CAAS - Assistant Controller (Real Estate Industry)

About the role

CLA is seeking an Assistant Controller with Real Estate industry experience to join our CAAS (Client Accounting & Advisory Services) practice. The ideal candidate will be based out of one of our Chicago IL, Champaign IL, Kansas City MO, or St. Louis office locations.

Responsibilities

• Work independently at client locations to provide customized accounting services to support clients' business growth.
• Supervise the accounting team on each engagement, including both CLA staff and client staff.
• Deliver timely and accurate financial statements and statistical information to the client's leadership team.
• Implement financial and operational best practices related to the client's specific industry.
• Act as a consultant and advisor to clients on best practices for accounting and finance-related engagements.
• Manage multiple clients, projects, and deadlines through project management expertise.
• Prepare and analyze client financial statements and make recommendations.
• Foster and build opportunities for clients, communities, and people.
• Become an industry professional by attending industry-leading events and trainings.
• Maintain knowledge of the client's organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and current accounting standards.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree required. Related experience, education, and training may be accepted in lieu of degree.
• Experience: 4 years of relevant accounting and/or financial experience required. Public accounting experience preferred. Relevant work experience with Real Estate is highly preferred.
• Aptitude for developing and maintaining a thorough working knowledge of accounting software and systems. QuickBooks, Yardi, and Appfolio experience preferred. Proficiency with applicable software (Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.) is required.
• Travel: This position requires working primarily in-office with frequent local travel to/from client sites and may require occasional non-local or overnight travel for client visits, training, meetings, and/or other business-related purposes.

Skills/Knowledge

• An understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (FASB/SFAS) or other comprehensive basis of accounting.
• Strong organization skills and goal orientation.
• Self-motivation and ability to handle pressure in a positive professional manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication abilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and value the different contributions people make.
• Proven success in managing work and key client relationships to exceed client expectations.