Controller

Wainwright Talent Partners; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Wainwright Talent Partners is seeking a Controller for a mission-driven real estate portfolio including affordable housing and LIHTC properties. The role leads accounting, reporting, budgeting, and regulatory compliance, reporting to the CFO and guiding a finance team.

Strong Onesite/RealPage and GAAP expertise are essential. The position collaborates with property management and development teams to ensure accurate financials, strong internal controls, and timely audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required; CPA or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience, incl. 3+ years in affordable housing/real estate.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and HUD/LIHTC regulations.
• Proficiency with Onesite/RealPage and Excel.
• Experience supervising accounting teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct accounting operations across the organization’s real estate portfolio.
• Prepare timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Oversee budgeting, planning, and year-end audits.
• Strengthen internal controls and financial processes.
• Collaborate with property management, development, and asset management.

Skills

Accounting

Leadership

Analytical

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

CPA or MBA preferred

Tools

OneSite/RealPage

Microsoft Excel

Other financial systems

Job description

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

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Our client is a 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 client's 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 organizational decision-making.
• Assist the CFO in maintaining and enhancing internal controls and financial compliance 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-functional financial planning efforts.
• Work closely with the CFO on year-end audit preparation and assist with the coordination 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, including performance 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 aligned with 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 as needed.

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 other affordable 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.