Assistant Controller

Columbia Residential has a market focus that encompasses a broad range of building and community types spanning the gamut of multifamily and community oriented development.

Summary: * As a key member of the Columbia Management team, the Assistant Controller will report to the Vice President of Finance and assume a strategic role in the overall property management of the company. The Assistant Controller will have primary day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all financial-related activities in the property management area. This will include direct responsibility for property management accounting, finance, forecasting, strategic planning and property compliance. Under general supervision, the Assistant Controller reviews, prepares, evaluates, and analyzes the financial reporting for various properties. The Assistant Controller exercises independent judgment in interpreting and advising specific properties on their financial position. Specific duties may include any of the areas identified below. Responsibilities: * Oversee the operations of the accounting department, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department's goals and objectives. * Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures. * Complete or review month-end closing procedures, including analysis and reconciliation of all balance sheet (and applicable income statement accounts), and resolve accounting discrepancies. * Hire, train and supervise a team of accounting clerks and accountants. * Oversees accounting staff when recording daily transactions and when preparing monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements for review by company management and outside auditors. * Prepare, record and review journal entries (accruals, cash activity, pre-paids, depreciation, re-classes). * Prepare and review bank reconciliations and address reconciling items in a timely manner. * Prepare and review monthly charges and adjustments to tenant accounts receivable sub-ledgers, as necessary. * Ensure that accounts receivable are collected promptly. * Review weekly payables for each property, process wire transfers and monitor cash balances. * Ensure that accounts payable are paid in a timely manner. * Ensure that all reasonable discounts are taken on accounts payable. * Process payroll in a timely manner. * Prepare and review monthly financial statements consisting of balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements in accordance with GAAP or other acceptable basis of accounting. * Collaborate with property manager to ensure monthly financials are complete and accurate. * Provide financial support to the Property and Facility Management team by answering inquiries, explaining accounting policies and procedures and ensuring timely and accurate financial data. * Coordinate and/or review monthly Owner Reports, variance explanations, quarterly projections, annual budgets and other financial information (i.e. OPEX/CAM calculations). * Maintain the chart of accounts. * Maintain an orderly accounting filing system. * Maintain a system of controls over accounting transactions. * Review property management documents including management agreements, leases and/or contracts to ensure financial compliance. Prepare abstracts. * Ensure that required debt payments are made on a timely basis. * Complete additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: * Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration (BS/BA degree) from a university or college accredited through a Regional Accrediting Association. * 7+ year’s business experience progressively responsible for a real estate company or division of a large corporation. * Requires at least 4 years of property accounting experience with a strong background in General Ledgers. * Preference will be given to candidates with the Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designations. Competencies: * Strong knowledge of the principles and practices of GAAP. * Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in an organized fashion. * Attention to detail. * Analytical and ability to perform variance analysis. * Ability to prioritize tasks and to meet deadlines consistently. * Good written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to identify problems, seek resources for guidance, analyze and recommend solutions, and communicate and/or implement solutions using judgment and discretion. * Excellent computer skills with a working knowledge of Real Page/One Site (or comparable property management software), Word, Excel, and Outlook.