RS Accounting Assistant Controller

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Overview

AvalonBay Communities, Inc., an equity REIT, has a long-term track record of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing distinctive apartment homes in some of the best U.S. markets, and delivering outsized, risk-adjusted returns to shareholders. With equal parts experience and vision, we’ve established a leadership position rooted in our purpose of creating a better way to live and that is always focused on building value for the long term.

Creating a better way to live is the purpose that binds AvalonBay associates. We take that purpose seriously and expect you will as well. By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and taking ownership of our choices and actions, we act in ways that focus on creating value for our customers, investors and associates. Your positive, professional, and consistent personal interactions make AvalonBay a great place to work.

The Role

The Assistant Controller/RS Accounting manages the managerial team of RS Accounting to ensure financials are accurate and timely according to US GAAP and corporate guidelines. This includes reviewing and analyzing monthly financials, variance explanations, reconciliations, and G/L activity by category for the communities. Position also coordinates the accounting for dispositions, acquisitions, and joint ventures, as well as oversees the external property audits and third-party management relationships. 
 
Supervise RS Accounting Managers and Supervisors to include recruiting, assignments, training, coaching and development as well as performance evaluations.

Oversee the achievement of department and individual annual goals and projects.

Coordinate the timely completion of all internal and external community audits with the auditors and the team as well as review audited financial statements and footnotes.

Review and analyze financials, variance explanations, reconciliations and G/L activity for complex categories as well as provide feedback and action items.

Manage complex transactions and reporting for acquisitions, dispositions, true ups, joint ventures, and third-party management arrangements.

Achieve a detailed understanding of all financial transactions, systems, policies, procedures, corporate guidelines as well as provide technical accounting expertise and advice.

Prepare corporate reports with budget and prior month variance explanations by community for Total Revenue and Expense which exceed thresholds.

Release ACH disbursements and sign checks as needed.

Act as a liaison to Corporate Accounting and other departments such as Finance, Investments, Retail and Operations as well as to utility providers.

Review and interpret legal agreements as well as monitor lender and joint venture reporting, distributions, and relationships.

Monitor and ensure compliance with internal controls including the quarterly certification of controls to meet Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.

Determine management responses for any audit findings.

Evaluate, develop and document accounting procedures, policies and controls
Evaluate and implement process improvements.

Participate in budgeting, system conversions or corporate initiatives as assigned.

Submit requests for new banks, bank closures, new business units or GL accounts.
 
 
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited 4-year university or college
 
Experience:
Minimum of 7-10 years accounting experience including monthly financial statement preparation and review as well as previous managerial experience

CPA certificate or Graduate degree desired

Experience in Real Estate, Public Accounting and Auditing a plus

System knowledge of Workday or MRI a plus
 
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Solid accounting background in US GAAP, audits, financial close and reporting process

Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)

Proven ability to effectively train and supervise staff

Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities

Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office products

Advanced Excel skills required with VB Macro experience a plus

Superior time management and organizational skills

Ability to work under pressure and to interact with all levels of management

Demonstrate teamwork and strong work ethics and customer focus

Willingness to work flexible hours

Demonstrate strong initiative and project management skills

Proven leadership skills with ability to take charge and assume responsibility
 

 
 

How AvalonBay Supports You

Additional Info

AvalonBay is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment free of discrimination and harassment.  We believe that in order to achieve our purpose of creating a better way to live, we must recruit, develop and retain associates with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives and create an environment that encourages all voices to be heard, understood and appreciated. With this we know we can do great things.

AvalonBay makes employment decisions without regard to a person’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including characteristics or testing), citizenship status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by the law.

For California residents, if you elect to apply to AvalonBay you accept the AvalonBay California Personnel Privacy Notice (https://www.avaloncommunities.com/california-personnel-privacy-notice/)