Controller

The Controller monitors the financial affairs for a portfolio of assets under management and reviews and ensures accurate preparation of all month-end financial reporting. The Controller is responsible for the timely completion of monthly financial statements/packets and ensures the Property Accounting team follows company policies, procedures and company-approved accounting practices. The Controller sets the tone in establishing a customer service attitude within the accounting department and communicates priorities that include but are not limited to the following: monthly financial reviews, journal entries, re-class and variance reporting activity, timely submittal of month-end accounting packages, ongoing communication with the Chief Financial Officer and corporate accounting entities regarding accounting challenges, and inter-departmental communications.

DUTIES and SPECIFICATIONS:

The Controller’s primary responsibilities shall include but are not limited to:

• Overseeing and supporting the property accounting team members who report directly to the Controller and ancillary supervision of other property accounting team members within the department.
• Assisting in developing and enforcing internal controls to maximize protection of company assets, policies, procedures, and workflow.
• Cash management activities, including wire release/approvals up to certain dollar limits, release of Positive Pay exceptions and signing of checks up to certain dollar limits.
• Responsible for reviewing and approving bank reconciliations prepared by Property Accountants for the properties within their respective portfolio.
• Review of preliminary financial statements and providing comments to the Property Accountants to ensure adherence with company policies.
• Assisting Regional Managers (RMs) and Property Accountants with forecasts and distribution calculations, as needed.
• Assisting RMs with post-sale closing prorations as needed, including confirmation that all financial information is correctly presented prior to the RMs sending the support to the closing agent/attorney.
• Responsible for ensuring that all applicable property tax payments are remitted timely and recorded correctly in the financial statements.
• Assisting RMs in the set-up of sales tax accounts, as applicable.
• Responsible for overseeing and following up with Property Accountants regarding critical payments, including owner distributions, tax payments, insurance payments, mortgage payments, etc. for all applicable properties.
• Assisting with audit inquiries and schedules.
• Additional duties and ad hoc projects as needed.

SKILLS, KNOWELDGE and ABILITIES:

• Possess excellent computer skills and demonstrate proficiency in the software utilized for the applicable property portfolio assigned to the Controller
• Knowledge of Yardi/Real Page/TOPS preferred
• Able to read and write in English language in a professional manner
• High level of professionalism and poise
• Ability to follow and apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Ability to lead others.
• Ability to perform cash forecasting, planning and management.
• Ability to read and comprehend financial statements and governing agreements
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Independent and autonomous work style
• Demonstrated effective communication skills
• Must possess attention to detail
• Knowledge of business practices and principles
• Must be flexible and able to handle multiple projects and tasks concurrently
• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 6 years of accounting experience, including prior experience in accounting for real estate required.
• Residential property accounting experience preferred.
• Commercial accounting experience is a plus.
• 4 years of experience as a senior-level Accounting or Finance Manager with prior experience managing a team.
• 4-year Accounting or Finance degree required.
• CPA preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The Controller works in an office environment. This person should be able to sit for an extended period of time. This person should be able to push, pull, stoop, kneel, reach, grasp, talk, hear, climb, and lift objects up to 15 pounds with ease. This person should be able to operate office equipment such as computer/phone/fax/scanner/etc. They work normal business hours. This position will involve light travel for training and education seminars.