Sr. Project Controller

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Controller to join a well-established real estate development organization.

The Senior Project Controller will serve as a key financial leader within the Accounting department, overseeing financial reporting, accounting operations, and team performance across a diverse portfolio of real estate development projects.

This position works closely with senior accounting leadership and cross-functional departments to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle, from construction draws and loan administration through project closeout and investor reporting.

The ideal candidate brings extensive real estate accounting experience, strong technical knowledge, and proven leadership capabilities. This individual will manage and mentor a team of accountants, drive process improvements, and collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners, including lenders, auditors, and tax professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee the preparation and review of financial statements across multiple real estate entities and development projects.
• Manage general ledger activity, journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting accuracy.
• Coordinate year-end accounting activities, including tax-related journal entries and rollovers within Yardi.
• Manage preparation of tax documentation and coordinate with external tax preparers.
• Oversee financial audits and ensure timely delivery of supporting documentation.
• Review operating agreements to understand capital contribution requirements and related financial obligations.
• Coordinate real estate tax schedules, tangible personal property tax returns, and 1099 reporting.
• Monitor cash requirements across assigned projects.
• Oversee invoice approval workflows and accounting system access.

Construction Accounting

• Manage construction-related financial transactions and funding processes.
• Coordinate contractor payments following lender and management approvals.
• Work closely with Project Managers to reconcile general contractor payment applications.
• Collaborate with Construction teams to review potential change orders and associated financial impacts.
• Ensure construction-related accounting activities are accurately recorded and appropriately supported.

Loan Administration

• Coordinate preparation and documentation of equity contributions.
• Maintain and update projected construction loan draw schedules.
• Oversee review and approval of final loan draws.
• Collaborate with lenders, Development, and Construction teams to support financing requirements.

Project Closeout & Investor Reporting

• Oversee financial closeout activities for completed development projects.
• Monitor outstanding escrow deposits and remaining financial obligations.
• Coordinate investor reporting as required.
• Research and resolve outstanding accounting matters, including association-related questions, invoices, and payments.

Banking & Treasury Operations

• Oversee the establishment and administration of project bank accounts.
• Manage banking documentation, authorized users, and account access.
• Maintain accurate banking records and account tracking schedules.
• Supervise wire transfers, internal transfers, and related approval processes.
• Coordinate monthly administrative and development fee transfers.
• Ensure appropriate documentation is provided to accounting teams for accurate transaction recording.

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Manage, mentor, and develop accounting personnel across assigned projects.
• Partner with senior accounting leadership on staffing requirements and departmental priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting workflows, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Provide ongoing training and technical guidance to accounting staff.
• Collaborate with Investments, Development, Construction, Legal, and other departments to support business objectives.
• Ensure accounting processes align with established internal controls and financial reporting standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or 7–10 years of relevant accounting experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of real estate accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Demonstrated experience managing accounting teams, including direct supervision of at least two accountants.
• Experience with financial reporting, general ledger management, reconciliations, and accounting operations.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and external financial partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Experience with Yardi accounting software.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Experience with real estate development accounting, construction draws, loan administration, and investor reporting.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting leader with a strong foundation in real estate development and construction accounting. This individual is comfortable managing multiple entities, overseeing complex financial transactions, and leading a team while maintaining accuracy and accountability.

Success in this position requires someone who can balance detailed accounting oversight with broader financial leadership, work effectively with development and construction professionals, and proactively improve processes across a growing portfolio of projects.