Assistant Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Assistant Controller (Hybrid)

Locations: Sterling, VA (remote work with 3-4 days onsite)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Telecommunications/Fiber Infrastructure

About SummitIG

SummitIG is a fast-growing, mission-driven dark fiber infrastructure provider specializing in high-performance network solutions for carriers, content providers, data center operators, and enterprise customers. The company strives to deliver unparalleled network solutions and management services.

SummitIG is a high-energy company where entrepreneurial individuals with drive and commitment can flourish. We are looking for an Assistant Controller who is proactive, detail-oriented, and eager to support SummitIG’s continued success.

General Description:

The Assistant Controller supports the Vice President of Finance & Controller in overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, tax compliance, budgeting, and internal controls for a capital-intensive infrastructure business structured as a REIT. This role ensures accurate financial records, timely reporting, and adherence to accounting standards, debt covenants, REIT requirements, and company policies. Furthermore, the Assistant Controller will work with the CFO and other management members on support activities for fund raising.

The Assistant Controller will have multiple direct reports (local and remote). The remote team handles the bulk of the daily transactions and much of the month-end close reporting. Clear and regular communication with colleagues across the company is critical to success in this role.

This position is structured as a development path toward broader controllership responsibility.

General Responsibilities of the Assistant Controller:

• Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Review financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Supervise, review, and mentor accounting staff.
• Coordinate the annual financial statement audit and provide required documentation.
• Prepare lender reporting packages and debt covenant compliance certificates.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting and Analysis

• Manage the cash flow forecast, including CAPEX forecasts.
• Manage market-specific P&Ls and related balance sheet accounts.
• Support financial system improvements and process automation initiatives.

Assets and Revenue 

• Own fixed asset accounting for a network asset base, including construction in progress, capitalized interest, unit-of-property determinations, depreciation policy, and asset retirement obligations.
• Manage the sales-type lease line of business, including lessor accounting under ASC 842.
• Oversee revenue recognition and deferred revenue for long-dated IRU and lease contracts.

Tax

• Support quarterly REIT compliance testing, including income and asset tests, distribution requirements, TRS limitations, and the dividends-paid deduction calculation.
• Own the multi-state tax compliance calendar across all jurisdictions in which the company operates.
• Prepare apportionment, gross receipts, and supporting schedules for outside tax advisors, and review the returns they produce.
• Manage property tax renditions, assessment reviews, and appeals support.
• Manage sales and use tax accruals, exemption certificates, and registrations.
• Handle state and local notices, audits, registrations, and withdrawals.
• Coordinate 1099 and information reporting.

Tax planning, entity structuring, and filing positions are directed by the VP of Finance & Controller and outside advisors. This role owns execution, documentation, and compliance.

International

• Manage the interaction with our joint venture partner related to the accounting for our JV in Mexico, foreign currency remeasurement, and cumulative translation adjustment.

Qualifications Guidelines:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA required [or: strongly preferred].

Experience

• 5 to 8 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Combination of public accounting and corporate accounting experience preferred.
• REIT, real estate, telecommunications, or other capital-intensive infrastructure experience strongly preferred.
• Direct experience with lessor accounting under ASC 842 preferred.
• Multi-state tax compliance experience preferred.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Working knowledge of REIT compliance requirements.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling proficiency.
• Experience with various ERP systems (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage Intacct).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and leadership abilities.
• Comfort operating on a small team where the role spans both technical accounting and hands-on execution.

Compensation
Actual compensation within the pay range listed below will be decided based on factors including, but not limited to, skills, prior relevant experience, and specific work location. Base salary is localized according to employee work location.

$140,000 - $160,000 USD plus annual bonus

Why Join SummitIG?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 100% employee covered health, dental, vision, life, disability, paid time off, cell phone allowance, and a generous 401(k) match policy.

EEO Statement

SummitIG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State, or Local law.

We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Requirements: