Assistant Controller - Commercial Real Estate

Staff Financial Group; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Staff Financial Group in Atlanta, GA is seeking an Assistant Controller to support the Controller across development, property management, corporate, and affiliated entities. This role provides hands-on leadership in financial operations, and drives improvements in accounting processes and controls.

The ideal candidate brings a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, deep knowledge of GAAP, and proficiency with Excel, MRI, and Yardi.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of general ledger accounting, financial reporting, account reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Experience with property management and/or real estate accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software systems – MRI and Yardi preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations across development, property management, corporate, and related entities.
• Review and analyze financial information for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies and accounting standards.
• Assist in preparing, reviewing, and delivering financial statements, management reports, budgets, forecasts, and other analyses.
• Participate in month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end closing activities.
• Review and approve accounting transactions, reconciliations, adjustments, and reporting deliverables.
• Maintain internal controls and ensure adherence to policies and procedures.

Skills

Financial Reporting

Internal Controls

GL Reconciliations

Budgeting & Forecasting

Leadership

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

MRI

Yardi

Job description

Assistant Controller

Position Summary

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in the oversight of accounting, financial reporting, compliance, internal controls, and operational accounting functions across development, property management, corporate, and affiliated entities. This role provides hands‑on and leadership in financial operations, ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial information, supports client and stakeholder needs, and drives continuous improvement of accounting processes and controls. The Assistant Controller serves as a key resource for complex accounting matters and provides operational support and backup for critical financial functions.

Essential Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Assist in the oversight of accounting operations across development, property management, corporate, and related entities.
• Review and analyze financial information to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies and accounting standards.
• Support the preparation, review, and delivery of financial statements, management reports, budgets, forecasts, and other financial analyses.
• Participate in month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end closing activities.
• Review and approve accounting transactions, reconciliations, adjustments, and financial reporting deliverables.
• Assist in maintaining financial reporting processes and internal controls.

Development & Property Accounting Oversight

• Provide financial oversight and accounting support for development projects and managed properties.
• Monitor accounting activities related to project job costs, funding sources, distributions, leasing activity, and property operations.
• Review of financial results and reporting to ensure compliance with client requirements and company standards.
• Support onboarding, transitions, and integration of new clients, properties, projects, and business relationships.
• Coordinate with operations and property management teams to address financial matters and enhance reporting effectiveness.

Corporate Accounting & Compliance

• Support corporate accounting activities, including vendor administration, and payable approvals and balance sheet reconciliations
• Oversee compliance with applicable reporting requirements, filings, and documentation standards.
• Participate in tax‑related reporting processes, including information return filings and related compliance activities.
• Ensure adherence to established accounting policies, internal controls, and financial procedures.

Leadership & Operational Support

• Provide support, guidance, and technical expertise to accounting team members and cross-functional departments.
• Assist with process improvement initiatives, system implementations, and evolving business requirements.
• Serve as a backup for critical accounting, treasury, and financial operations functions as needed.
• Support special projects, strategic initiatives, and other responsibilities assigned by the Controller or senior leadership.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and exceptional client service.

Key Competencies

• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Accounting Operations Management
• Internal Controls and Compliance
• Audit Coordination
• Budgeting and Forecasting
• Process Improvement
• Client Relationship Management
• Risk Assessment
• Development and Property Accounting
• Leadership and Team Development
• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of general ledger accounting, financial reporting, account reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Experience with property management and/or real estate accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software systems – MRI and Yardi preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with development, property management and corporate accounting.
• Experience overseeing multiple entities, partnerships, and client portfolios.
• Experience with treasury management and banking activities.