Assistant Controller

Collective/Great States; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA/FSA options

Supplementary insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Volunteer hours

Professional development

Job summary

Collective is seeking an Assistant Controller to lead the corporate close and financial reporting for Collective and its affiliated development arm, Great States Development, based in our Fargo support office.

You will manage the month-end and year-end close, oversee the accounts payable function, and partner with leadership on cash flow, budgeting, and process improvements using AppFolio, Excel, and AI tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 5+ years of accounting experience with 3+ years in a supervisory role.
• Real estate or property management accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Experience managing an accounts payable function preferred.
• Proficiency with industry software (AppFolio preferred).
• Strong Excel skills, including advanced formulas and pivot tables.
• Experience using AI tools to automate or improve accounting workflows.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Own the month-end and year-end close and financial statements for Collective and our affiliated development company.
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation using AppFolio, Excel, and AI tools.
• Prepare and review corporate account reconciliations, including management fee revenue, corporate overhead, and payroll allocations.
• Manage intercompany activity and allocations between entities.
• Monitor corporate cash balances and prepare cash flow forecasts.
• Prepare the annual corporate budget and analyze budget-to-actual results with leadership.
• Lead, train, and develop the accounts payable team and oversee the property AP process, including invoice approvals, payment runs, and vendor relationships.
• Serve as a resource to the property accounting team on complex transactions, reconciliations, and month-end close questions.
• Coordinate annual tax return preparation and serve as the primary contact for external CPAs and auditors for corporate entities.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Special projects and reports for the Director of Accounting and leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Attention to detail

Organization

Problem solving

Business acumen

Communication

Ethics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

AppFolio

Excel

AI tools

Job description

Position Summary

Collective is a growing property management company that focuses on building relationships and providing an exceptional place to call home. Our team takes pride in our communities and creates connections with our residents. Collective manages apartment communities and commercial properties across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana.

As the Assistant Controller at Collective, you are a hands‑on accounting leader responsible for the corporate financials of Collective and our affiliated development company, Great States Development. Reporting to the Director of Accounting, you will own the corporate close, the financial statements, and the controls behind them, while leading the accounts payable team that supports our multifamily and commercial properties. You thrive on accuracy, process improvement, and developing a strong team, and you serve as a trusted partner to leadership on cash flow, budgeting, and financial performance from our support office.

Our EPIC Values

Enthusiasm:

• Our team provides us with the inspiration that fuels our desire and drive to succeed.

Perseverance:

• We rise to the challenge with confidence. We have a work ethic, determination, and grit that accomplishes the task necessary to succeed.

Integrity:

• Being honest, trustworthy, and transparent. We do what’s right even when no one is looking.

Collaboration:

• Every team member commits to working together to achieve common goals.
  

Key Responsibilities

• Own the month-end and year-end close and financial statements for Collective and our affiliated development company
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation using AppFolio, Excel, and AI tools
• Prepare and review corporate account reconciliations, including management fee revenue, corporate overhead, and payroll allocations
• Manage intercompany activity and allocations between entities
• Monitor corporate cash balances and prepare cash flow forecasts
• Prepare the annual corporate budget and analyze budget-to-actual results with leadership
• Lead, train, and develop the accounts payable team and oversee the property AP process, including invoice approvals, payment runs, and vendor relationships.
• Serve as a resource to the property accounting team on complex transactions, reconciliations, and month-end close questions
• Coordinate annual tax return preparation and serve as the primary contact for external CPAs and auditors for corporate entities
• Develop and maintain internal controls, policies, and procedures
• Special projects and reports for the Director of Accounting and leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in a supervisory role
• Real estate or property management accounting experience strongly preferred
• Experience managing an accounts payable function preferred
• Proficiency with industry software (AppFolio preferred)
• Strong Excel skills, including advanced formulas, pivot tables, and working with large data sets
• Experience using AI tools to automate or improve accounting workflows preferred
• Ability to pass a background check

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Leadership and team development
• Strategic and critical thinking
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Organization and time management
• Problem solving/analysis
• Business acumen
• Communication proficiency
• Ethical conduct

Benefits and Perks

• Health, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options
• Supplementary insurance
• 401(k) with vested company match starting at 3%
• Paid time off and 9 paid holidays
• Paid volunteer hours
• Professional development opportunities
• Competitive salary

Physical Demands

• Extended periods of desk and computer work; occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

Work Environment

• This position is based in our support office and requires regular office hours to be maintained.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER