Controller
Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Employment Type: Full-Time, Monday–Friday
Department: Accounting
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer
Position Overview
A well-established and growing real estate development and property management organization is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting department and oversee financial operations.
This individual will play a critical leadership role in managing accounting personnel, strengthening internal controls, overseeing treasury and banking activities, directing financial reporting, and leading the annual budgeting and year-end processes.
The ideal candidate is a hands‑on accounting leader who understands complex, multi‑entity accounting environments and has experience implementing financial controls, improving accounting processes, and developing high‑performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, supervise, and mentor accounting personnel, including property accountants, accounts payable, and cost accounting staff.
- Establish departmental priorities, performance expectations, and accountability standards.
- Conduct employee performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and development.
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and cross‑training initiatives.
- Oversee departmental workflow improvements and the realignment of accounting responsibilities.
Financial Controls & Transaction Oversight
- Establish and maintain internal controls, approval workflows, and segregation of duties.
- Review and approve invoices, payments, ACH transactions, and banking exceptions.
- Oversee bank reconciliations and cash transfer activities.
- Monitor system access, administrator permissions, and financial approval authorities.
- Ensure accurate documentation and compliance with established financial policies.
Treasury & Banking
- Oversee banking relationships, property‑level bank accounts, and cash management activities.
- Coordinate wire transfers, loan payments, and other financial transactions.
- Ensure appropriate approvals and documentation for all cash movements.
- Monitor banking controls and financial reporting requirements.
Financial Reporting & Budgeting
- Review monthly financial statements and budget‑to‑actual reports.
- Lead annual property budgeting and financial review processes.
- Oversee construction work‑in‑progress reporting and job cost reconciliations.
- Partner with executive leadership on financial planning and performance improvement.
- Drive improvements in month‑end close timelines and reporting accuracy.
Compliance & Year‑End Responsibilities
- Oversee lender, investor, and regulatory compliance reporting.
- Supervise annual 1099 reviews and filing procedures.
- Coordinate year‑end accounting activities and reporting requirements.
- Support real estate tax assessments and related documentation.
- Ensure compliance with applicable affordable housing and regulatory programs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- CPA certification preferred.
- Seven or more years of progressive accounting experience.
- At least three years of accounting management or supervisory experience.
- Experience in real estate, multifamily housing, property management, or construction accounting strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, accrual accounting, multi‑entity accounting, and intercompany transactions.
- Demonstrated experience developing internal controls and approval processes.
- Experience with treasury operations, banking, ACH transactions, positive pay, and bank reconciliations.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.
- Experience with accounting process improvements, SOP development, and system implementations.
Preferred Technical Experience
- Yardi Voyager – Strongly preferred.
- Procore
- Nexus
- Sage 100 Contractor
- Microsoft Office Suite
Experience with affordable housing programs, including Section 8, Section 42, WHEDA, and HUD compliance, is a plus.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be:
- A hands‑on accounting leader with strong management capabilities.
- Highly organized and detail‑oriented.
- Experienced in complex financial environments.
- Knowledgeable in internal controls, compliance, and financial governance.
- A confident communicator capable of working with executive leadership, ownership, financial institutions, and external auditors.
- Comfortable leading organizational change and improving accounting operations.
- Discreet and professional when handling sensitive financial information.
Compensation & Benefits
The organization offers a competitive benefits package, including:
- Paid vacation and sick time.
- 10 paid holidays annually.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Employer‑paid life insurance.
- Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
- Employee housing discount opportunities at participating properties.
Additional Information
This is an on‑site leadership opportunity based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Candidates must successfully complete a post‑offer criminal background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants.