Real Estate Controller

Position: Real Estate Controller

Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid)

Salary: $180k-$200k + Bonus

We are seeking an experienced Real Estate Controller to oversee the accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, and compliance functions for a diverse commercial real estate portfolio. This is a highly visible leadership role with direct exposure to executive leadership, investment teams, and property operations.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong commercial real estate accounting background, prior team leadership experience, and preferably a foundation in public accounting with a CPA designation. Candidates coming directly from public accounting with significant real estate exposure will also be considered.

This role offers the opportunity to build processes, mentor a large accounting team, and drive operational and reporting improvements across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Direct all property accounting functions, including establishing and maintaining accounting principles, procedures, controls, and best practices
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year-end closings across a portfolio of properties in accordance with GAAP, tax basis, and cash basis accounting
• Review financial reports, analyze findings, and present recommendations to executive leadership
• Supervise and mentor Senior Managers, Managers, Senior Property Accountants, and Property Accountants
• Partner closely with Investment Managers on asset performance, lender reporting, investor reporting, and operational analysis
• Review and analyze annual operating expenses, budgets, and reforecasting activities
• Manage tenant billings including CAM, real estate tax, and general billback reconciliations
• Oversee cash management processes including distributions, capital calls, and investment of excess cash
• Review debt compliance, loan covenants, debt yield calculations, debt service coverage tests, and lender reporting requirements
• Coordinate with external auditors and CPA firms to support annual audits and audited financial statements
• Review tax returns, REIT compliance, and related planning initiatives
• Ensure accounting systems and process controls align with company standards and industry best practices
• Lead and support operational improvement and efficiency initiatives across the accounting function

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of accounting experience, preferably within commercial real estate
• Public accounting foundation strongly preferred; CPA designation highly desirable
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• Prior experience managing and reviewing the work of accounting teams
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and real estate accounting practices
• Advanced analytical, communication, and relationship management skills
• Advanced Excel skills required
• Experience with accounting and reporting systems preferred, including:
• Anaplan
• MRI
• AvidXchange
• Spreadsheet Server

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