Assistant Controller

Description

Job Overview:  

  

The MarWest Commercial Assistant Controller is a key GL Accounting leader who works closely with the Controller to ensure accurate, timely and efficient delivery of financial information to our clients. This position oversees day-to-day accounting activities, supports and develops team members, and helps ensure financial reports are accurate. The Assistant Controller partners with Operation teams, Leadership and Property Managers to promote client retention, champion process improvements, and help drive growth in our commercial property management market.

 

The MarWest Commercial Assistant Controller is a support leader for any client financial issues and needs to have an excellent working knowledge of General Ledger Accounting (GAAP), understanding of AP and AR processes, collection activities, budgeting, treasury, transitions, and pro-active risk management.  The Assistant Controller serves as the first point of contact for all MarWest Accountants and Administrative personnel on questions relating to process, concept, and general assistance in managing workload. The ideal candidate takes initiative, exercises sound judgment, and independently drives responsibilities and projects through completion. They are comfortable investigating issues, developing practical solutions, and bringing informed recommendations to the Controller.

 

MarWest Commercial, a division of FirstService Residential, specializes in the formation & management of Commercial Property Owners Associations. With more than 320 commercial office, industrial, medical office, and mixed-used properties under management throughout the United States, MarWest is known as the industry leader.

  

Compensation: $85-95k

  

FirstService Residential will compensate the successful candidate in accordance with the posted range. The salary or wage paid to the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience, education, and specific job responsibilities. For positions designated at a client's property, the salary or wage will also be premised upon the client's directive. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.  

 

Your Responsibilities: 

 

Financial Reporting 

• Support the Controller to oversee the day-to-day client accounting operations for the commercial property management division.
• Coordinates with the Controller to ensure monthly & quarterly financial statements are prepared in a timely and accurate manner as assigned.
• Responsible for production and review of financial statements on a quarterly & monthly basis.  Attention to detail to identify potential errors or areas of risk including variances to budget, linkage to supporting schedules, lingering bank reconciliation items, cash shortages, investment management opportunities, etc. 
• Troubleshoot any accounting or reporting issues in collaboration with the Property Manager, other departments and leadership team as needed.
• Listen to clients, plan for their changing needs, monitor client satisfaction and follow up on client inquiries, requests or complaints as requested by the Controller.
• Work closely with the Controller to identify any areas of concern relating to financial production efforts and work to rectify/provide additional resources ensuring timely and accurate financial statement delivery. 
• Assist with new client accounting transitions – review of financials, creation of the trial balance and beginning AR balances, new entity configuration within the accounting system, opening of bank accounts.

 

Leadership 

• Manage the Administrative Assistant team providing guidance and support as needed.
• Coordinate with 3^rd party accounting vendor ensuring KPIs are met and escalate any issues/concerns to the Controller and leadership team as needed.
• Drive process improvement in a dynamic environment including scaling for growth,future software implementations, and improving overall efficiency.
• Support an environment that provides direction and promotes continuous learning and development.  Provide accurate and motivating feedback to the GL staff and communicate constructive criticism of the team to the Controller.  Promotes hard work in others by setting an example.
• Ensure all Accountants provide timely and accurate financial reports by defining and enforcing appropriate service standards.  Work closely with other Client Accounting departments (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Banking, Phasing, Transitions) on key deliverables and resolving issues as they arise.  Client retention is a key measure of success, so performance issues need to be surfaced with functional management as soon as possible.
• Provide generalized and ad-hoc training to GL and Property Management teams as needed. 
• Attend Board/Finance Committee meetings when appropriate.  Collaborate with Property Management teams and clients to be able to present important issues to the client along with appropriate recommendations.
• View matters from the clients’ perspective as well as the companies’ perspective to find approaches that work for both.  Adept at handling contentious situations and managing change.
• Build organizational and industry relationships.  Promote collaboration and remove obstacles to teamwork across the organization.

 

Operational Support  

• Partner with CPAs on tax matters as appropriate.
• Assist with client investment requests – opening of money market accounts or purchase of CDs
• Assist the Property Manager with annual budgeting and required Civil Code disclosures. 
• Interact with Property Managers and Controller to review financial statements and respond to any questions from operations or the client.
• Prepare and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for specific job duties.
• Special Projects as assigned by Controller, VP or President.

 

Skills & Qualifications:  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and ability to manage responsibilities independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of identifying issues, developing practical solutions, and driving work through completion.
• Strong understanding of financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, general ledger) with the ability to explain these financial reports and procedures to our clients and Property Management teams.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and the ability to apply them to complex or unfamiliar situations.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point, and Outlook
• Proficiency with accounting software
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and management and justify certain financial recommendations to clients
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to crystallize thought, anticipate roadblocks and rally commitment and buy-in.
• Listens attentively; communicate clearly and often. 

 

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in accounting/finance
• Experience leading, supervising, or providing guidance to accounting team members is preferred.
• Experience with Property Management accounting is preferred.

 

Physical Requirements & Working Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Must be able to lift 25lbs.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must have finger dexterity for typing/using a keyboard. 

 

What We Offer: 

• Medical, dental, and vision plans (full time and those working 30+ hours)
• Part time 20+ hours qualify for dental and vision
• 401K match
• Time off including vacation, sick, and company paid holidays
• Pet insurance available
• Tuition reimbursement
• Legal services
• Free emotional wellbeing and daily life assistance support for all associates
• Domestic partner coverage
• Health savings account
• Flexible spending account

 

About Us:  

FirstService Residential transforms the property management landscape by providing professional association management services to over 9,000 residential communities across the United States and Canada.

 

Our dedication to associate satisfaction and growth is recognized by our Great Place to Work certification, exemplifying our commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Our 19,000 associates can count on competitive salaries, top-tier medical, dental, and retirement benefits, career training, and support for continued professional development.

 

Disclaimer:  

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This is not an all-inclusive job description; therefore, management has the right to assign or reassign schedules, duties, and responsibilities to this job at any time.

 

FirstService Residential is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, other distinguishing characteristics of diversity and inclusion, or any other protected status.

 

Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws. All offers of employment with FirstService Residential are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) Usage: We may utilize an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) in connection with the assessment or evaluation of candidates. The AEDT is designed to assist in objectively evaluating candidate qualifications based on specific job-related characteristics.

Job Qualifications and Characteristics Assessed: The AEDT evaluates candidates based on job qualifications and characteristics pertinent to the role, including skills, experience, and competencies relevant to the position requirements. These qualifications are determined by the unique needs of each role within our company.

Alternative Selection Process or Reasonable Accommodations: Candidates who require an alternative selection process or a “reasonable accommodation,” as defined under applicable disability laws, may make a request through our designated contact channel

national_recruiting@fsresidential.com

.

Requesting Information About the AEDT - NYC Local Law 144: Candidates who reside in New York City and are subject to NYC Local Law 144 may request information about the AEDT, including details on the type of data collected, the sources of such data, and our data retention policies. To submit a request, please contact us at

national_recruiting@fsresidential.com

; we will respond in accordance with Local Law 144, within 30 days.