Development Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Development Controller (Corporate Controller in Real-Estate Development)

Chelsea Investment Corporation | San Diego, CA

Most Controller roles talk about complexity. This one actually has it.

Chelsea Investment Corporation (CIC) is seeking a Development Controller to help lead the accounting function for one of California's most established affordable housing developers. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, treasury, payroll oversight, and systems administration across a 350+ entity organization spanning affordable housing development, asset management, and construction.

This is a rare succession opportunity with leadership change planning for Q1 2027, creating the opportunity for meaningful overlap and knowledge transfer before assuming full responsibility for the role.

Why This Role Is Different

For over 40 years, Chelsea has developed high-quality affordable housing throughout California and the Western United States. We are a multi-award-winning organization, most recently recognized with the 2026 Ruby Award for Project of the Year.

The accounting environment is highly sophisticated and uniquely complex. Affordable housing development combines real estate, construction, tax credit finance, regulatory compliance, and multi-entity accounting in ways that differ significantly from traditional corporate accounting environments.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, building strong teams, improving systems, and serving as a trusted partner to executive leadership.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Leading all accounting operations and financial reporting across a 350+ entity structure
• Maintaining the integrity of the general ledger and financial reporting systems
• Budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and treasury oversight
• Entity administration, banking relationships, and intercompany transactions
• Serving as the primary administrator of Sage 300 CRE
• Overseeing payroll review, forecasting, and multi-entity allocations
• Leading and developing a seasoned accounting team
• Partnering closely with the CFO on process improvements, systems optimization, and organizational growth initiatives
• Helping support new entities and evolving business structures as the organization continues to grow

What We're Looking For

The strongest candidates will bring:

• 10+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience
• Experience leading accounting teams and developing staff
• Significant multi-entity accounting experience (100+ entities preferred)
• Real estate development, construction, affordable housing, or similarly complex environments
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting
• Exceptional communication skills and leadership presence

Highly Preferred

• Sage 300 CRE experience
• CPA designation
• Affordable housing or LIHTC experience
• Development accounting, construction draws, or tax credit finance exposure

The Right Person

We're looking for more than technical expertise.

Our CFO is seeking a leader who can build team confidence, communicate clearly, challenge assumptions thoughtfully, and help drive continuous improvement across the organization.

You'll be successful here if you're comfortable navigating complexity, enjoy mentoring others, and can balance strategic thinking with a willingness to stay connected to the operational details.

Location

This position is based in San Diego, California. On-site presence is strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $190,000–$220,000
• Annual bonus eligibility: 20–30%
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Long-term growth opportunity within a stable and growing organization
• Direct partnership with executive leadership
• Structured transition and onboarding with the retiring Controller

If you've built your career in complex accounting environments and are looking for an opportunity where your leadership can make a meaningful impact, we'd welcome the conversation.