Portfolio Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Headquartered in the Greater Washington area, American Real Estate Partners (AREP) is a US-based leading institutional fund manager and real estate partner with over $13 billion deployed across key U.S. markets. Specializing in data center, residential, industrial, and office assets, AREP has acquired more than 34 million square feet of Class A real estate and currently manages over 25 million square feet.

PowerHouse Data Centers, a wholly owned division of AREP, is a developer and owner of next-generation data centers and provides technical real estate solutions for hyperscalers across the country. Backed by strategic joint venture partnerships, PowerHouse leverages its proven leadership and best-in-class technical expertise to deliver innovative real estate solutions. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Portfolio Controller leads all aspects of the accounting and financial reporting for a portfolio of real estate investment joint ventures, including operating assets and development projects. This position will be responsible for development/operational accounting, financial reporting, audit, tax compliance and other duties related to the assigned portfolio.

The Portfolio Controller will oversee a team of 2-3 property accountants and 2-3 development accountants to successfully provide leadership over complex transactions, establish accounting practices, and ensure that financial data is consistent, accurate, and timely. This positions partners closely with acquisitions, asset management, construction, and operations.

This role reports to HQ based in McLean, VA with a hybrid schedule of 4 days a week in-office and 1 day remote opportunity. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance on complex real estate transactions, joint ventures, and investment structures (upper tier joint ventures, holding companies, etc.).
• Review and interpret legal agreements, including joint venture agreements, purchase and sale agreements, loan agreements, construction contracts, etc., to determine appropriate accounting treatment.
• Ensure that all monthly/quarterly/annual financial reporting, development reporting, audit and tax compliance is completed and timely and accurately.
• Ensure that monthly development funding requests are created and provided to lenders and JV partners timely, accurately, and in accordance with all governing documents.
• Establish and enforce internal controls over accounting processes, including cost capitalization, approvals, and financial close procedures.
• Partner with acquisitions, asset management and construction/development teams to ensure accurate financial data throughout the life cycle of an investment.
• Oversee accounting integration processes for newly acquired assets and disposition processes for sold assets.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (Fair Value, GAAP, income tax basis) related to real estate and investment companies.
• Drive process improvements and standardization across development accounting workflows, systems, and controls.
• Lead, manage, and develop a team of accounting professionals, including performance management, coaching, and succession planning.
• Serve as a key point of contact for auditors, investors, and external partners on accounting matters related to assigned portfolio.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships across functions.
• Strategic thinking and strong technical accounting acumen.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Leadership, team development, and organizational influence.
• Strong judgment in complex and ambiguous situations.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, transaction-driven environment.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or additional relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience with significant exposure to real estate development and investment accounting.
• Demonstrated experience in development accounting across the full lifecycle of projects.
• Strong expertise in joint venture accounting, including complex partnership structures and waterfall calculations.
• Experience working on complex real estate development transactions with multiple stakeholders and capital sources.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and accounting process design.
• Proven experience in a leadership role with responsibility for managing and developing accounting teams.
• Proficiency in real estate accounting systems (e.g., Yardi) and advanced Excel skills.
• Candidates with experience within the data center or digital infrastructure sector are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits & Compensation

We believe our success begins with yours.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your eligible family members, Paid Time Off (PTO), a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), life and supplemental life insurance, and short- and long-term disability insurance. Our package also includes a 401(k) plan with an employer match, Employee Assistance Program, an Employee Discount Program, and Financial Wellness Service.

Offered base salary will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, geography, and scope of the role at the time of hire. This position may be eligible for an annual bonus. We welcome the opportunity to discuss a salary range higher or lower than the range posted, depending on a candidate's specific skills, experience, and qualifications.

Anticipated Base Salary Range

$175,000—$195,000 USD

AREP is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, as well as any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

If you require special accommodation, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

AREP does not accept unsolicited resumes or identifiable candidate information from third-party recruiters. Any unsolicited information will not be considered for engagement purposes.