Controller

Barnowl Advisory Group open roles; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnowl Advisory Group seeks a Controller to lead the accounting and financial reporting for a diverse real estate portfolio including affordable housing and LIHTC properties. The role reports to the CFO and manages a dedicated accounting team, ensuring accurate financial data across HUD and public funding programs.

Required are a BA in accounting/finance, 7+ years in related fields, and strong GAAP proficiency. Prior LIHTC experience is highly valued; CPA/MBA preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; CPA/MBA preferred.
• 7+ years accounting, incl. 3+ in affordable housing/real estate.
• Proficiency in Onesite/RealPage and Excel.
• GAAP knowledge; HUD/LIHTC compliance experience.
• Experience supervising accounting teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all accounting operations for the Real Estate portfolio.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for stakeholders.
• Maintain HUD/LIHTC/HOME program compliance.
• Ensure data integrity in Onesite/RealPage.
• Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and insights.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's in accounting/finance

CPA or MBA preferred

Tools

Onesite/RealPage

Job description

Job Title: Controller – Affordable Housing, Tax Credit, and Mixed-Use Portfolio

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Our client isa mission-driven property management and development company overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes affordable housing, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties, condominium communities, and commercial spaces. Their goal is to strengthen neighborhoods by delivering high-quality housing and services while maintaining strong financial stewardship and operational excellence.

Position Summary

The Controller is a senior-level finance leader responsible for the full spectrum of accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and regulatory compliance across our clients diverse real estate portfolio. This role reports directly to the CFO and serves as a key member of the organization's financial leadership team.

The Controller ensures the integrity of financial systems and reporting, oversees internal controls, and manages a team of accounting professionals; works collaboratively with property management, development, asset management and external partners. The position requires deep knowledge of affordable housing finance, including HUD, LIHTC, and other public funding programs, and advanced proficiency in Onesite/RealPage software.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

Direct and oversee all accounting operations across the organization's Real Estate portfolio.

Prepare and review timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financialstatements and reports for internal stakeholders, investors, lenders, and regulatory agencies and the executive team.

Maintain compliance with affordable housing program requirements, including HUD, LIHTC, HOME, and other government funding programs.

Ensure accurate and consistent financial data is recorded and maintained using Onesite/RealPage.

Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and insights to support organizationaldecision-making.

Assist the CFO in maintaining and enhancing internal controls and financialcompliance procedures.

Budgeting, Planning & Audit

Oversee the development of annual operating budgets for all entities, incollaboration with property management and executive leadership.

Coordinate and supervise organizational accounting functions and cross-functionalfinancial planning efforts.

Work closely with the CFO on year-end audit preparation and assist withthecoordination of annual independent audits.

Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and financialtransparency.

Team Leadership & Supervision

Provide direct supervision and guidance to the Accounting Team, includingperformance management and support for professional development.

Set clear expectations, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress to ensuredepartment objectives are met.

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning alignedwith UHM's mission and values.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Act as a financial liaison with internal departments, including property management, development, and asset management.

Maintain effective communication with external partners such as auditors, investors, lenders, and regulatory agencies.

Support the CFO in financial research, long-term planning, and special projects asneeded.

Other Duties

Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the financial health and operational goals

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA and/or MBA preferred.

Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in affordable housing, real estate, or nonprofit finance.

Strong working knowledge of Onesite/RealPage software and Microsoft Excel;experience with other financial systems is a plus.

In-depth knowledge of GAAP and compliance with HUD, LIHTC, and otheraffordable housing regulations.

Demonstrated success supervising and developing accounting/finance teams.

Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.