Director of Accounting - On site

Smartstop-Self-Storage; San Clemente (CA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance including medical, ,d

Life and Disability Insurances

Paid Time Off

Generous Holiday Schedule

401(k) matching with no waiting period

Employee assistance program

Referral program

Great growth potential

Job summary

SmartStop Self Storage is seeking a Director of Accounting to lead and optimize accounting operations for its real estate portfolio. You will oversee financial reporting, internal controls, and close processes across multiple properties, ensuring GAAP compliance and robust financial management.

The role requires 5+ years of accounting experience with leadership exposure, strong Excel modeling, and expertise in real estate accounting.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in real estate/REIT, self-storage, or property management accounting strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in property management or accounting software.
• Advanced Excel skills; ability to build and maintain complex financial models.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and standards, corporate taxation, internal controls and cash management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to discuss accounting concepts to all levels within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Leads, mentors, and develops accounting professionals.
• Oversees month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Prepares and reviews consolidated financial reports across properties/entities.
• Maintains GAAP compliance and real estate accounting standards.
• Manages balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries, and intercompany transactions.
• Monitors tenant billing, collections, and delinquency processes.
• Assists with budgeting and KPI reporting for portfolio performance.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Financial modeling

Excel

Real estate accounting

Internal controls

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

Accounting software

Property management software

Job description

Career Opportunities with SmartStop Self Storage

A great place to work.

Careers At SmartStop Self Storage

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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 self‑storage operators in North America and a publicly traded real estate investment trust. Headquartered in Ladera Ranch, California, SmartStop owns or manages more than 460 self‑storage properties across 35 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Canada, comprising over 270,000 units and more than 35 million rentable square feet.

Our fully integrated team of more than 1,000 self‑storage professionals is dedicated to delivering an exceptional customer experience and driving long‑term value for our customers, investors, and communities.

SmartStop’s commitment to service excellence and workplace culture has been recognized with multiple industry honors, including being named to Newsweek’s Best Customer Service Award (2021, 2023 and 2024), earning the Reputation 800 Award (2022-2023), and being recognized as a Top Workplace in Orange County (2022-2024), an award based entirely on employee feedback regarding our culture, leadership, and values.

We’re growing fast — and we want you to grow with us.

Salary: starting at $140,000 depending on experience + annual discretionary bonus

*The above represents the expected starting salary for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we will consider your experience and other job‑related factors.

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

Director of Accounting Job Summary

Reporting to the Controller, the Director of Accounting is responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls across the real estate portfolio.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Leads, mentors, and develops accounting professionals, fostering a culture of accountability and growth
• Optimizes and maintains accounting systems and software
• Identifies and implements process improvements to increase efficiency and scalability
• Oversees the month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial statements
• Prepares and reviews consolidated financial reports across multiple self‑storage properties and entities
• Maintains compliance with GAAP and applicable real estate accounting standards
• Manages and reviews balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries, and intercompany transactions
• Monitors tenant billing, collections, and delinquency processes
• Reviews and approves vendor payments, property‑level expenses, and capital expenditures
• Assists with the budgeting process in collaboration with Operations, Acquisitions, and Property Management teams
• Assists with variance analyses, and KPI reporting for portfolio performance
• Designs, implements, and monitors internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial integrity
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Needed

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field required
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role
• Experience in real estate/REIT, self‑storage, or property management accounting strongly preferred
• Proficiency in property management or accounting software
• Advanced Excel skills; ability to build and maintain complex financial models
• 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
• Health insurance including medical, dental and vision
• Life and Disability Insurances
• Paid Time Off
• Generous Holiday Schedule
• 401(k) matching with no waiting period
• Employee assistance program
• Referral program
• Great growth potential

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.