Isata Sesay
Toronto
Summary
Experienced accounting professional with strong understanding of financial data, budgeting, project contracts, cost assessments, cash flow projections and other accounting. Detail-oriented and results-driven with an in-depth knowledge of financial analysis and reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Experienced in communicating with all cross-functional organization teams and working with senior management and auditors. Proven ability to drive results through team collaboration and adaptability to changing needs.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Development Accountant
RioCan Management Inc.
04.2017 - 06.2025
- Conducted monthly audits and identified data discrepancies with posted accounting records
- Reviewed monthly report submitted by third-party, work in progress construction account, budget & actual variances and bank reconciliation
- Managed full cycle accounting for seven or more assigned development projects, including journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end/year-end processes
- Set up and maintained projects in Yardi job cost, including original and revised budgets, costs incurred, costs to complete, committed costs, and projected final costs.
- Provided accurate and timely financial information as required internally by management and other department.
- Maintained and validated data to investigate any queries by internal control, external auditors and Canada Revenue Agency
- Reconciled bank transactions and ensured proper recording of all financial transactions for all projects under developments
- Prepared and filed HST/GST returns and ensured compliance with applicable tax regulations
- Prepare quarterly cost to complete schedule for all active projects under development
- Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial statements
Development Accountant
RioCan Management Inc.
01.2008 - 01.2017
- Compile and report on budgeting, cash flow projections and variances pertaining to properties under development.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for project budgets, commitments, and expenditures
- Prepare timely and accurate journal entries, including cash, accruals, development fees, etc., as required in completing the monthly and quarterly reporting
- Coordinate directly with external auditors to facilitate a smooth audit process
- Maintain intercompany reconciliations and record journal entries; maintain and reconcile general ledger, job cost and other JDE reports
- Prepare monthly construction draw packages and assess costs incurred to budget, maintain a working paper file for each project, including support for GL balances and actual vs. budget
- Prepare and post journal entries related to daily financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
- Monitor committed costs and projected final costs relative to changes in contracts and commitments.
- Work with property accounting to coordinate the transition of properties under development to income-producing.
Assistant Development Analyst
RioCan Management Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Data gathering and analysis to support assumptions used in valuation models and development project pro-formas
- Assist in the preparation of monthly/quarterly variance reporting, analyzes and interprets variances.
- Set-up, monitoring and reporting of pro-formas actuals in ERP system (i.e. variance analysis, cash flow projections)
- Track project costs, including invoice coding and liaison with project managers for completeness of costs
- Support the Development team with regular and ad-hoc reporting and requests for financial information.
- Prepare working paper files for submission to auditors (internal/external); assist with all auditor requirements/queries
- Prepare and analyze monthly project financial statements, budget vs. actuals, and cost reports
- Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and funding requirements in collaboration with the development and construction teams
- Setup New pre-construction and construction projects Jobs, including mapping into Riocan’s chart of accounts.
- Check tenant leasing information and rent roll to identify unit re existing, vacancy or redevelopment.
- Liaise with construction department for project budgeting, reporting, tracking and cost control
- JDE Edwards - Monthly review of job cost activity to ensure consistent and proper coding.
Administrative Assistant
Residence Service – York University
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Respond to parent and student inquiries regarding residence accommodations.
- Sorted and filed residence documents and applications
- Arranged and prepared residence acceptance packages and laundry cards.
- Assisted in the preparation of Powerpoint presentations
Manager, Concessions
Ontario Sports Service Inc
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Responsible for all aspects of store operations / concession stand
- Managed employees including hiring, training, scheduling and supervising shifts.
- Responsible for inventory management including ordering and managing inventory
- Responsible for cash management including ordering change, preparing deposits, balancing and securing safe
- Ensured compliance with food and safety standards and company policies
- Addressed customer concerns and complaints
Education
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) -
York University
Toronto, OntarioBachelor of Administrative Studies (BAS) - Marketing
York University
Toronto, Ontario06.2010
Skills
- MS Excel skills, knowledge of Oracle JD Edwards, Yardi Voyager, Hyperion, Workiva, Argus, Power BI and Insight – Hubble
- Microsoft Certified Excel Expert; Proficient with advanced functions like V&H-Lookup, Pivot Tables, Macros, Array Formulas & Formula Auditing, etc
- Ability to manipulate large volumes of data (link files, run macros, pivot tables, etc)
- Highly developed communications and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills
- Analyzing financial reporting
- Bank reconciliation
- Financial statements
- Account reconciliation
Websites
Timeline
Senior Development Accountant
RioCan Management Inc.
04.2017 - 06.2025
Development Accountant
RioCan Management Inc.
01.2008 - 01.2017
Assistant Development Analyst
RioCan Management Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2008
Administrative Assistant
Residence Service – York University
01.2006 - 01.2008
Manager, Concessions
Ontario Sports Service Inc
01.2000 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) -
York University
Bachelor of Administrative Studies (BAS) - Marketing
York University
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