Controller

Cherry Bekaert Foundation; Bethesda (MD); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Cherry Bekaert Foundation in Bethesda, MD is seeking a Controller to lead day-to-day accounting operations for our commercial/retail real estate portfolio, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and tax-basis compliance for lenders and investors.

Reporting to the CFO, the Controller will own the monthly close, property-level reporting, and compliance processes while supervising two Senior Accountants and collaborating with property and asset management teams.

Qualifications

• BS/BS in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• 2+ years in supervisory/management role.
• Commercial real estate accounting experience required.
• Knowledge of income tax-basis reporting preferred.
• Proficiency with property accounting software and advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process across the property portfolio and corporate entities.
• Prepare consolidated financial statements, property-level P&Ls, and variance analyses for the CFO and ownership/investors.
• Ensure accurate accounting for CAM reconciliations, tenant billings, depreciation, and capital expenditures on an income tax basis.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and balance sheet schedules prepared by the team.
• Manage, mentor, and develop two Senior Accountants; establish procedures and review checklists.

Skills

Communication

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Financial analysis

Education

BS/BS in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Yardi

MRI

AppFolio

Excel

Job description

Controller

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Controller

• Bethesda, MD

This is a hybrid role (3 days in-office).

Compensation: $150-170k + 10-15% bonus, depending on related expertise.

The Controller will lead day-to-day accounting operations for our commercial/retail real estate portfolio, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance with income tax-basis accounting standards and lender/investor requirements.

This role partners closely with the CFO on financial strategy while managing a team of two Senior Accountants and owning the monthly close, property-level reporting, and compliance processes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process across the property portfolio and corporate entities
• Prepare consolidated financial statements, property-level P&Ls, and variance analyses for the CFO and ownership/investors
• Ensure accurate accounting for CAM reconciliations, tenant billings, depreciation, and capital expenditures on an income tax basis
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and balance sheet schedules prepared by the team

Team Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and develop two Senior Accountants, including workload allocation, performance reviews, and professional growth
• Establish and document accounting procedures and review checklists to ensure consistency across properties
• Serve as the escalation point for complex accounting issues raised by the team

Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and strengthen internal controls over financial reporting across the portfolio
• Serve as primary liaison for tax preparers and lender reporting requirements
• Ensure compliance with loan covenants, partnership agreements, and investor reporting obligations
• Oversee property tax, insurance, and 1099 reporting processes

Process & Systems

• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities within the accounting function
• Own the chart of accounts and property accounting system administration (e.g., Yardi, MRI, or similar)
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash management in partnership with the CFO

Business Partnership

• Provide the CFO with financial analysis and ad hoc reporting to support acquisition due diligence, refinancing, and dispositions
• Collaborate with property management and asset management teams on operational and financial questions

Qualifications

• BS/BS in Accounting or Finance
• CPA preferred
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience required
• 2+ years in a supervisory/management role required
• Commercial real estate accounting experience required (CAM reconciliations, multi-entity/property consolidations, income tax-basis reporting) required
• Knowledge of income tax-basis accounting principles as applied to real estate is preferred
• Proficiency with property accounting software (Yardi, MRI, AppFolio, or similar) and advanced Excel skills are preferred
• Experience managing lender and investor reporting cycles preferred
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines across a portfolio of properties are required
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team are required

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