Assistant Controller

Elmington is a private commercial real estate investment and development firm headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Elmington Affordable’s core competency is multifamily development and is one of the nations’ largest developers of affordable/workforce housing.

Position Summary

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, and maintaining strong internal controls. This role plays a key part in month-end close, financial analysis, and process improvement initiatives. The Assistant Controller will also serve as a resource and mentor to the accounting team, helping drive consistency, efficiency, and compliance across all financial functions.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to liaise effectively with team members and leadership.
• Outstanding organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, tasks, and deadlines efficiently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work well under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of determination and work ethic.
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multitask and handle various responsibilities simultaneously.
  
  

Essential Job Functions

• Financial Reporting & Close
• Support and coordinate all aspects of the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Support and coordinate all aspects of the project monthly draw process.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial schedules.
• Assist with the preparation of internal and external financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to management and other stakeholders.
• Accounting Operations
• Oversee AP, AR, payroll accounting, cash management, and general ledger maintenance.
• Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies and issues as they arise.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls; ensure accounting policies and procedures are followed consistently.
• Audit, Tax & Compliance
• Support annual financial statement audits and tax return preparation.
• Provide requested documentation, resolve auditor questions, and assist in implementing recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant federal, state, and local regulations.
• Process Improvement & Systems
• Evaluate current processes and recommend improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Assist with system implementations or upgrades, including testing, documentation, and training.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for accounting procedures.
• Leadership & Collaboration
• Provide guidance, training, and support to staff accountants and other team members.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (FP&A, Operations, HR, Construction, etc.) to support business decisions and improve workflow.
• Step in for the Controller as needed.
• Skills & Competencies
• Strong understanding of GAAP and internal controls.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with ERP/accounting systems.
• Effective communication and leadership skills with a collaborative mindset.
  

Specific Education Or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA license or progress toward CPA strongly preferred.
• 5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience; prior supervisory experience a plus.
• Experience in real estate, construction, property management, or a similar industry is beneficial (optional line if relevant).
  
  

Physical Demands And Work Environment

• Hybrid or in-office schedule depending on company policy.
• Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility and initiative.
• Frequently sit, stand and walk.
• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Vision abilities to include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Temperature in the workplace is typically moderate, though the ability to withstand seasonal cold and heat of the outdoors is necessary.
  
  

Travel Requirements

• Travel up to 10% of the time.
  
  

The Elmington Affordable Experience

We're creating a different kind of company at Elmington Affordable. We promise we will never be ordinary, which we hope you can see by this job description. There will be many days you simply aren't comfortable. You will be pushed to accomplish more than you ever thought possible. You will be challenged by your team leader and your peers to achieve more and to find better ways. With that said, we know Elmington Affordable is not for everyone. BUT, if you believe in yourself, enjoy a challenge and appreciate working with exceptional people, then Elmington Affordable could very well be the last company you ever work for.

Elmington Affordable is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Elmington Affordable makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.