Assistant Controller

A-1 Self Storage is a division of the Caster Group, a third-generation family-owned company headquartered in San Diego, California. Founded in 1959, the Caster Group specializes in acquisitions, development, and management of A-1 Self Storage and other commercial properties throughout California. With more than 50 self storage locations and plans to open additional locations in the future.

We are seeking a highly skilled Assistant Controller to support our Accounting and Finance Department in managing daily accounting operations, ensuring financial accuracy, and delivering high-quality financial reporting. This role will play a key leadership position within the finance team and will be instrumental in driving efficiency, strengthening internal controls, and improving financial reporting across multiple entities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (master’s or advanced accounting degree preferred).
• CPA or CMA certification is a plus.
• Minimum 7 years of accounting or finance experience; managerial experience preferred.
• Public accounting experience and/or real estate or property management accounting experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, accounting regulations, and financial reporting standards.
• Experience with financial statement preparation, budgeting, forecasting, and intercompany accounting.
• Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to high-quality work.
• Excellent multitasking abilities with strong time-management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Motivated self-starter capable of both detailed execution and high-level review.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Proven leadership and team development experience.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and compliance.
• Demonstrated integrity and professionalism.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Monthly Close:

• Formalize a close process defining the various close activities, timing, person assigned the responsibilities, and ensure there are detailed written procedures, checklists, and manuals for all the processes required to close the books on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Work closely with the Controller to design and create a monthly closing package that includes automated reports and subsidiary ledger reconciliations for internal review in conjunction with closing the books.
• Identify and work to eliminate manual processes to increase efficiency and eliminate errors by implementing system (automated) control processes.
• Maintain the accuracy of the general ledger, subsidiary ledgers and ensure all balance sheet accounts detailed reconciliation schedules tie to general ledger balances monthly for all entities.
• Prepare and enter monthly, quarterly, and annual adjusting journal entries.
• Oversee the reconciliation of revenue to actual cash receipts as recorded by operations point of sale software to the bank reconciliations.
• Prepare and oversee financial statement reporting at all levels of the company, which includes operating companies, holding companies, and the management company.
• Report on budget variances at the property management entity (Caster Properties, Inc. or “CPI”) at the individual department level as well as the partnership entities that are managed by CPI.
• Ensure that accounting entries are recorded on a tax basis and the closing process allows for the efficient preparation of the annual tax packages for the tax preparer. The Assistant Controller should have the appropriate knowledge to address questions to support the preparation of tax returns.
• Manage lender reporting, approvals, certifications, and compliance.
• Continually work on refining, improving, and expanding the company’s reporting to provide better actionable data and dashboards to users.
• Perform detailed financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and financial insight.
• Assist in the preparation of key portions of the annual budgeting process.

Management:

• Develop, mentor, and train accounting staff to promote professional growth and enhance team performance.
• As required, collaborate with other…