Manager/Director, External Reporting

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

The Lightstone Group, LLC, or Lightstone, founded by David Lichtenstein, is one of the most diversified privately held real estate companies in the United States. Headquartered in New York City, Lightstone is active in 27 states across the country, developing, managing and investing in all sectors of the real estate market, including residential, hospitality, commercial, and retail. With nearly $12 billion in assets under management, Lightstone’s portfolio currently includes over 15 million square feet of industrial, logistics, life sciences, and commercial properties, over 25,000 residential units, and over 5,100 hotel keys.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Lightstone currently owns and manages large portfolios of properties across multiple real estate asset classes. The Manager, External Reporting is responsible for the preparation, review, and submission of all external financial reports for the Company, including (i) its 5 public non-traded REITS in accordance with U.S. GAAP, SEC regulations, and other applicable standards and (ii) lender and/or joint venture required audited financial statements. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, transparency, and timeliness of financial disclosures and requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders and external auditors. The Manager, External Reporting will also provide leadership in evaluating and implementing new reporting requirements, strengthening internal processes, and supporting strategic initiatives. The position is highly visible throughout the organization and will take ownership of a broad range of accounting matters. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate cross-departmentally; effectively multi-task and prioritize assigned duties and responsibilities in order to meet challenging deadlines; and attention to detail are amongst the required qualifications.

This position is full-time and exempt. The Manager, External Reporting will be based at the Company’s Lakewood, New Jersey office. This position may require occasional travel and reports to the Company’s Vice President of Accounting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Manager/Director, External Reporting will primarily: 

• Preparation and review of the Company’s requisite quarterly and annual SEC filings, including Forms 10-Q, 10-K, 8-K, and other required reports.
• Ensure all financial statements and related disclosures are compliant with U.S. GAAP, SEC rules, and internal control requirements.
• Partner with external auditors during quarterly reviews and the annual audit, ensuring requests are addressed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Preparation and review of lender and/or joint venture required audited financial statements.
• Monitor new accounting pronouncements, nonroutine transactions and regulatory developments; evaluate the impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.
• Manage the XBRL tagging process and ensure accuracy of electronic filings with the SEC.
• Support special projects, such as due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, software system implementations, and other corporate initiatives as required.
• Assist with preparation and review of income tax accruals and filings.
• Assist with preparation and review of quarterly and annual REIT compliance calculations.
• Drive continuous improvement in reporting processes, software systems, and internal controls; identify opportunities to increase efficiency and automation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 years of progressive experience in public accounting and/or financial reporting, with significant exposure to public company and SEC reporting requirements 
• Bachelor degree or equivalent in accounting, finance, business and/or similar field is required.
• Public accounting experience and/or CPA designation is required.

• In-depth knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC regulations, and financial reporting best practices.
• In depth knowledge of IFRS is preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Must be able to effectively present to and interact with both internal and external personnel.
• Must be able to multi-task and manage a challenging workload while consistently meeting stringent deadlines.
• Must be well-organized with the ability to excel in a dynamic work environment.
• Must have a strong work ethic with the ability to work as a team and independently.
• Strong computer skills are required, including advanced proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience with MRI, Yardi and/or other commercial real estate accounting software systems is preferred.

Offered salary commensurate with experience, plus bonus $150k plus

Lightstone offers our employees a comprehensive and competitive benefits program inclusive of:

– Paid time off for vacation and sick leave
– Health, dental, and vision insurance, and wellness programs
– 401(k) and Roth retirement plans
– Flexible spending accounts (medical & dependent care)
– Life and AD&D insurance with options for supplemental employee, spouse, and child
– Long-term and short-term disability insurance
– Commuter spending accounts (transit and parking)
– Tuition assistance and employee assistance program
– Corporate discount programs
– On-site mother’s room
– Office perks such as lunch, fruit, drinks, and snacks

Salary : $130,000 - $155,000