Controller

Zalla Companies; Fort Mitchell (KY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Zalla Companies is seeking a Controller on-site in Fort Mitchell, KY, reporting to the CEO and guiding a small team across accounting, reporting, and administration for a multi-entity platform.

You will oversee financial controls, cash flow, and tax planning, coordinating with ownership for strategic decisions and family-office coordination in a complex asset base.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting is required.
• CPA or Master’s in taxation preferred.
• Strong communication skills with non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience with ERP systems and Excel for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting for a diversified portfolio of real estate assets.
• Lead weekly cash activities including deposits, lines of credit, disbursements, and receipts.
• Prepare tax-based financial statements and management reports across entities.
• Manage a team of two direct reports.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Excel

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

CPA or Master’s in taxation

Tools

MRI Software

Sage Accounting

Job description

• Are you energized by working cross-functionally with ownership and operations to solve problems and drive results?
• Do you bring a mindset of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement?
• Do you take pride in building scalable processes and strong controls that enable long-term success?

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Zalla Companies is a long-established real estate investment and operating firm with more than 50 years of history. They own and manage a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate assets, including office, industrial, retail, and medical offices, complemented by a growing portfolio of liquid securities and private investments. The organization is evolving toward a more streamlined, asset-focused model centered on the long-term stewardship of operating properties and financial capital.

This role is onsite at the office in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky and requires sound judgment, high discretion, and a genuine commitment to service, structure, and continuous improvement.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

The Controller is the senior financial leader responsible for all accounting, financial reporting, and administrative functions across a multi-entity platform. Reporting directly to the CEO, this individual leads a small internal team and works closely with ownership on both Company operations and family office coordination, ensuring discipline, transparency, and clarity across a diversified asset base. The Controller’s responsibilities include:

Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Tax

• Manage accounting for a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate assets including office, industrial, retail, and medical offices
• Oversee cash flow, banking relationships, and payroll and benefits administration
• Manage weekly cash activities including deposit accounts, lines of credit, disbursements, and receipts
• Manage the accounts receivable function, ensure that tenant payments are posted in a timely and accurate manner, resolve discrepancy items, and maintain strong relationships with property managers
• Manage the accounts payable function, ensure that vendor partners are paid in a timely and accurate manner, resolve discrepancy items, and maintain a strong partnership with vendors
• Prepare tax-based financial statements and management reports across real estate and investment entities
• Provide clear, timely financial insights and serve as the primary financial resource for the CEO
• Coordinate tax return preparation, supporting schedules, and external accounting relationships
• Lead and develop a team of two direct reports

Real Estate and Investment Oversight

• Monitor operating cash flow, common area maintenance (CAM) reconciliations, and portfolio performance across entities
• Maintain records of all the tenant improvements, building improvements, leasing commissions, and other capital renovations
• Lead annual operating budget process and forecasting activities
• Track and report on liquid securities and private investment activity
• Coordinate with property managers, fiduciaries, and financial advisors to ensure accurate, timely reporting

Family Office

• Develop and maintain site-level financial reporting, including profitability, utilization metrics, and operational KPIs
• Develop and maintain reporting for trust expenses, distributions, and investment activity ensuring clarity and consistency for ownership and advisors
• Serve as the primary financial coordinator for ownership's personal and trust-related matters
• Coordinate owner and trust tax preparation, review, and timely payments
• Manage information flow with external legal, tax, and investment advisors

Operations & Systems

• Champion proficiency in MRI Software and Sage Accounting and leverage technology to drive efficiency and transparency
• Maintain well-organized digital records and process documentation
• Identify and implement process improvements
• Build and sustain scalable financial workflows
• Lead and oversee HR, IT, procurement, purchasing, and general administrative functions
• Ensure policies, processes, and systems support operational efficiency, scalability, and compliance
• Support the annual insurance renewal process for relevant insurance classes including property, benefits, and workers compensation
• Manage benefit brokers, plans, renewals, and premiums

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA or master’s in taxation preferred
• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience; experience in construction, real estate development, or project accounting environments is a plus
• Demonstrated success partnering with executive leadership to drive strategy, growth, and operational performance
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams and build strong cross-functional relationships
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate financial information for non-financial stakeholders
• Technology acumen, including experience with ERP systems and advanced financial tools; strong Excel/data analysis skills required

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and the ability to see the big picture while managing details
• High integrity and accountability, with a commitment to ethical leadership and stewardship
• Results-oriented, with a bias toward action and continuous improvement
• Collaborative and relationship-driven, with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving environment

THE PAYOFF:

• Strategic partnership with leadership and operations to shape the future of the organization.
• Collaborative, values-driven culture with a strong sense of purpose.
• Competitive compensation package, including base salary, incentive opportunity, and comprehensive benefits.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply.