Controller

Our client is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the day-to-day accounting operations for the company and its family of affiliated businesses. This is a highly visible, hands‑on leadership position responsible for overseeing financial reporting, accounting operations, system integrity, IRS compliance, and 401(k) plan administration while managing an accounting team of 11 professionals across five functional departments. This role partners closely with executive leadership, including the COO, President, and Chairman of the Board, serving as the organization's primary accounting expert. The ideal candidate is a strong technical accountant who enjoys improving processes, mentoring teams, and communicating financial information in a clear, practical way to non‑financial stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management Lead, mentor, and develop an accounting team of 11 employees across five departments: Commissions (3) Escrow (2) Treasury (2) Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable/Properties (2) Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and performance management. Identify opportunities to improve departmental structure, workflows, and efficiencies. Own all financial reporting for the client and affiliated companies. Manage daily accounting activities for the parent company and investment accounts. Oversee Enterprise Accounting, including accounting for multiple affiliated business lines and property operations. Prepare specialized financial reports for executive leadership. Maintain depreciation schedules and related journal entries. Coordinate annual financial statement preparation and submission to the external CPA firm. Maintain and apply the company's modified cash basis accounting methodology. Systems & Process Improvement Serve as the owner of the accounting system, ensuring data integrity and reporting accuracy. Evaluate accounting processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency and scalability. Lead future rollout of accounting system reporting access for Regional and Office Managers. Compliance & 401(k) Administration Ensure compliance with all IRS reporting requirements. Serve as Plan Administrator for the company's 401(k) plan. Review and approve 401(k) distribution requests. Coordinate the annual census and testing process with the Third‑Party Administrator (TPA). Lead the annual 401(k) audit process alongside HR. Serve as the primary liaison with the TPA and as a voting member of the 401(k) Committee. Executive Partnership Support strategic initiatives led by executive leadership. Serve as the accounting resource for affiliated companies. Present financial statements and business performance to managers and brokers in an easy‑to‑understand format. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. 10+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience. Prior Controller or Assistant Controller experience with increasing leadership responsibilities. Experience managing accounting teams in a multi‑department environment. Strong financial reporting and general ledger expertise. Experience with accounting systems administration and reporting. Working knowledge of modified cash basis accounting. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Ability to explain financial concepts to non‑financial audiences. Preferred CPA preferred but not required . Experience with Sage Intacct strongly preferred. Experience with multi‑entity accounting. Real estate, property management, or brokerage industry experience. Experience administering or supporting a 401(k) plan, including audits, census reporting, and TPA coordination. Ideal Candidate We're looking for a leader who enjoys building and improving accounting organizations—not someone looking for a short‑term stepping stone. The ideal candidate will bring a continuous improvement mindset, identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen accounting operations, and develop the existing team for long‑term success. Full‑time, direct hire Opportunity to join one of Northeast Florida's most established real estate organizations and make a lasting impact on its accounting operations. #J-18808-Ljbffr