Compliance & Risk Assistant

Our small Canadian‑born business was founded in 1978 and has become a global organization with 120 locations in 20 countries. We focus on creating vibrant buildings, cities and places that deliver long‑lasting social value and economic impact.

Overall Purpose of the Job

To support the Compliance & Risk Manager in the Real Estate, Facilities & Infrastructure Management (REFIM) business group, delivering a robust programme of compliance & risk oversight, operational risk reporting and an internal monitoring framework, particularly across the property accounting finance team processes. The role also involves close liaison with the Head of Operations to ensure a collaborative and forward‑thinking culture in risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Undertake the investigation and review of incidents resulting from control process failures, identify root causes, recommend mitigation, track to completion and prepare reports for senior management review and action.
• Create and implement strong control systems to ensure adherence to internal policies, procedures and external regulations.
• Collaborate with the Compliance & Risk Manager to prepare the annual internal audit plan for the business group and provide systematic review and reporting of findings of key operational areas.
• Assist with the development and implementation of a risk and controls framework around the property accounting processes to facilitate the Real Estate Management Services (REMS) service line securing ISAE3402 accreditation, a key strategic objective for 2025 into 2026.
• Plan and conduct internal monitoring as necessary.
• Ensure reporting of all internal control matters is completed accurately and on a timely basis.
• Coordinate with service line heads and team managers to facilitate the close‑out of actions and implementation of recommendations as required.
• Assess process risks and adequacy of controls to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Stay informed about corporate governance, regulatory and legal procedures.
• Liaise with external auditors, including those acting on behalf of clients or ISO 9001, and the internal Global Risk & Compliance team to ensure all audits progress to specification and on time.
• Assist in maintaining and implementing compliance & risk policies and procedures.
• Support all service lines and teams within the business group in identifying, reporting and managing risk, including updating the REFIM Risk Register, developing procedures and reporting mechanisms, dashboards of key risk and incident data and streamlined reports.
• Contribute to overseeing KPI performance including service charge performance, property health checks, timecard reporting, competency and off‑boarding readiness assessments.
• Champion continuous improvement of procedures and processes.
• Assist in the creation and delivery of training on compliance and risk, regulatory and procedural adherence, and changes to ensure knowledge is current and up to date.
• Manage the Compliance and Risk mailbox daily and respond or escalate queries as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Assist the REFIM Training manager as required to schedule and communicate training courses across the REFIM business group, track and report attendance.
• Some travel will be required to regional offices.

Qualifications

• Ability to formulate compliance procedures, processes, and controls.
• A self‑starter with excellent time‑management skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to communicate and have influence at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues at all levels and across various teams.
• Internal audit experience, including the ability to implement and deliver clear results and actions from audits tracked to completion.
• Knowledge of RICS governance, particularly the RICS Client Money Handling rules and Service Charge Code of Practice.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft applications, especially strong Excel skills to prepare and deliver reports and dashboards.
• Working knowledge of data management regulations such as GDPR (desirable).
• Familiarity with scoping and implementing ISAE3402 accreditation (desirable).
• Knowledge of property management accounting systems, such as Yardi Voyager (preferable).

Equal Opportunities

Avison Young is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to treating all its employees and job applicants equitably. We have a Disability Confident Employer program and actively remove obstacles to inclusion. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, and we are a committed partner to advancing underrepresented communities in commercial real estate careers.

Empowering all our employees to thrive. Reflecting all backgrounds and talents. Allowing individuals to be successful and feel a sense of belonging. Fostering a workplace that is supported, inclusive and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.