Assistant Controller

Townsend; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Townsend, headquartered in Cleveland, seeks an Assistant Controller to support the Controller in accounting and financial reporting for a real estate investment management platform. You will ensure GAAP-compliant statements across multiple entities, maintain internal controls, and coordinate audits in US, UK, and HK.

The role requires strong technical accounting expertise, audit coordination, and experience in real estate or private equity structures, with the ability to manage competing

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP.
• Experience with NetSuite and other accounting systems.
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist in monthly, quarterly, and annual close across multiple entities.
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements for accuracy.
• Manage intercompany eliminations, foreign currency translation, and consolidation adjustments.
• Serve as liaison for external auditors across US, UK and HK.
• Supervise accounting staff and drive process improvements.

Skills

US GAAP

NetSuite

Excel

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Concur

Job description

Company Description

Townsend, founded in 1983, is a leading global provider of investment management and advisory services focused exclusively on real estate and real assets. The firm partners with institutional clients to deliver custom investment solutions aligned with their program goals and objectives. Townsend emphasizes excellence in both investment performance and client service, offering deep expertise and comprehensive market insight. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the firm maintains a global presence with offices in San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, and Seoul, providing an international platform for growth and collaboration.

Position Summary

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in overseeing the accounting and financial reporting functions of a real estate investment management platform. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting across multiple entities, maintaining internal controls, corporate-level accounting operations and audits of multiple jurisdictions (US, UK and HK). The ideal candidate has strong technical accounting expertise, audit coordination expertise, experience in real estate or private equity structures, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes across multiple entities
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements for accuracy and completeness
• Manage intercompany eliminations, foreign currency translation, and consolidation adjustments
• Ensure timely preparation of GAAP-compliant financial statements

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and enhance internal control processes and documentation
• Serve as primary liaison for external auditors across all entities (US, UK and HK)
• Support audits (external and internal), including preparation of schedules and coordination with auditors
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, investor reporting requirements, and regulatory guidelines

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Supervise and mentor accounting staff
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and reporting efficiency
• Support system implementations or upgrades (e.g., NetSuite, Concur, Multiple Banking Platforms)

Qualifications

Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA (strongly preferred)

Experience

• 5–8+ years of accounting experience with Big 4 or national accounting firm
• Experience in a private company or PE-backed environment preferred
• Familiarity with consolidations, and partnerships

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP
• Experience with accounting systems/platforms (e.g., NetSuite)
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with financial reporting tools is a plus

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize effectively
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally