What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Controller position at brightSTAR Communities?
About brightSTAR
brightSTAR Communities is a premier operator of Manufactured Home Communities (“MHC”) and Recreational Vehicle Resorts (“RV”) across the United States. Our mission is to create vibrant, affordable communities for working families and retirees, as well as attractive vacation destinations for RV travelers.
At brightSTAR, we partner with exceptional leaders to support our rapid growth and meet the needs of our residents by consistently executing our disciplined approach to community building. By combining institutional discipline with our entrepreneurial spirit, we deliver meaningful benefits to our residents and significant growth for our investors.
We are guided by a few Core Beliefs:
- CHARACTER MATTERS
- business should be a FORCE FOR GOOD
- we all profit most when we work for a PURPOSE GREATER THAN OURSELVES
- every decision should maximize LONG-TERM VALUE FOR ALL STAKEHOLDERS
We strive to live our Values every day:
- AUTHENTICITY – Being true to ourselves and doing what’s right
- RELENTLESS – Fuels our pursuit of excellence
- PROBLEM SOLVERS – Transforming challenges into opportunities
- COLLABORATION – Leveraging diverse perspectives enables us to achieve extraordinary results
The Position
The Controller is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial reporting functions across our real estate portfolio. This role demands a strong understanding of real estate accounting principles, financial analysis, and compliance. The Controller will identify and implement financial strategies & processes that align with the company's overall objectives, providing financial leadership and ensuring the accounting team effectively supports these strategies.
This position represents a distinctive opportunity for an experienced professional to lay the groundwork and provide the leadership required for a best-in-class operator in the MHC and RV industry.
Responsibilities:
Accounting Operations:
- Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations, including cash management, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, fixed assets, and payroll.
- Ensure accurate and timely tax-basis financial reporting.
- Manage to a 5-day month-end close, including preparation of financial statements, variance analysis, and account reconciliations.
- Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure data integrity.
Financial Planning & Analysis:
- Develop and maintain financial models to forecast cash flow, analyze property performance, and support investment decisions.
- Prepare budgets and financial projections for each property and the overall portfolio.
- Monitor key financial metrics and provide insightful analysis to management.
- Collaborate with the CEO & CFO on strategic planning and capital allocation decisions.
Compliance – Regulatory, Tax and Debt:
- Ensure full compliance with all applicable accounting standards, tax laws, debt agreements, and industry regulations.
- Stay abreast of changes in accounting and tax regulations and identify opportunities to maximize after-tax returns.
Team Leadership:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of accounting professionals.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
Other:
- Participate in due diligence for potential acquisitions and dispositions.
Who You Are
- A problem-solver. You have the vision to anticipate challenges and opportunities, and you have the follow-through and self-sufficiency to act. You put the right solutions in place. You naturally seek out and execute projects that drive efficiency, strengthen the team and distinguish the Company as a model of excellence in our industry -- things get done the right way, the first time, every time.
- A Strategic Mindset. Ability to translate financial data into actionable insights and provide strategic recommendations to drive business growth.
- A steward. Integrity drives you to protect and preserve the assets of the organization and ensure effective management across the organization.
- A team member. You strive to become an indispensable contributor to team and company success by modeling and cultivating the company culture.
Qualifications
- A Minimum of 10 years of progressive hands-on experience, preferably in the RV/MHC industries.
- CPA & bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, finance or related discipline. MBA is highly preferred.
- Experience in real estate, construction, and/or affordable housing is a plus.
- Uncompromising integrity. Sets goals based on high standards of performance.
- Enthusiastic, disciplined, and reliable.
- High-energy. Acts with a sense of urgency. Consistently meets deadlines.
- Self-sufficient with excellent follow-through and attention to detail.
- Eager to simplify processes and use new tools to maximize efficiency.
- Experience with Rent Manager® & Avid is preferred.
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must be able to pass pre-employment background, credit check, and drug screening. brightSTAR Communities maintains a drug-free and tobacco-free workplace.
What We Offer
- brightSTAR Communities offers a competitive salary based upon experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options
- HSA with a monthly Company contribution for those who elect a high-deductible health care plan
- 401(k) with a generous Company match
Job Type: Full-Time. May be eligible for partial remote work.
To apply, please direct your resumé and compensation expectations immediately via email to: Lauren Cravens
HR@brightSTARcommunities.com