Chief Accounting Officer in Blacksburg, Virginia at CMG Leasing

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Accounting Officer is the senior accounting leader for CMG Leasing, Inc. and SAS Builders, Inc. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this position provides leadership and oversight for accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, cash management, debt and banking activities, audits, tax coordination, and accounting systems. The CAO leads the accounting team, ensures continuity and cross coverage of critical functions, and partners with executive leadership to provide accurate financial information, strengthen processes, and support sound business decisions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct the accounting activities of CMG Leasing, Inc., SAS Builders, Inc., and assigned affiliated entities, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting and consistent accounting practices.

Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process and oversee preparation of financial statements, management reports, forecasts, and other financial information in accordance with GAAP.

Establish, maintain, and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, approval workflows, documentation standards, and segregation of duties across the accounting function.

Lead annual operating and capital budget preparation, final budget review, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial reporting in partnership with the Chief Financial Officer and operational leaders.

Oversee cash management, liquidity planning, treasury activities, banking relationships, debt service, loan covenants, debt and loan financing, refinancing, and support for new financing needs.

Coordinate tax return support, tax related information requests, and financial documentation with external tax advisors and other professional partners.

Lead and coordinate audits and compliance reviews, including external financial audits and applicable HUD, IRS, workers compensation, sales tax, and other regulatory or business audits.

Oversee fixed asset accounting, depreciation schedules, and related financial reporting. Coordinate with external advisors regarding significant tax or accounting changes that may affect company operations.

Oversee accounting for designated owner, farm, trust, and affiliated accounts as assigned, maintaining appropriate confidentiality, documentation, controls, and reporting.

Oversee property and construction related accounting activities, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, vendor payments, security deposits, job costing, project accounting, and related financial workflows.

Maintain executive oversight of Entrata or comparable integrated property management and accounting systems, ensuring accurate configuration, data integrity, reporting, and effective use of accounting modules and workflows.

Evaluate and implement technology, automation, and responsible AI enabled tools that improve accounting efficiency, reporting, analysis, documentation, and workflow accuracy while maintaining appropriate review, confidentiality, and internal controls.

Provide financial analysis and recommendations to the Chief Financial Officer and executive leadership regarding performance, trends, risks, capital needs, cost controls, process improvements, and other financial matters.

Partner with property management, construction, development, operations, Human Resources, and executive leadership to resolve accounting issues, improve information flow, and support company objectives.

Develop cross training, documented procedures, and backup coverage for critical accounting functions to ensure continuity during absences, vacancies, peak periods, and organizational transitions.

Prepare or oversee financial and regulatory reports required by lenders, government agencies, ownership, auditors, and other authorized stakeholders.

Perform other duties reasonably related to the position and business needs.

MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides leadership and direct or functional supervision of the Accounting Department and assigned accounting personnel. Responsibilities include workforce planning, interviewing and selection recommendations, onboarding, training, work assignment, priority setting, coaching, performance evaluation, corrective action recommendations, staff development, succession planning, and building appropriate backup coverage. The CAO is responsible for promoting accountability, collaboration, accuracy, and professional growth within the department.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field required. Master's degree preferred.

Seven or more years of progressive accounting experience, including significant responsibility for financial reporting, close, internal controls, budgeting, treasury, audit support, and accounting operations.

Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience within an accounting or finance function.

Active Certified Public Accountant license preferred, but not required.

Experience in property management, real estate, construction, development, or multi entity accounting is strongly preferred. Construction and development accounting experience is a plus.

Direct hands-on experience with Entrata or comparable integrated property management and accounting software strongly preferred.

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, including formulas, PivotTables or pivot tables, lookup functions, financial modeling, reporting, data analysis, and presentation of financial information.

Experience using AI enabled tools, automation, or emerging technology to improve accounting, reporting, analysis, documentation, or business processes is preferred.

Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial controls, financial statement preparation, reconciliations, budgeting, cash flow management, banking, debt administration, audits, and tax coordination.

PREFERRED INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Experience in property management, real estate, construction, development, or multi-entity accounting is strongly preferred (specifically within the multifamily sector)

CORE COMPETENCIES

High ethical standards, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to protect confidential financial, ownership, employee, and business information.

Executive level analytical and problem solving skills with strong attention to accuracy, risk, and financial controls.

Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information to nonfinancial leaders.

Ability to prioritize competing deadlines, lead multiple entities and workstreams, and remain effective during periods of change or high volume.

Strong people leadership skills with the ability to build trust, develop staff, hold others accountable, and work effectively across departments.

Forward thinking approach to technology, process improvement, automation, and continuous improvement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is primarily an office based position requiring regular use of a computer and standard office equipment, frequent written and verbal communication, and occasional movement throughout the office or to business meetings and company locations. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

SCHEDULE AND TRAVEL

Regular full time schedule, generally Monday through Friday. Additional hours may be required during month end, year end, audits, budgeting, financing activities, or other business critical periods. Occasional local or regional travel may be required for banking, company operations, professional meetings, or other business purposes.

POSITION SCOPE

This job description is intended to describe the primary responsibilities and essential functions of the position. Responsibilities may change as business needs evolve. Nothing in this description alters the at will nature of employment or creates a contract of employment.