Controller

Selby Jennings; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Selby Jennings is partnering with a growing real estate investment and development firm to hire a Controller who will lead accounting, financial reporting, fund accounting, and corporate financial operations. You will supervise accounting across real estate investments, fund structures, development projects, and corporate entities while partnering strategically with executive leadership.

You will oversee day-to-day accounting, month-end close, investor reporting, audits, tax support, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• CPA strongly preferred and highly valued.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience in real estate, investment management, or related industry.
• Solid understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and accounting controls.
• Experience with fund accounting, investor reporting, and consolidated financial statements.
• Yardi experience highly preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations: GL, AP, AR, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes and ensure timely, accurate reporting.
• Manage fund-level and entity-level accounting, including consolidated statements and investor reporting.
• Utilize Yardi to support financial tracking, reporting, and real estate asset management.
• Prepare, review, and analyze GAAP-compliant financial statements.
• Monitor KPIs and investment performance, providing insights to maximize returns.
• Oversee investor reporting, fund audits, regulatory filings, and compliance.
• Manage development spending, fund launch expenses, cash management, and FP&A initiatives.
• Collaborate with external tax advisors for compliance and planning.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Financial analysis

Attention to detail

Strategic partnership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA strongly preferred

Tools

Yardi

Excel

Job description

We are partnering with a growing real estate investment and development firm seeking a Controller to lead accounting, financial reporting, fund accounting, and corporate financial operations. This individual will oversee the accounting function across real estate investments, fund structures, development projects, and corporate entities while serving as a strategic financial partner to executive leadership. The role offers a unique opportunity to influence financial strategy, strengthen operational processes, and support continued growth within a dynamic investment platform.

• Lead the day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Manage fund-level and entity-level accounting, including consolidated financial statements, capital accounts, and investor reporting.
• Utilize Yardi to support financial tracking, reporting, and real estate asset management activities.
• Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements in accordance with GAAP and industry best practices.
• Monitor financial performance, KPIs, and investment returns while providing insights and recommendations to maximize investor returns.
• Oversee investor reporting, fund audits, regulatory filings, and financial compliance requirements.
• Manage development spending, fund launch expenses, cash management activities, and financial planning initiatives.
• Partner with external tax advisors to support tax compliance and planning strategies.
• Establish and strengthen internal controls, risk management procedures, and financial governance frameworks.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning, operational improvements, and growth initiatives.

Controller Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience within real estate, real estate investment management, private equity, fund management, or a related industry.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and accounting controls.
• Experience with fund accounting, investor reporting, and consolidated financial statements.
• Yardi expertise highly preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Knowledge of real estate development, construction accounting, joint ventures, and investment fund structures.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills with the ability to operate in a hands-on environment.