Controller (Start Up)

Our client is a rapidly growing commercial real estate investment firm with a portfolio exceeding 1.8 million square feet and serving more than 300 tenants. The organization acquires and operates multi-tenant industrial and commercial properties with a hands-on approach to leasing, operations, and value creation. With an entrepreneurial culture and ambitious growth plans, the team values ownership, analytical thinking, operational excellence, and professionals who are eager to build for scale.

About the role

This executive-level finance leadership opportunity offers significant growth potential and responsibility for accounting, finance, and asset management operations across a rapidly expanding commercial real estate portfolio. The Controller will take ownership of the full accounting function, from day-to-day transactions through executive-level financial reporting, while developing scalable processes and systems to support continued growth. This is a hands-on leadership position designed for a finance professional ready to assume Controller-level responsibilities and help build the financial infrastructure of a growing organization.

Why join us?

• Executive Growth: Take on Controller-level responsibilities with a clear opportunity to advance toward CFO leadership.
• Build & Own: Define accounting processes, internal controls, reporting systems, and scalable financial infrastructure.
• High Impact: Partner directly with ownership and influence acquisitions, asset management, financing, and portfolio strategy.
• Strong Upside: Receive competitive compensation, comprehensive health and dental benefits, significant growth potential, and potential equity upside.

Responsibilities

Full-Cycle Accounting

• Partner with property accounting teams and lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes across the property portfolio and corporate operations.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements.
• Manage full-cycle accounts payable and cash management activities.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and coordinate tax filings, audits, and related requirements.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Consolidate profit and loss statements and balance sheets across the portfolio for executive review.
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and reforecasts in collaboration with property teams.
• Create executive dashboards and key performance indicator reporting.
• Monitor actual performance against budgets and provide meaningful variance analysis.

Process Development & Systems

• Develop and document accounting policies, processes, and procedures.
• Build scalable financial systems capable of supporting portfolio growth.
• Establish internal controls and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Create standardized templates, workflows, and reporting practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with property management teams on rent rolls, operating expenses, and financial performance.
• Collaborate with leasing teams on lease accounting and revenue recognition.
• Work with construction teams on project costs and draw management.
• Support financial due diligence for acquisitions and financing transactions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA designation preferred.
• Five or more years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, audits, and compliance.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and a strong technology and systems orientation.
• Ability to operate effectively in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated readiness to assume Controller-level responsibilities.
• Commercial real estate accounting and finance experience preferred, including exposure to asset management, lease accounting, and CAM reconciliations.

Process & Systems Experience

• Proven ability to develop and improve financial processes and systems.
• Experience creating accounting documentation, procedures, workflows, and training materials.
• Ability to identify inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions.

Pay

$130,000 - $180,000 per year

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Significant growth potential
• Potential equity upside