Membership Spotlight: Rachel Orr

Friday, May 5, 2023

Rachel Orr, Director, Real Estate Accounting, Hungerford Properties + CREW Vancouver Director of Finance & Governance

Rachel is responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of the real estate assets including budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and quarterly reporting at Hungerford Properties (an established private equity real estate investment firm). Rachel started her career at KPMG Vancouver working with a variety of clients in the Real Estate and Deal Advisory practice areas. Rachel also volunteers on the CREW Vancouver Board of Directors as Director of Finance & Governance.

Rachel, thank you for being our BOD & Member Spotlight! Can you tell us how you first became involved with CREW Vancouver? As CREW Vancouver Director of Finance and Governance, what are your key initiatives for 2023?

Ever since I was young, I’ve always looked for opportunities to be involved in the community and with different organizations, may it be from volunteering with Special Olympics, to being a member of the Cystic Fibrosis Canada Young Professional Advisory Board. Thankfully, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by strong leaders in my professional career who have encouraged and supported me to be involved with these different initiatives and organizations. Kristen Cheung, a previous Board Member and colleague from KPMG, invited me to many CREW events and encouraged me to get more involved. After going to a few CREW events, I realized this is an organization of extremely talented and ambitious individuals and the organization aligns with both my professional and personal values. As the Director of Finance and Governance I oversee cash management, budgeting, financial analysis, and compliance. I will be working closely with the committees to ensure our finances support and drive the organization’s goals and objectives. Furthermore, I’ll be working on a longer-term strategic plan to determine how best to utilize funds to enable success of the Board and Chapter in future years. As a Board we not only focus on the current year but also on succession planning so the organization continually develops and grows.

Which CREW Vancouver events are you most looking forward to this year and why?

Two events I am most looking forward to is the May luncheon with keynote speak Fotini Iconomopoulos and the annual CREW Vancouver Golf Tournament. I think Fotini will bring a unique perspective, while engaging and empowering the audience. I hope to learn more about persuasion and negotiation to further develop my leadership skills and inspire those I work with. I also can’t wait for the Golf Tournament! It is such a great day being outside with friends and colleagues. I find some of the most impactful and long-lasting relationships are developed in a more casual setting.

How did you first become interested in pursuing a career in real estate accounting? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked your interest?

I first decided a career in accounting and obtaining my CPA would be a good foundation for any career in business. Starting at KPMG helped lay the groundwork to understand the financials and operations of different organizations and industries. From there I realized I enjoyed the tangible aspect of real estate. It’s incredible to physically see projects develop over time, and what better place to be in the real estate industry than Vancouver! When I made the move from public practice into the real estate industry my interest was sparked by my manager who emphasized that real estate accounting is dynamic, there is always a transaction or something going on which keeps the job interesting.   

Finally, what keeps you energized and fulfilled outside the office and how do you make time for these pursuits?

Spending time with friends and family fills my cup! I love to stay busy and usually this means being active and doing lots of different activities. I am an avid skier and play field hockey in the winter. In the summer I enjoy playing golf, volleyball, and spending as much time as I can on the water. I am also a frequent traveler and take any opportunity to hop on a plane and visit a new place. At times it is hard to fit it all in, but I think the key is trying to stay present. Workloads ebb and flow, which at times can be challenging, but understanding and setting expectations and boundaries is important. My to do list keeps me on track, and motivates me to be efficient and productive.

Rachel Orr, Director, Real Estate Accounting, Hungerford Properties + CREW Vancouver Director of Finance & Governance.

Rachel is responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of the real estate assets including budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and quarterly reporting at Hungerford Properties (an established private equity real estate investment firm). Rachel started her career at KPMG Vancouver working with a variety of clients in the Real Estate and Deal Advisory practice areas. Rachel also volunteers on the CREW Vancouver Board of Directors as Director of Finance & Governance.

Q&A:

A:. Ever since I was young, I’ve always looked for opportunities to be involved in the community and with different organizations, may it be from volunteering with Special Olympics, to being a member of the Cystic Fibrosis Canada Young Professional Advisory Board. Thankfully, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by strong leaders in my professional career who have encouraged and supported me to be involved with these different initiatives and organizations. Kristen Cheung, a previous Board Member and colleague from KPMG, invited me to many CREW events and encouraged me to get more involved. After going to a few CREW events, I realized this is an organization of extremely talented and ambitious individuals and the organization aligns with both my professional and personal values. As the Director of Finance and Governance I oversee cash management, budgeting, financial analysis, and compliance. I will be working closely with the committees to ensure our finances support and drive the organization’s goals and objectives. Furthermore, I’ll be working on a longer-term strategic plan to determine how best to utilize funds to enable success of the Board and Chapter in future years. As a Board we not only focus on the current year but also on succession planning so the organization continually develops and grows.

A:    Two events I am most looking forward to is the May luncheon with keynote speak Fotini Iconomopoulos and the annual CREW Vancouver Golf Tournament. I think Fotini will bring a unique perspective, while engaging and empowering the audience. I hope to learn more about persuasion and negotiation to further develop my leadership skills and inspire those I work with. I also can’t wait for the Golf Tournament! It is such a great day being outside with friends and colleagues. I find some of the most impactful and long-lasting relationships are developed in a more casual setting.

A:   I first decided a career in accounting and obtaining my CPA would be a good foundation for any career in business. Starting at KPMG helped lay the groundwork to understand the financials and operations of different organizations and industries. From there I realized I enjoyed the tangible aspect of real estate. It’s incredible to physically see projects develop over time, and what better place to be in the real estate industry than Vancouver! When I made the move from public practice into the real estate industry my interest was sparked by my manager who emphasized that real estate accounting is dynamic, there is always a transaction or something going on which keeps the job interesting.   

A: Spending time with friends and family fills my cup! I love to stay busy and usually this means being active and doing lots of different activities. I am an avid skier and play field hockey in the winter. In the summer I enjoy playing golf, volleyball, and spending as much time as I can on the water. I am also a frequent traveler and take any opportunity to hop on a plane and visit a new place. At times it is hard to fit it all in, but I think the key is trying to stay present. Workloads ebb and flow, which at times can be challenging, but understanding and setting expectations and boundaries is important.  My to do list keeps me on track, and motivates me to be efficient and productive.