Controller

CFS; Cockeysville (MD); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS, a rapidly growing commercial real estate company, seeks its first in-house Controller to lead the shift from outsourced accounting to internal operations. With assets approaching $1 billion, the role offers high visibility and a potential path to CFO.

The ideal candidate is a CPA with public accounting background, CRE accounting knowledge, and a leadership mindset ready to build teams and processes for a growing organization.

Qualifications

• CPA designation required or strongly preferred.
• Public accounting experience in commercial real estate a plus.
• Strong understanding of real estate accounting principles and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transition of accounting operations from an outsourced provider to an internal department.
• Collaborate with ownership and executive leadership to align accounting with business strategy.
• Establish processes, controls, and GAAP-compliant reporting to support growth.
• Build and mentor an in-house accounting team across functions.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual closes and financial reporting.
• Manage relationships with auditors, tax advisors, lenders, and external partners.
• Provide insights on growth initiatives and real estate investments.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Real estate accounting

Financial reporting

Education

CPA designation

Job description

Commercial Real Estate | Hunt Valley, MD

~$150,000+ Base Salary | Bonus | Employer-Paid Benefits | Executive Growth Track Are you a CPA looking to make the leap from public accounting into a high-impact leadership role?

A rapidly growing commercial real estate company with approximately $500 million in assets and a portfolio of 80 properties is seeking its first in-house Controller. The company has experienced significant growth and has reached the point where it is transitioning accounting operations from an outsourced accounting firm to an internal department.

This is a rare opportunity to join an organization at a transformational stage and help build the accounting function from the ground up. The company anticipates substantial continued growth, with expectations of approaching $1 billion in assets in the coming years.

For the right individual, this position offers the chance to become a key member of leadership and potentially grow into a future CFO role.

What You'll Do

• Lead the transition of accounting operations from an external accounting provider to an internal accounting department
• Work closely with ownership, executive leadership, and the outside accounting firm to gain a thorough understanding of business operations
• Establish accounting processes, procedures, and internal controls to support future growth
• Build, hire, mentor, and develop an in-house accounting team
• Oversee financial reporting, general ledger activities, month-end and year-end close processes
• Manage relationships with auditors, tax advisors, lenders, and other external partners
• Provide financial insights and strategic support related to growth initiatives and real estate investments
• Help create the infrastructure needed to support a rapidly expanding organization

Ideal Background

• CPA designation required or strongly preferred
• Public accounting experience preferred, especially with commercial real estate clients
• Strong understanding of real estate accounting principles and financial reporting
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Leadership mindset with a desire to build teams and processes
• Ambitious, entrepreneurial, and excited by the opportunity to create lasting impact

Why This Opportunity Is Different

Most Controller roles involve stepping into an established department and maintaining existing processes.

This role is different.

You’ll have the opportunity to build the accounting function, influence company strategy, develop a team, and help shape the future of an organization experiencing exceptional growth. The visibility, responsibility, and career trajectory are difficult to find in a traditional accounting role.

While the hours will be considerably more manageable than public accounting, candidates should expect a higher level of commitment than a typical Controller position given the scope of the role, the transition process, and the company’s growth plans.

If you're looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, accelerate your career, and position yourself for future executive leadership, we'd love to speak with you.

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