Controller / Accounting Manager

OPTIMAL Unlimited; Cebu City; On-site; PHP 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

OPTIMAL Unlimited in Cebu City, Philippines is seeking an Accounting Manager/Controller to lead day-to-day accounting, ensure accuracy of financial transactions, and support strategic planning. This role combines technical accounting with client-facing responsibilities, including collaboration with U.S.-based clients.

You will supervise the accounting team, oversee AP/AR, GL, month-end close, and produce key reports.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of accounting experience (real estate/property management preferred).
• Advanced knowledge of property accounting, GL management, and full-cycle accounting processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and cloud-based accounting platforms.
• Ability to work independently while mentoring team members.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations and client coordination across the organization.
• Mentor junior and senior accountants and oversee day-to-day and long-term projects.
• Oversee full-cycle AP/AR, prepare income statements, balance sheets, and client reports.
• Support internal controls, process improvements, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with U.S.-based clients and external partners as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Client coordination

Mentoring

English communication

Independent work

Education

CPA designation (or pursuing)

Tools

Buildium

Appfolio

Yardi

Microsoft Excel

Cloud-based accounting platforms

Job description

About the Role:

As Accounting Manager/Controller, you will play a critical role in leading day-to-day accounting operations and supporting strategic financial planning. This role is both technical and client-facing, requiring excellent accounting acumen and the ability to collaborate with both internal teams and U.S.-based clients.

You will serve as the accounting teams go-to leader, ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of all financial transactions while mentoring junior accountants and streamlining reporting processes.

Who is this role a fit for?

This role is ideal for someone who has excellent accounting acumen and the ability to collaborate with both internal teams and U.S.-based clients. The right candidate is:

• Proactive and detail-oriented

• Calm under pressure and solution-focused

• Capable of mentoring others and aligning a team behind a common goal

• Comfortable interfacing with executives, clients, and cross-functional stakeholders

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Client Coordination

  • Serve as a key point of contact for all accounting-related matters across the organization.

  • Collaborate and communicate with investors, external accounting teams, vendors, and other stakeholders as needed.

  • Guide junior and senior accountants and provide oversight on both day-to-day and long-term projects.

• Operational Excellence

  • Supervise full-cycle accounts payable and receivable processes to ensure timely, accurate posting and reconciliation.

  • Prepare and review key financial reports, including Income Statements, Balance Sheets, and custom client-facing reports.

  • Build and maintain custom spreadsheets and working files to support financial analysis and documentation.

• Process & Policy Management

  • Develop, document, and implement internal financial controls and accounting procedures.

  • Recommend and drive process improvements across the team to reduce inefficiencies and improve reporting accuracy.

  • Ensure all operations comply with accounting principles and relevant regulatory standards.

• Hands-on Accounting

  • Perform or oversee day-to-day bookkeeping and reconciliation tasks.

  • Manage General Ledger activity, including journal entries, accruals, and monthly close processes.

  • Use Buildium and other platforms (Appfolio, Yardi, etc.) to execute tasks effectively.

  • Experience in CAM (Common Area Maintenance) Reconciliations is preferred for coordinating directly with tenants regarding CAM charges, addressing queries, and facilitating communication to ensure accurate and timely resolution.

  • Provide support with tax preparation and filing activities, as required. This may include coordinating with relevant stakeholders, organizing documentation, and assisting in compliance-related processes.

• Communication & Reporting

  • Maintain a high standard of professionalism in client communication.

  • Respond promptly and accurately to financial inquiries and provide regular updates to leadership and stakeholders.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in accounting, preferably in real estate, property management, or construction.

• Advanced knowledge of property accounting, general ledger management, and full-cycle accounting processes.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general cloud-based accounting platforms.

• Ability to work independently while managing and mentoring team members.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred:

• Experience in property accounting is a strong advantage.

• Familiarity with Buildium is a plus; other software experience is also welcome.

• A CPA designation (or working toward it) is highly desirable.

• Ability to handle pressure and adapt in a multicultural, fast-paced environment..

Someone with a firm but composed personality and a tough-minded leadership style.