Assisstant Controller (Charleston, SC)

Assistant Controller

Position Overview

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller and CFO in overseeing the organization’s accounting and financial reporting functions while helping strengthen the overall finance organization as the business continues to grow. This is a hands-on accounting leadership role that combines strong technical accounting expertise with process improvement, internal controls, financial reporting, and strategic business support.

The Assistant Controller will work across core accounting and financial reporting activities while identifying opportunities to improve processes, systems, controls, and overall efficiency. The ideal candidate is a CPA-level accounting professional with strong technical fundamentals, sound business judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a growing and evolving organization.

While real estate experience is preferred, industry-specific experience is not required. The primary focus is finding an accomplished accounting professional who can contribute immediately while developing into broader responsibilities as the organization scales.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting

• Support the Controller in overseeing day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting activities.
• Assist with the preparation and review of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintain strong accounting controls and ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with applicable accounting principles.
• Review account reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and other accounting activities for accuracy and completeness.
• Analyze financial information and identify unusual activity, discrepancies, or opportunities for improvement.
• Support accounting activities across multiple entities, properties, departments, or business units.
• Assist the Controller and CFO with accounting analysis, reporting, and other financial projects as needed.

Month-End & Year-End Close

• Support and help manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare and review journal entries, accruals, prepaid expenses, allocations, and other close-related activities.
• Ensure account reconciliations and supporting schedules are completed accurately and within established deadlines.
• Analyze financial results and investigate significant variances or unusual activity.
• Identify opportunities to improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of the close process.
• Assist with year-end accounting activities and preparation of financial information for external reporting and audits.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Help strengthen and maintain effective accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Evaluate existing controls and identify opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, and risk management.
• Assist with implementing and documenting accounting processes and control procedures.
• Monitor compliance with accounting policies and applicable financial reporting requirements.
• Support external audits and provide requested schedules, documentation, and explanations.
• Help identify and address control deficiencies or accounting process gaps.

Process & Systems Improvement

• Evaluate accounting processes and identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and improved efficiency.
• Assist with improving accounting systems, workflows, reporting tools, and financial processes.
• Develop and implement standardized procedures that support a scalable accounting organization.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manual work, improve data accuracy, and strengthen financial reporting.
• Partner with Accounting, Finance, Operations, and technology teams on system enhancements and process improvements.
• Support the organization as it evaluates new tools, technologies, and systems to accommodate continued growth.

Strategic Finance & Business Partnership

• Partner with the Controller and CFO on strategic accounting and finance initiatives.
• Provide financial and accounting insights that support business decisions.
• Assist leadership with analyzing the financial impact of operational and strategic initiatives.
• Develop a strong understanding of the organization’s business model, financial drivers, and operational objectives.
• Help ensure the accounting function is positioned to support a larger and more complex organization.
• Serve as a trusted accounting resource to internal stakeholders and business leaders.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide guidance, support, and oversight to accounting team members as needed.
• Help establish clear expectations, processes, and accountability within the accounting function.
• Assist with training, mentoring, and developing accounting personnel.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Support the Controller in evaluating staffing needs and building a scalable accounting organization.

Growth & Organizational Development

• Help develop accounting processes and infrastructure capable of supporting continued organizational growth.
• Assist with integrating new entities, properties, systems, or business operations into the accounting function.
• Support accounting and financial reporting requirements associated with expansion and organizational changes.
• Take on increasing responsibility as the organization grows and the finance function evolves.
• Identify opportunities to expand the role and capabilities of the accounting organization over time.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Progressive accounting experience with strong technical accounting and financial reporting fundamentals.
• Experience with general ledger accounting, financial statements, account reconciliations, and month-end and year-end close processes.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and financial reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial information, identify issues, and develop practical solutions.
• Experience improving accounting processes, systems, controls, or reporting is strongly preferred.
• Strong Excel skills and experience working with accounting or ERP systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a hands-on environment while also contributing to broader strategic initiatives.
• Strong business judgment and ability to understand the financial and operational implications of business decisions.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Controller, CFO, accounting team, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in a growing, evolving environment where responsibilities may expand over time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Real estate, property accounting, investment management, or multi-entity accounting experience.
• Experience supporting accounting for multiple properties, entities, or business units.
• Experience in a high-growth organization.
• Experience implementing or improving accounting systems and processes.
• Experience with financial automation and technology-enabled accounting processes.
• Prior experience supervising or mentoring accounting professionals.
• Experience supporting acquisitions, new entities, or organizational expansion.
• Experience partnering directly with senior finance or executive leadership.