Assistant Controller – Property & Foundation Accounting 

Hybrid, Norfolk, VA 

A respected mission driven organization that supports major institutional initiatives is seeking an experienced finance leader to join its accounting team as an Assistant Controller focused on foundation and real estate financial operations. This position suits a strategic finance professional who excels in a multifaceted environment that combines nonprofit financial oversight with real estate accounting operations. 

The Assistant Controller will play a central role in managing financial operations across several affiliated nonprofit entities and real estate holdings. This individual will lead essential accounting operations, supervise a small accounting team, and maintain precise and reliable financial reporting. The role works closely with senior leadership on budgeting, audit readiness, and financial analysis that informs long-range organizational planning. 

This Role Offers 

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package 
• Hybrid work environment with a balance of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility 
• Opportunity to work with mission driven organizations managing diverse financial portfolios 
• Exposure to executive leadership and board level financial reporting 
• Career growth within a complex accounting environment that includes nonprofit and real estate operations 

Focus 

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger activity, accounts payable, and financial analysis across multiple affiliated nonprofit entities 
• Provide leadership and development to the accounting team while maintaining accurate financial entries, completing reconciliations on schedule, and following established accounting guidelines. 
• Maintain financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements 
• Review and prepare journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial analyses to support monthly and annual reporting cycles 
• Manage the creation and delivery of financial statements, trial balances, and budget variance reports for executive leaders and oversight groups. 
• Support budgeting and financial planning activities including annual operating budgets and property level financial analysis 
• Assist with preparation for external audits including development of supporting schedules, documentation, and auditor communication 
• Support tax compliance efforts by assembling documentation and schedules used for nonprofit information returns and related regulatory reporting. 
• Collaborate with leadership on financial reporting related to investment activity, long term financing, and real estate property performance 
• Provide backup support to senior financial leadership when needed and participate in board and committee reporting processes 
• Work alongside internal teams and outside advisors to refine reporting practices, reinforce internal controls, and promote greater financial clarity. 

Skill Set 

• Master’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree with equivalent advanced accounting experience 
• Progressive accounting experience including leadership responsibilities within complex financial environments 
• Experience in assistant controller, accounting manager, or similar senior accounting leadership role 
• Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial reporting standards 
• Experience supervising accounting staff and managing team workflows 
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with financial reporting systems 
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and communicate insights clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders 
• Strong organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills 
• Experience with commercial real estate accounting or property financial management strongly preferred 
• Experience with nonprofit or fund accounting environments preferred 
• CPA or relevant professional certification preferred 
• Familiarity with fund accounting platforms or property management accounting systems such as MIP or Yardi is a plus 

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in sales & business development recruiting. We have a strong track record of finding top-performing talent in areas such as sales leadership, account management, and business development strategy. Learn more at bit.ly/3NNY1wM