Controller & Head of Finance

Director of Finance & Accounting - Real Estate Investments Location: Denver, CO Work Arrangement: On-site Salary: DOE About The Opportunity An established Colorado-based real estate investment firm with 18 years of experience is seeking a hands-on financial leader to oversee and strengthen its accounting and financial operations. The firm acquires unique properties through auctions and traditional channels, then renovates, rents, sells, and develops properties across multiple entities. This is a fast-paced environment where auction acquisitions, construction spending, financing, and intercompany transactions require accurate, ongoing financial oversight-not just a monthly close. We're looking for a proactive, solutions-oriented professional who can take ownership of financial operations, build scalable systems, improve processes, and give company leadership greater visibility and flexibility to focus on growth. Key Responsibilities Accounting & Financial ReportingOversee QuickBooks Online, multi-entity accounting, job costing, account reconciliations, and financial controls.Deliver accurate monthly financial statements within 15 calendar days of month-end following the initial cleanup period.Maintain weekly transaction visibility, ensuring no unidentified transactions remain outstanding for more than two weeks.Establish reliable accounting processes and reporting standards across multiple entities. Cash Flow, Controls & Risk ManagementMaintain a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast and cash conversion cycle timeline.Provide weekly cash visibility by entity to support informed financial decisions.Oversee payment processes, internal controls, property insurance, and entity compliance.Coordinate with insurance brokers, CPAs, and attorneys to manage risk, optimize coverage, explore master-policy opportunities, and reduce costs. Finance Team LeadershipManage and evaluate an overseas bookkeeping team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards.Delegate routine accounting tasks while maintaining accuracy and quality.Develop efficient financial processes that minimize day-to-day owner involvement.Build a scalable finance function that supports the company's continued growth. Real Estate & Portfolio AnalysisMonitor property-level and deal-level profitability, budgets, partner distributions, and investment returns.Evaluate property performance and recommend hold, sell, refinance, or 1031 exchange strategies.Translate long-term growth objectives spanning 5-10+ years into actionable financial plans, forecasts, and milestones.Provide financial insights that support investment decisions and portfolio performance. Financing & Lender RelationshipsManage loan tracking, refinancing opportunities, loan applications, and lender follow-through.Learn existing lender relationships alongside company leadership before taking ownership of financing execution.Negotiate favorable lending terms and identify opportunities to reduce borrowing costs.Maintain accurate financing records and proactively identify upcoming obligations and refinancing needs. Technology, AI & Process ImprovementOptimize workflows across QuickBooks Online, AppFolio, Buildertrend, Asana, and related platforms.Implement practical AI tools, automation, and system integrations to reduce manual work and errors.Improve property and entity coding, reporting accuracy, and data consistency.Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and strengthen operational efficiency. Qualifications & Experience 5+ years of relevant accounting experience, including substantial hands-on experience in real estate investment accounting.Strong working knowledge of multi-entity accounting, partnership and limited partnership (LP) structures, 1031 exchanges, QuickBooks Online, job costing, and financial reporting.Ability to independently lead core accounting and financial functions from day one.Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing financing activities, analyzing real estate investments, and making sound independent decisions.Technology-oriented problem solver with a track record of implementing AI, automation, or improved financial systems.Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. CPA designation preferred but not required. Demonstrated real estate investment accounting expertise is essential. What Success Looks Like First 90 Days Assess and improve the existing accounting records.Establish control over the monthly close process.Implement reliable cash flow forecasting and weekly cash visibility.Establish accountability and performance expectations for the bookkeeping team.Identify priority financial and operational risks.Update and implement appropriate security protocols. First Six Months Deliver reliable, timely financial reporting.Establish effective cash management and financial controls.Provide actionable portfolio, investment, and financing analysis.Achieve measurable improvements through AI, automation, and system integration.Significantly reduce the need for day-to-day owner involvement in financial operations. Work Environment & Benefits Centrally located Denver office.On-site gym, sauna, and shower facilities.Flexible schedule and paid time off.Potential for 1-2 remote workdays per week, depending on business needs.Occasional use of company vacation rentals.Team offsite vacations designed to encourage connection and provide time to recharge.Support for employees' personal goals, including potential homeownership opportunities when available.Travel reimbursement. Compensation Annual Salary: Depending on experience and qualifications. Application Questions Describe the types of real estate companies and entities for which you have personally managed accounting. Include your experience with acquisitions, intercompany transfers, partnership accounting, and 1031 exchanges, as applicable.Provide an example of an accounting, financial reporting, or cash management process you personally improved. What changes did you implement, and what measurable results did you achieve? Required Experience Real estate investment accounting: 5 years (Required)QuickBooks Online: 3 years (Required)Financial reporting and month-end close: 2 years (Required)Multi-entity accounting: 3 years (Preferred) Location Requirement: Denver, CO Work Location: In person