Controller

Job Description

Job Description

We are one of the top residential real estate brokerages in the United States. Our Development Division bridges high-end real estate brokerage and ground-up development by partnering with premier developers, architects, and design teams to deliver uniquely designed residences that set new benchmarks for quality, design, and financial performance.

Unlike a traditional brokerage, the Development Division operates at the intersection of real estate sales, construction finance, and development accounting. We manage the full financial lifecycle from project inception through final unit closing. The Financial Controller for the Development Division serves as an integral part of the team, providing a stable foundation towards an inherently complex, multi-project, and multi-stakeholder environment.

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance activities. This role reports to the VP of Finance, ensuring strong day-to-day accounting execution while providing leadership-level financial insight and governance. The Controller partners closely with Finance, HR, Operations, and Facilities to ensure accuracy, consistency, and scalability across all financial processes.

Reporting Structure

- Reports to: VP of Finance
- Direct Reports: Accounting staff (as applicable)
- Key Partners: HR, Payroll, Operations, Facilities, External Auditors, Tax Advisors

Core Responsibilities

- Oversee all accounting operations, ensuring accurate and timely month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close.
- Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements prepared by the Accounting Team.
- Ensure GAAP compliance across all entities, cost centers, and reporting structures.
- Maintain consistency between operational activity and financial reporting.
- Serve as escalation point for complex accounting issues before elevation to the VP of Finance.

Construction Draws and Advances, Revenue Recognition, and Project Management

- Ownership over the full draw cycle request across all parties.

- Reconciliation of advance balances against budgets, lending schedules, and other relevant criteria for each project and resolving potential variances in a timely manner.

- Coordinate with all stakeholders across the Company and development projects to verify compliance with certifications, lien wavers, and cost completion reports.

- Oversee timely and accurate submissions and billings to ensure no draws are left on the table, supported by adequate diligence and documentation.

- Apply ASC 606 revenue guidance towards proper revenue recognition, taking into consideration each respective project’s structure, percentage of completion, and other relevant criteria.

- Maintenance of detailed project ledgers, workpapers, and reconciliations.

Internal Controls & Compliance

- Design, implement, and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements in coordination with external providers.
- Support audits, reviews, and financial examinations (as-needed).
- Monitor risk exposure and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Ensure proper segregation of duties and documentation standards.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

- Support the VP of Finance in annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Monitor financial performance against budget and analyze variances.
- Provide actionable financial insights to leadership.
- Assist with cash flow management and forecasting.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment

- Provide functional leadership to the Accounting Team.
- Partner with HR on payroll, benefits allocations, compensation changes, and employee-related accounting.
- Collaborate with Operations and Facilities on lease accounting, capital expenditures, and location-level financials.
- Ensure alignment between accounting execution and strategic finance objectives.

Systems, Processes & Documentation

- Oversee accounting systems and ensure data integrity.
- Drive process improvements for efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
- Maintain formal documentation of accounting procedures and controls.
- Support system upgrades, integrations, and reporting enhancements.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
- 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience.
- Strong GAAP knowledge and financial reporting expertise.
- Prior leadership experience and as a senior individual-contributor.
- Proactive ownership and cross-functional collaboration with developers, architects, and other stakeholders in addition to the core Finance and Accounting Team.

- Experience working with auditors and tax professionals.

Preferred Qualifications

- Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance.

- CPA or CPA-eligible.
- Experience in multi-entity, real estate, or professional services environments.

- Adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
- ERP or advanced accounting system experience. Brokerage Engine experience is a plus.
- Strong Excel and financial modeling skills.

Key Competencies

- Financial stewardship and integrity
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail and sound judgment
- Clear communication and executive presence
- Confidentiality and professionalism

FLSA Status

Exempt

Benefits

Join a luxury growing company with an energetic work environment. Our benefits include:

- Medical, Dental, and Vision

- 401k

- A generous PTO and Holiday calendar

- Start-up office environment

- Growth potential

- Training and development

Job Type: Full-time

On-site, not a remote position.

MDLV, LLC dba ONE Sotheby's International Realty is an Equal Opportunity Employer; participates in E-Verify and conducts background checks.