Ascentris is a real estate private equity firm focused on value-add investing in transitional and generational real estate across the major property types and markets throughout the United States. Since 2003, Ascentris has managed institutional capital in a series of vehicles utilizing an investment approach and organizational structure that results in its investors getting to opportunities ahead of the market while receiving an unmatched level of service, accountability, and transparency. Ascentris is a privately held and management-owned SEC-registered investment adviser with over $3.2 billion in Assets Under Management across separately managed accounts and commingled funds. Please visit our website at www.ascentris.com to better understand our culture and commitment to our Core values. The Company is based in downtown Denver, Colorado.
The Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”) will be responsible for ensuring consistency and accuracy of financial reporting across Ascentris and its private equity investment vehicles. Responsibilities include daily oversight of internal and external accounting and tax resources. The CAO will be responsible for understanding fund documentation and reporting requirements as well as ensuring that transaction activities are performed in an effective and efficient manner and in compliance with SEC regulations. This role is critical in providing information and advising executive leadership on important decisions related to the Company’s investments. Specific duties and responsibilities are listed below.
I am helping the partners screen and interview for this role so please send me two things. One is your resume and the other a reply to this email with responses to the requirements noted below. Preferably in a different font color. So please address each of the qualifications listed below and return to me at l…@lewslist.com. We are going to move pretty quickly on this so please apply sooner rather than later if you are interested and qualified in this role.
Qualifications
Leadership / Interpersonal:
- Strong ability to cope with complexity and change; hands-on, proactive leader
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and able to apply critical decision-making with shifting priorities
- Detail and process-oriented; good understanding of business and financial issues
- Solid project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to quickly grasp new concepts
- Builds a culture of growth and acceptance
Functional:
- Recent experience with accounting management, either in a public or private company is a must
- Prior experience in fund accounting is a must
- Prior experience in real estate or private equity is a plus
Technical:
- Strong accounting background with thorough knowledge of current U.S. GAAP required
- Excellent Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) skills are required
- Experience with Workiva
Education / Experience:
- Minimum of 7 years of general accounting experience, ideally with Big Four public accounting experience; at least 3 years as a Manager, Director, or Controller
- US CPA license required
- Must be a US person
Duties and Responsibilities are below
Operations:
- Hands-on leadership to drive transformational change in the Company in the short- to medium-term
- Propose and implement department structures and technology as the business scales over time
- Oversight of accounting and tax for all property, fund, and corporate entities
- Sponsorship of finance transformation projects
Internal Controls:
- Oversee the controller and outsourced fund administration functions that record transactions and maintain books and records to produce financial results at the operating level
- Develop and manage accounting policies, procedures, and controls and work with the external auditor to oversee compliance with accounting policies and procedures
- Work with the Chief Compliance Officer to oversee compliance with SEC regulations and policies
- Continuously improve internal controls, accounting guidelines, chart of account infrastructure, technology, and financial reporting to efficiently support business scale and activities
- Maintain a comprehensive internal control environment
Financial Reporting:
- Oversee the controller and outsourced fund administration functions which define, initiate, and execute month-end, quarter-end, and year-end accounting close processes supporting the preparation of financial reporting packages and financial statements in compliance with company guidelines and US GAAP
- Present regular financial results to key internal and external stakeholders
- Develop reports and discuss financial statements at legal entity and consolidated entity levels in accordance with specifications for reporting at that level
Audit:
- Act as a key liaison with external auditors; manage the interim reviews and annual audit cadence
- Engage auditors as appropriate with material acquisitions, non-routine transactions, financial statement disclosures
FP&A:
- Oversee the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (“FP&A”) to prepare annual business plans, including ongoing actual to budget comparisons and variance analysis, and quarterly and monthly client reports
- Analyze, provide guidance, and communicate the budget and forecast at the various fund levels to the Investment Committee and Partners
- Work with FP&A to draft presentations to clients and potential Investors, including the Company’s investment track record
Tax:
- Manage external resources to comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings
- Work with external legal resources to help structure investments and joint ventures in a tax-efficient manner
Salary & Benefits
Ascentris offers competitive salaries and bonus incentive opportunities, as well as an exceptional benefits package. Successful work achievement and a demonstrated desire to grow within the Company can lead to career advancement. This position is targeting a $200K-$300K salary as well as additional compensation from carried interests – all DOE.
Key benefits are:
- Health insurance for the immediate family
- 401(k) and 401(k) matching
- Dental and vision insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health savings account
- Life and disability insurance
- 50% of Aflac coverage
- Paid time off
- Free parking
- $125 per month allowance for gym membership
- $125 per month allowance for cell phone
Work Location: Downtown Denver
Job Type: Full-time
Work Type: Must be willing to work in the office at least 4 days per week