Controller

Job Description

Job Description

In a world of noise, we find the signal — the pulse of potential. We weave the strands of talent, vision, and purpose into organizations that endure. Blending intelligence with intuition, we honor the human art of connection at the heart of every great company.

About the Job

We are partnered with a private family office overseeing a diversified real estate investment, development, and property management portfolio in Los Angeles on the search for its next Controller. This is a hands-on financial leadership role with direct ownership of the accounting function, serving as a core member of the finance team.

The portfolio spans commercial real estate holdings, including shopping centers, and requires a Controller who can maintain accurate, audit-ready books while supporting lenders, tax reporting, and day-to-day property operations.

This person will be responsible for owning cash management, financial reporting, and compliance end-to-end, while bringing the accuracy, discretion, and rigor this ownership structure requires.

The Mandate

This organization is very clear about what it is — and is not — seeking.

They are not looking for a Controller who only reviews numbers after the fact, or one unwilling to stay hands-on with day-to-day accounting operations.

They are seeking a builder–operator of the finance function: a Controller who can manage cash, own reporting, supervise staff, and keep a complex commercial real estate portfolio's books accurate, compliant, and audit-ready — end to end.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage cash, including loan paydowns and draws.
• Prepare financial statements for internal review, lenders, and government agencies' tax reporting.
• Supervise accounts receivable, including accurate tenant billing of rent and CAM, and posting of tenant receipts.
• Oversee CAM reconciliation and collection.
• Supervise monthly reconciliations of the general ledger.
• Prepare and file all local and tax returns, including city business licenses, permits, and personal property taxes.
• Coordinate submission of year-end financials to the CPA for tax return preparation.
• Provide back-up coverage for accounts payable management, including vendor documentation and 1099 processing, monthly bank reconciliations, property tax appeals documentation, collections, and other accounting functions.
• Review lender loan statements to validate interest charged and loan balances.
• Prepare monthly 401(k) spreadsheets reflecting employee/employer contributions for transmittal to the plan administrator.
• Generate and submit semi-monthly payroll to the payroll provider.
• Maintain and update real estate schedules and other databases.
• Oversee accounting staff.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting (minimum).
• 5-7 years minimum accounting experience in commercial (shopping center) real estate.
• Proficiency in Yardi Voyager (version 7s and later updates).
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (version 2024 and later upgrades), and proficient in Excel and Claude AI.
• Adept at planning and analyzing financial information.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities and relationships.
• Energetic team player who works well with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience overseeing accounting staff.

Location & Work Model

• Los Angeles, California
• On-site

Compensation

• Base salary: $135,000.00 to $165,000 DOE
• Benefits: Paid time off, health insurance sharing, 401(k), direct deposit, and paid parking.

Base Compensation Range

$135,000—$165,000 USD

Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination Statement
Signal and Strand is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We—and our clients—do not discriminate in employment or contracting on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We comply fully with the provisions of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.