Controller - Commercial Property Management

Controller – Commercial Property Management

Seattle, WA

Our client, a well-established real estate investment, development, and property management firm with deep roots in the community, is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee the accounting and financial operations for a portfolio of 11 commercial properties.

Reporting directly to the CFO, this individual will play a key leadership role in overseeing financial reporting, accounting operations, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.

Working closely with senior leadership, investment management, and property management teams, the Controller will ensure financial accuracy, strengthen accounting processes, and provide meaningful insights to support business decisions.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in commercial real estate property management accounting and demonstrated experience leading accounting teams. This individual is analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive, with the ability to balance hands-on accounting oversight with broader financial strategy. Strong communication skills, a collaborative leadership style, and a commitment to improving processes will be essential to success.

Controller Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting and financial operations for an assigned portfolio of commercial properties, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely reporting.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and financial statement preparation.
• Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses, providing actionable insights to senior leadership.
• Manage day-to-day property accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, tenant billing, collections, and lease accounting.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning in collaboration with the CFO, investment management, and property management teams.
• Oversee CAM reconciliations, operating expense recoveries, property taxes, insurance reimbursements, and other tenant-related financial obligations.
• Manage cash flow, liquidity forecasting, banking activities, capital calls, loan draws, and ownership distributions.
• Monitor debt obligations, lender reporting, covenant compliance, and related financial requirements.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, approval procedures, and compliance with GAAP and applicable regulations.
• Oversee fixed assets, depreciation, capital expenditures, tenant improvements, and construction-related accounting.
• Coordinate annual audits, tax preparation, regulatory filings, and financial reporting requirements with external auditors and advisors.
• Partner with investment and asset management teams to support property acquisitions, dispositions, ownership transitions, and other significant transactions.
• Review and maintain accounting records related to leases, security deposits, intercompany transactions, and ownership structures.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and consistent reporting standards.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, property managers, and other departments to address financial matters and support portfolio performance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting workflows, strengthen reporting, and improve operational efficiencies.
• Optimize property accounting systems and technology, including Yardi, to enhance reporting accuracy and productivity.
• Support new property onboarding, entity setup, accounting system transitions, and financial process implementation.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic planning, investment decisions, and long-term portfolio objectives.
• Participate in special projects and other financial initiatives as needed.

Controller Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• 8–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience in commercial property management accounting.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, commercial property accounting, financial reporting, and CAM reconciliations.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing accounting professionals.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial analysis.
• Proficiency with property management accounting systems; Yardi experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with senior leadership.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and identify opportunities for process improvement.

Company Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Lucrative Bonus Potential
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Compensation: $140,000-180,000 + bonus