Commercial Real Estate Controller

Dwight & Co; City of Niagara Falls (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Dwight Securities Management is seeking a Commercial Real Estate Controller to lead loan, debt and JV accounting for a nationwide REIT. The role reports to the Chief Accounting Officer and collaborates with asset management, external auditors, fund administrators, and tax advisors.

Ideal candidate is a hands-on CPA with deep real estate experience, strong technical accounting skills, and a track record of building and leading high‑performing accounting teams.

Qualifications

• CPA required.
• 7–10 years in accounting/finance/operations with mix of public and industry experience.
• Proficient with real estate accounting ERPs (Yardi/MRI).
• Strong GAAP and SEC financial reporting; experience with SEC tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage loan, debt, and JV partner accounting for an open-ended REIT.
• Oversee accounts payable, cash positions, and partner distributions.
• Technical accounting research including loan accounting, consolidation, and VIE analysis.
• Oversee ledgers, loan tape, and bank reconciliations.
• Assist investor reporting and distribution models.
• Coordinate with investment/asset management on watch list loans and impairments.
• Monitor vendor invoices, closings, and payoffs; prepare monthly/quarterly reporting.

Skills

CPA

Real estate accounting

GAAP

SEC reporting

Yardi

MRI

Workiva

ActiveDisclosure

Leadership

Communication

SOX controls

Cash flow/Investors

Education

CPA

Tools

Yardi

MRI

Workiva

ActiveDisclosure

Job description

Commercial Real Estate Controller

Department: Accounting

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: New York City, NY

Reporting To: Chief Accounting Officer

Compensation: $150,000 - $200,000 / year

Description

Dwight Securities Management (“DSM”) is an actively managed real estate investment trust specializing in the origination and financing of commercial mortgages across a range of real estate asset classes. DSM works in conjunction with affiliate firm Dwight Capital to source and evaluate lending opportunities nationwide.

The Commercial Real Estate Controller will lead all loan, debt, and joint venture (JV) accounting for DSM, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting. This is a highly visible role across the organization, reporting to the Chief Accounting Officer, investment and asset management teams, external auditors, fund administrators, and tax advisors. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on CPA with deep real estate experience, strong technical accounting skills, and a proven track record of building and leading high‑performing accounting teams.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Manage loan, debt, and JV partner accounting for an open‑ended REIT
• Oversee accounts payable, cash positions, and partner distributions
• Technical accounting research and application, including but not limited to loan accounting, consolidation, and VIE analysis
• Oversee and maintain accounting ledgers, loan tape, and bank reconciliations
• Assist with investor reporting and distribution models
• Coordinate with investment/asset management team on watch list loans and impairment triggers
• Monitor, document, and track vendor deal invoices, closings, and payoffs
• Work closely with fund admin in preparing financial reporting packages- monthly and quarterly
• Analyze and assemble warehouse compliance reporting to counterparties
• Manage the external audit process end‑to‑end, including planning, PBC list, technical memo support, and overall auditor relationship
• Manage, mentor, and develop the broader accounting team
• Support the Chief Accounting Officer in developing internal controls design and SOX control environment
• Support tax on the annual and quarterly REIT qualification tests
• Review and oversee the returns and forms, primarily 1099s and 1042s, of the fund, JVs, and affiliated structures prepared by an outside accounting firm, as well as other ad‑hoc tax related items

Required Experience & Skill Sets

• 7-10 years of experience in an accounting/finance/operations role with a mix of public and industry experience
• CPA required
• Must be a go‑getter and take initiative to solve problems
• Proficient with real estate accounting ERPs including Yardi, MRI, or others
• Strong GAAP and SEC financial reporting, including experience with Workiva, ActiveDisclosure, or other SEC reporting tools
• Accounting skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills with banking institutions, vendors, and internal staff
• Ability to prioritize tasks with strong time management skills
• Ability to troubleshoot issues independently
• Oversee use of QuickBooks and wire executing processes

Note: This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions and does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The Company may change job titles, duties, and responsibilities at any time.