Assistant Controller, Asset Accounting

B I R G E & H E L D 

Investing in Communities to Transform Lives. 

WHO WE ARE 

It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing. At Birge & Held, we are committed to bringing excitement and energy to the business of multifamily housing. We expect every employee within our organization to be a leader working in a collaborative environment towards a shared vision.  

At Birge & Held, our employees have a Passion for People, demonstrate Leadership at Every Level, and are Always Learning & Innovating. Through these core values, we make our purpose a reality, “Investing in Communities to Transform Lives.”  

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Assistant Controller, Asset Accounting at Birge & Held is primarily responsible for managing financial reporting, budgeting, financial systems and participating in the full life cycle of Real Estate Financial Activities (Purchases, Taxes, Sales, Insurance, etc.). This position will report directly to the Assistant Vice President of Asset Accounting. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Responsible for the financial reporting of consolidated financial statements and analysis for market-rate development, LIHTC new construction and acquisition rehab projects. 
• Perform month-end close duties, including but not limited to: 
  • Maintain and oversee lender escrow analysis and prepaid/accrued expense analysis 
  • Balance sheet reconciliations and adjusting/reclass journal entries 
  • Bank reconciliation for operating/savings accounts 
  • Management fee calculation and invoicing 
• General ledger and operating statement review and adjusting/reclass journal entries  
• Monthly/quarterly reimbursement submission to lenders 
• Manage year-end audit and tax return punch list items to ensure timely delivery of K-1s to investors and meet audit deadlines inside governing documents. 
• Prepare surplus cash calculations for quarterly investor distributions. 
• Responsible for representing owner for on-site reviews and assessment of site staff, physical condition, and tenant relations 
• Assist in designing final business plan tracking systems, including, but not exclusive too, tax capital account tracking, updating projections for deferred developer fee payments to align with corporate budgeting, compile and track requirements of Partnership/Operating Agreements, Loan Agreements, Regulatory Agreement, and other relevant agreements on the deal. 
• Oversee the accurate completion of monthly, quarterly and annual compliance reporting to all local housing authorities and equity partners as directed by the Limited Partner Agreements and other deal documents 
• Prepare project cash flow forecasts, updating monthly for changes in estimates and schedules based on information provided by other functional teams
• Prepare journal entries for non-recurring and significant transactions pertaining to development projects, such as transfers to income-producing property 
• Review and analysis of financial reports, including drilling into discretionary expenses, reviewing variance analyses, and comparing performance to underwriting 
• Interact with Finance and Operations’ staff to obtain portfolio/asset information; prepare analyses, reports and produce strategic solutions 
• Manage monthly budget variance reporting and communication to executive leadership 
• Create monthly financial and operating reports for active projects 
• Monthly cash forecasts for active projects (i.e. capitalized interest projections, fee income timing) 
• Assist in managing corporate budgeting, audit, tax, accounting, selling real estate, and insurance activities for the organization 
• Assess current accounting operations, offer recommendations for improvement, and implement new process 
• Communicate regularly with accounting, management, and executive team 
• Other tasks as assigned by management 
• Limited travel (5-20% of the time)

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS 

Education and Experience:  

• BS in Accounting or Finance, MBA and/or CPA highly desirable 
• Public accounting experience highly desirable 
• 5 years in progressively responsible roles, preferably in real estate development 
• Strong MS Excel skills and proficiency in financial accounting and reporting software 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to create good relationships with internal and external contacts 
• Critical thinking and problem-solving 

Skills and competencies:  

• Strong numerical proficiency
• Exemplary organization 
• Excellent problem-solving skills 
• Excellent leadership skills 
• Big-picture method to approaching tasks 
• Self-starter 
• Professional training and mentoring skills 
• Strong attention to detail required
• Ability to multi-task and meet changing deadlines

WHAT WE OFFER 

• Maintain work-life balance with a flexible hybrid schedule and a generous paid time-off policy, including up to 20 days of PTO per year. In addition to traditional PTO, you’ll receive 14 holidays including a floating holiday and your birthday. Separately, if you’ve served in the military, you’ll receive Veterans Day as a paid day off.
• Make a difference in your community with 8 hours of Volunteer Paid Time Off (PTO) each year, giving you the ability to support a cause or organization of your choice.
• Take advantage of supportive leave benefits, including up to 3 weeks of paid parental leave and 6 weeks of paid childbirth leave.
• Boost your earnings with a performance-based bonus, determined by your role and achievement in individual, departmental, and company-wide Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Save on living expenses with exclusive employee discounts at Birge & Held properties.
• Prioritize your well-being with a robust wellness program that supports your physical, mental, and emotional health. Enjoy up to $25 in monthly gym membership reimbursements and gain access to certified health coaches dedicated to helping you achieve your personal wellness goals.
• Access competitive dental, vision, and comprehensive medical plans to ensure you and your family receive the care you need, along with convenient online tools to help you manage your healthcare benefits with ease.
• Enjoy peace of mind today and tomorrow with a 401(k) plan that includes a competitive employer match.
• Receive automatic enrollment in the company paid basic life insurance policy with the opportunity to elect supplemental life insurance. With employment at Birge & Held you have the ability to elect additional ancillary benefit options including but not limited to, Long-Term Disability (LTD), Short-Term Disability (STD) and Critical Illness Insurance that provides extra protection against unexpected health challenges.
• Stay connected and equipped for success with a monthly phone stipend of up to $50 to help cover your mobile service costs.
• Grow your career through the support of a dedicated Talent Development team and a tuition reimbursement program. Whether you're building new skills, exploring new roles, or pursuing a degree, you'll have the resources and guidance to reach your full potential.
• Be part of an organization consistently recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in the USA, where your contributions are valued and celebrated.

Birge & Held is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we are committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce.