Controller

Description

We are seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Controller to lead the accounting and financial reporting functions for a dynamic real estate firm with a diversified portfolio in property management and development. This role is critical in ensuring financial integrity, operational efficiency, and compliance across all business units. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & PROJECTS:

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP for the firm’s 80+ entities.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including tax filings (sales and use tax, 1099’s and financial statement audits.
• Coordinate with external auditors to manage the annual audit process
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance report filing with all required 3rd parties, agencies, and lenders

Accounting Operations

• Lead, manage, and hold the accounting team accountable for managing the general ledger, all subsidiary ledgers, and account reconciliations, as well as accounts payable/receivable, cash management, fixed assets, debt balances, and capital accounts across our 80+ entities.
• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Oversee the document retention system in accordance with company policy.
• Manage vendor onboarding and compliance, including insurance verification.
• Oversee global purchasing functions, to include Real Page’s storefront, PO System, and portfolio-wide purchasing efforts.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Collaborate with the CFO and department heads to develop annual budgets and long-term forecasts.
• Monitor budget performance and collaborate with property management to provide actionable insights.
• Reporting on organizational KPI’s and critical data points.

Cash Management

• Manage cash flow planning and ensure availability of funds for operational and capital needs.
• Compute semi-annual distributions and capital contributions.
• Oversee treasury relationships with a variety of banks.

Investor Reporting

• Prepare investor reports, as needed, to ensure adequate communication regarding distributions, contributions, and tax projections.
• Track capital accounts by investor

Risk Management

• Oversee incident and claim tracking, ensuring proper communication with the insurance agency.
• Oversee the annual workers’ comp/general liability audit.

Construction Draws

• Lead the draw process for all construction projects, collaborating with project management to monitor budget performance.
• Manage cash flow planning with both lenders and investors to ensure the availability of funds.
• Prepare reports for third-party agencies as required (e.g., MEDC, MSHDA).

Systems & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and enhance financial systems and processes to support company growth and scalability.
• Champion for accounting, property management, and ERP systems, including implementation of new technologies as needed.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in a Controller or Assistant Controller role.
• Industry experience in real estate, with a focus on both property management and development.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, job costing, and real estate accounting systems (e.g., RealPage, Yardi, MRI, Sage).
• Proven leadership skills and ability to manage high-performing teams.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 tools, including Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, and CoPilot.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with shifting priorities.
• Experience working within multi-entity organizational structures.
• Familiarity with construction draw processes.