Assistant Group Controller in Kenosha, Wisconsin at Bear Real Estate Group

Position Summary:

The Assistant Group Controller is a position responsible for supporting the accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance activities across Bear Real Estate Group. This role works collaboratively with the Group Controller, Corporate Controller, Development Controller, and other accounting leaders to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent financial reporting across the organization.

This is a hands-on position responsible for preparing and reviewing financial statements, overseeing complex accounting functions, providing technical accounting guidance, mentoring accounting staff, and driving continuous process improvements. The Assistant Group Controller serves as the primary accounting reviewer for the Commercial Property portfolio and partners closely with the Corporate and Development Accounting teams on financial reporting, development accounting, lender draws, cash management, audits, tax compliance, and strategic accounting initiatives.

The role collaborates extensively with Operations, Asset Management, executive leadership, owners, lenders, auditors, legal counsel, and external business partners to strengthen internal controls, improve financial processes, and support the continued growth and financial integrity of Bear Real Estate Group.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Reporting

• Prepare financial reporting for Corporate and Ownership entities
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Perform financial analysis and identify trends requiring management attention
• Assist with annual budgets, forecasts, and financial projections

Commercial Portfolio Oversight

• Perform the monthly accounting review of the Commercial Property portfolio before financial statements are distributed
• Review financial statements, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analyses, and supporting documentation
• Identify accounting issues and work collaboratively with Commercial Accounting, Operations, and Asset Management to resolve items prior to financial statement issuance
• Assist in developing and maintaining Commercial accounting policies and procedures

Corporate & Development Accounting

• Partner with the Corporate Controller on corporate accounting, ownership entities, and shared services accounting
• Partner with the Development Controller on development accounting activities, including project setup, lender draws, construction accounting, cash management, and project reporting
• Assist with internal loan reporting and cash flow analysis
• Support new development projects and financing activities

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and strengthen accounting policies and internal controls
• Coordinate annual financial statement audits
• Assist with tax return preparation and review
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies
• Coordinate responses to lender, auditor, and ownership requests

Collaboration

• Partner with the Group Controller, Corporate Controller, Development Controller, Accounting Managers, and Operations leadership
• Work closely with Asset Management on financial reporting and issue resolution
• Develop strong relationships with owners, lenders, auditors, attorneys, and outside consultants
• Support special projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• CPA preferred
• Eight or more years of progressive accounting experience
• Multi-entity accounting experience required
• Real estate, construction, or development accounting experience preferred
• Strong understanding of GAAP
• Experience leading accounting reviews and mentoring staff
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience with ERP/accounting software such as RealPage, AppFolio, Jonas, or similar systems
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to sit for extended periods
• Frequent computer and keyboard use
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds