Director of Finance and Controller

Company Description

Freshwater Development specializes in the acquisition, design, and construction of exceptional real estate that strengthens the communities in which we invest. Our hands-on, vertically integrated development approach enables us to identify and execute compelling value-add opportunities while delivering superior risk-adjusted returns to our partners.

Role Description

Freshwater Development is seeking a Director of Finance & Controller to join our growing team. This is a full-time, on-site leadership position based in Northern Michigan, responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the company across real estate development, construction, investment management, and property operations.

Working directly with the Founder, this individual will lead corporate accounting, financial reporting, construction loan administration, investor reporting, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and strategic financial planning. The Director of Finance & Controller will play a key role in supporting acquisitions, development, construction, and long-term company growth.

1. Responsibilities

• Oversee corporate accounting, monthly financial statements, and general ledger reconciliations.
• Prepare and administer monthly construction loan draws and lender reporting.
• Develop and maintain project and corporate budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Prepare quarterly investor reporting, capital account summaries, and project performance updates.
• Monitor project budgets, job costing, change orders, and overall financial performance.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, banking relationships, and cash management.
• Oversee the financial performance of the company's rental property portfolio, including operating income, expenses, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Support acquisitions, underwriting, financing, and project feasibility analysis.
• Develop financial systems, internal controls, and reporting processes that improve operational efficiency.
• Coordinate with lenders, investors, accountants, attorneys, consultants, and project teams.
• Support ownership with strategic initiatives and administrative responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of accounting or finance experience, preferably in real estate development, construction, private equity real estate, or property management.
• Experience with construction accounting, project cost reporting, and construction loan draws.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Experience preparing investor reporting and managing multiple legal entities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, and financial reporting software.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.

Why Freshwater

At Freshwater, you'll do more than manage financial operations—you'll help shape the future of the company. As a vertically integrated real estate development firm, we oversee every phase of the development process, creating exceptional projects that strengthen the communities in which we invest.

You'll work directly with company leadership, contribute to meaningful investment and development decisions, and help build the financial infrastructure that supports our long-term growth. We offer competitive compensation, performance-based incentives, and significant opportunities for professional advancement as Freshwater continues to grow.