Director of Accounting

Job Title: Director of Accounting

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

Direct Reports: Yes

Department: Accounting

Location: Home Office – Newport Beach, CA (Remote)

FLSA Status: Exempt/Salary

Base Salary Range: $165,000 - $170,000

Travel: 5% - 10%

Job Summary

The role of the Director of Accounting plays a critical role in leading and managing the accounting function of the company, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, driving operational excellence, and supporting the company’s strategic objectives. The DIRECTOR of Accounting reports directly to the CFO and collaborates with cross-functional teams to uphold the organization’s financial health and governance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Direct Reports:

• Property-Level AP Manager
• Assistant Controller
• Compliance Manager
• Accounting Manager

Accounting Operations & Compliance

• Oversee all aspects of accounting operations, including month-end close, property-level accounts payable, technical accounting, and reporting.
• Manage financial reports, including quarterly and annual filings, in compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards.
• Liaison between Accounting and Operations to ensure policies and procedures are compliant
• Oversee audits
• Implement and maintain internal controls and policies.
• Oversee Compliance Team
• Serve as the Directly Responsible Individual for financial reporting processes and capital asset management.
• Budget Accounting Expenses oversight
• Development Accounting oversight

Strategic Leadership

• Lead a national distributed accounting team, building an effective remote-first culture with team members from diverse geographies.
• Drive long-term financial planning, develop cost-control systems, and implement process improvements.
• Collaborate with the CFO and VP Corporate Controller on technical accounting policies and decisions, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals.

Team Development & Governance

• Coach, mentor, and develop team members to ensure high-quality output under tight deadlines.
• Build relationships with external auditors, participate in Audit Committee meetings, and lead annual audits.

Systems & Process Optimization

• Champion the implementation of new systems and enhancements, optimizing the use of technology in finance operations.
• Liaison between Accounting team and Operation heads to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve on the finance leadership team, partnering with the CFO and other leaders to shape the future of the finance function.
• Communicate complex financial concepts effectively to stakeholders at all levels.

Qualifications

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Management (required). A CPA certification (active or inactive) is desired but not required.
• Property Management Accounting experience is required.
• 10 years of experience, including leading the accounting function of a privately-held company.
• Experience in enterprise software such as Yardi, SaaS, and global operations.

Skills

• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of GAAP standards, SOX compliance, and global tax structures.
• Leadership: Proven ability to build, lead, and motivate teams, including remote and geographically dispersed groups.
• Business Acumen: Critical judgment and strategic planning skills to align financial processes with organizational goals.
• Technology Proficiency: Experience with accounting and financial reporting systems; ability to implement and optimize financial technologies.
• Communication: Outstanding presentation and interactive communication skills to influence and engage stakeholders effectively.
• Ethics & Integrity: High ethical standards, personal integrity, and attention to detail.
• Proactive, self-starter, goal oriented and ability to work independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products.

About Westport Properties

Founded in 1985, Westport Properties (“WPI”) is an owner-operator of self-storage, multifamily and industrial properties across the United States. The Company is a fully integrated operator that develops, acquires and manages its portfolio as well as providing third-party management services. As of March 2024, WPI has approximately 15.2 million square feet of self-storage space under management and its total assets under management is approaching $3.2 billion with its US Storage Centers brand as well as over 650 multifamily units while employing over 600 people nationwide. WPI is a founding partner of the 501(c)3 Kure-It, a non-profit organization that raises money for underfunded cancer research, and Charity Storage, a 501(c)3 that uses vacant storage units to raise money for local charities. To date, Kure-It has raised over $15M and Charity Storage has raised over $1.2M.

At-Will Employment & Equal Opportunity Employer

Westport Properties, Inc. is a parent company of US Storage Centers (USSC) which provides at-will, equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability or genetics. Furthermore, Westport Properties, Inc. expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment and discrimination based on age, disability, color, genetics, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in compliance with federal, state and applicable local laws governing employment and labor law in every location in which the company conducts business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Salary : $165,000 - $170,000