Analyst, Internal Audit and Compliance

About the role

You will design and execute detailed audit procedures to test the effectiveness of internal controls across finance, operations, and compliance domains specific to a large REIT environment. You will partner with stakeholders at all levels to understand complex business processes, identify control gaps, and recommend sustainable improvements that mitigate risk. You will coordinate with external auditors, providing documentation and testing support to streamline year end financial and compliance audits. You will perform data analysis using analytics tools to detect anomalies, trends, and potential control failures before they escalate into material issues. You will maintain a detailed understanding of regulatory obligations impacting publicly traded real estate investment trusts and ensure alignment with evolving requirements. You will document findings in clear, professional reports and present actionable recommendations to management and the Audit Committee. You will track remediation plans, monitor closure of identified issues, and verify that control enhancements are sustained over time. You will contribute to the annual internal audit plan, risk assessment, and compliance monitoring activities, helping to prioritize efforts based on risk and business impact.

Key facts

What you'll do

Conduct end to end testing of internal controls for financial reporting, lease administration, property operations, and compliance functions.

Perform substantive testing of transactions and account balances to assess accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting standards and trust agreements.

Analyze control frameworks, map process flows, and evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of key controls.

Leverage data extraction and analysis tools to identify outliers, trends, and potential risks in large property and financial datasets.

Coordinate audit fieldwork, schedule interviews, and facilitate walkthroughs of property and corporate processes with business owners.

Prepare detailed audit workpapers, issue management letters, and track remediation plans to closure in a timely manner.

Support the external audit process by providing requested documentation, testing schedules, and responses to auditor inquiries.

Monitor changes in legislation, regulations, and industry guidance relevant to REIT operations and compliance obligations.

Assist in the preparation of internal audit reports, executive summaries, and dashboards for senior management and the Audit Committee.

Contribute to the development and maintenance of an enterprise risk register, updating assessments as the business evolves.

Collaborate with IT and security teams to assess controls over information systems, data integrity, and access management.

Support compliance monitoring initiatives, including anti money laundering, conflict of interest, and code of conduct adherence.

Perform ad hoc analyses and special projects requested by leadership to address emerging risks or strategic initiatives.

Engage in continuous professional development to strengthen technical knowledge, audit methodology, and stakeholder communication skills.

Requirements

Must be currently pursuing or have completed a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Must be enrolled in or have obtained a recognized accounting designation such as CPA, CA, or CIA, or be actively pursuing this designation.

Must possess strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to interpret financial data, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.

Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all levels of the organization.

Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions, data manipulation, and report preparation.

Must have a solid understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial reporting practices for publicly traded companies.

Must be able to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple priorities in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.

Must be legally entitled to work in Canada without sponsorship, or already hold valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship by RioCan for the position advertised.

Nice to have

Prior experience in real estate, REIT, or property management environments.

Familiarity with internal audit frameworks such as COSO and proficiency with audit management software.

Experience with data analytics tools such as IDEA, ACL, or Python for audit related tasks.

Knowledge of lease accounting standards and property management systems.

Understanding of sustainability and ESG reporting considerations within the real estate sector.

Practical notes

This is a full time permanent position based in our North York, ON office.

The anticipated start date is as soon as possible.

Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria; incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.