finance team while overseeing property-related accounting, compliance with funding agreements, and financial stewardship of housing operations. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines traditional controllership responsibilities with specialized oversight of property management and development finance.

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Key Responsibilities

Core Accounting & Compliance

• Oversee full-cycle accounting, including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and month-end/year-end close.
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of consolidated financial statements and reporting packages for the Board and Senior Leadership.
• Lead financial consolidations across multiple entities, ensuring accuracy and consistency in reporting.
• Develop and monitor internal controls, financial policies, and compliance frameworks.
• Lead preparation and coordination of annual audit requirements, liaising with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, funder agreements, and not-for-profit accounting standards.
• Manage GST compliance and rebate filings, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to applicable federal and provincial requirements.
• Oversee cash flow forecasting, treasury management, and banking relationships to ensure adequate liquidity for operations and capital projects.

Housing & Property Operations Finance

• Oversee accounting for property management activities, including rental income, operating expenses, and capital reserve tracking.
• Manage financial aspects of property development projects, acquisitions, dispositions, and refinancing.
• Utilize Yardi for entity set-ups, allocations, intercompany accounting, and system enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with lender and government reporting obligations.

Budgeting, Monitoring & Reporting

• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes across housing operations.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Prepare ad-hoc analysis and management reports for leadership and the Board.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and mentor finance staff, fostering growth and accountability.
• Support continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and reporting.
• Drive efficiency through process improvements and enhanced controls.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with internal teams to align financial planning with operational and strategic goals.
• Provide financial analysis and modeling in support of housing initiatives, development projects, and funding scenarios.
• Build strong relationships with external partners, including auditors, financial institutions, funders, and government agencies.
• Represent Homeward Trust in financial discussions related to housing operations.

Qualifications & Experience

• CPA designation required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive finance/accounting experience; experience in property management, housing operations, or real estate development finance considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience with consolidations, audits, budgets, and financial reporting in multi-entity environments.
• Experience with Yardi (desirable).
• Strong knowledge of not-for-profit accounting standards and funder compliance.
• Experience with GST rebate claims and not-for-profit indirect tax compliance considered an asset.
• Proven ability to supervise and develop staff.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate financial concepts to non-finance audiences.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

Why Join Us

This is a chance to combine your controllership expertise with meaningful impact. You’ll shape the financial foundation of housing initiatives that support communities, while leading a talented team in a dynamic, mission-driven organization. This is a three to six month contract assignment with the possibility of extension.

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How to Apply

Submit your cover letter and resume to with the subject line:
“Controller – Housing Operations Application – [Your Name]”.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted. Please do not call regarding this position.