Controller

I'm working with an established real estate investment management firm with a long operating history and a broad institutional investor base. The organization manages diversified real estate investment strategies across multiple property types and risk profiles, with operations spanning several major U.S. and international markets. The firm is part of a larger global financial services organization and provides investment management solutions to institutional clients.

Overview

The Controller is a key leadership position supporting a core-oriented, open-end real estate investment vehicle with a diversified portfolio of properties across major U.S. markets. As part of the accounting and finance team, the Controller will oversee accounting professionals and manage the review of property-level accounting, fund-level reporting, and related financial processes. The role provides exposure to multiple property types, ownership structures, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and other complex real estate transactions. The position also offers opportunities to work with various legal and tax structures, including tax planning initiatives and investor-specific reporting and accounting matters.

Role / Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting and financial reporting for direct real estate investments, complex joint ventures, consolidations, and related reporting requirements.
• Manage the accounting team's oversight of third-party property managers and the property-level financial review process.
• Review accounting entries related to acquisitions, dispositions, refinancing, and other investment activity.
• Review quarterly consolidations, financial statements, and investor/client reporting.
• Lead the year-end audit process and preparation of financial statements.
• Monitor debt compliance requirements and review loan documentation to ensure applicable reporting and covenant requirements are satisfied.
• Collaborate with corporate accounting and performance teams on performance calculations, budgeting, regulatory reporting, and related financial initiatives.
• Partner closely with asset management and portfolio management teams.
• Coordinate with external service providers, including auditors, tax professionals, and legal advisors.
• Respond to investor and client requests and support ongoing client communications.
• Participate in process improvement and other accounting or finance-related projects as needed.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of relevant experience, primarily within real estate accounting, portfolio accounting, or audit.
• Active CPA required.
• Prior public accounting experience required; experience with a major accounting firm preferred.
• Previous people-management experience required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Advanced Excel and data management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with real estate accounting platforms such as MRI or Yardi is a plus.
• Experience with financial planning, reporting, or workflow platforms is a plus.
• Familiarity with REIT structures is a plus.
• Private equity or alternative investment experience is a plus.