Controller - Onsite

SmartStop Self Storage; California (MO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

Generous Holiday Schedule

401(k) matching

Employee assistance program

Referral program

Great culture

Job summary

SmartStop Self Storage is seeking a Controller to lead accounting operations and provide strategic financial analysis from our Ladera Ranch, CA headquarters. The role reports to the CAO and directs Accounting and Payroll Managers to ensure accurate financial reporting.

Responsibilities include internal controls, tax compliance, debt management, and ongoing financial forecasting. A CPA and 15+ years' accounting experience (5+ in senior roles) with REIT exposure are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA certification preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive accounting experience with 5+ years in senior controller or equivalent roles.
• Real Estate/REIT experience strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, corporate taxation, internal controls, and cash management.
• Exceptional math and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to discuss accounting concepts at all levels.
• Attention to details and strong leadership; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervises the production and accuracy of financial documents (balance sheets, income statements).
• Monitors spending vs. budgetary allotments and reports variances to executives.
• Oversees tax return preparation at federal, state, and local levels.
• Direct supervision of Accounting and Payroll Managers.
• Ensures SEC filing and other regulatory compliance for a public company.
• Develops and implements internal controls to reduce errors and fraud.
• Manages organizational debt and participates in loan renegotiations.
• Stays informed on financial markets and industry trends affecting the company.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Attention to detail

Integrity / ethics

Time management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA certification preferred

Job description

Think Outside the Box! Join a Company That’s Changing the Game!

At SmartStop® Self Storage, we believe in embracing change, driving innovation, and elevating every team member’s journey.

About SmartStop® Self Storage

SmartStop® Self Storage (NYSE: SMA) is one of the largest and fastest‑growing self‑storage operators in North America. Headquartered in sunny Ladera Ranch, CA, we operate 200+ properties across 24 states in the U.S. and four provinces in Canada, with more than 18.7 million rentable square feet of storage space. Our 1,000+ team members are the heart of our business, delivering an award‑winning customer experience year after year. We’ve earned Newsweek’s Best Customer Service for three consecutive years (2021–2023) and the prestigious Reputation 800 Award (2023). Our workplace culture has been recognized as a Top Workplace in Orange County two years running. We’re growing fast, and we want you to grow with us.

Salary & Location

Salary: Starting at $180,000.00 depending on experience + annual discretionary bonus.

Location: 100% on‑site at our Ladera Ranch, CA headquarters.

Controller Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Accounting Officer (CAO), the Controller serves as the senior financial leader responsible for accounting operations and strategic financial analysis for the company. The Controller will direct the activities of the Accounting Managers and department operations, develop and implement internal controls, and monitor the production of financial reports used for compliance, forecasting, and cash flow.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Supervises the production and accuracy of financial documents, such as balance sheets and income statements.
• Monitors actual spending vs. budgetary allotments.
• Reports positive and negative variances to key executives.
• Oversees the preparation of federal, state, and local tax returns and remains informed about tax laws.
• Serves as the direct supervisor for the Accounting and Payroll Managers.
• Ensures full compliance with federal and state reporting requirements, such as Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing regulations for publicly traded companies.
• Devises and implements internal controls to reduce the risk of errors, omissions, and fraud.
• Manages organizational debt and participates in loan renegotiations.
• Stays up to date on the financial markets and industry trends that impact the company’s finances.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Needed

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Big Four and/or other public accounting background required.
• CPA certification is preferred.
• At least 15 years of progressive accounting experience with 5+ years in senior controller or equivalent roles.
• Real Estate/REIT experience strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and standards, corporate taxation, internal controls and cash management.
• Exceptional math and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to discuss accounting concepts to all levels within the organization.
• Attentiveness to details.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance including medical, dental and vision
• Life and Disability Insurances
• Paid Time Off
• Generous Holiday Schedule
• Monthly on‑site car washes
• 401(k) matching with no waiting period
• Employee assistance program
• Referral program
• A great culture!

Diversity

SmartStop® Self Storage is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe in fostering an environment of inclusion and seek contributors from all backgrounds to join our dynamic team.

Lead Together!