Controller

Johnson Development Associates, Inc.; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Development Associates, Inc. seeks an experienced Controller to oversee accounting for JDA and Johnson Management, including GL, payroll, and reporting. You will drive system updates, standardize controls, and lead a growing accounting team across two entities.

The role requires deep technical accounting expertise, cross-entity coordination, and strong communication with senior leadership. A CPA and 10+ years of progressive experience are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field; CPA required.
• 10+ years progressive accounting experience; 5+ years in Controller/senior leadership.
• Experience in multi-entity environments and systems design; real estate or family office preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations for JDA and Johnson Management, including GL, AP, AR, and payroll.
• Lead month-, quarter-, and year-end closes with accurate, timely reports.
• Mentor and develop accounting staff; foster accuracy and accountability.

Skills

Financial leadership

Cross-entity experience

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Yardi

MRI

Sage Intacct

Job description

Johnson Development Associates (JDA) and Johnson Management are seeking an experienced accounting professional to serve as Controller, overseeing all accounting activities across both organizations. This individual will be responsible for the full spectrum of accounting operations including financial reporting, general ledger management, month-end close, and compliance for JDA, a real estate development company, and Johnson Management, the affiliated family office. This role requires deep technical accounting expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to operate effectively across multiple entities with varied and complex financial structures.

Position Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations for JDA and Johnson Management, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll
• Own the evaluation, selection, and implementation of an updated accounting technology platform; drive adoption of integrated systems that improve reporting accuracy, reduce close cycle time, and support scalability across JDA and Johnson Management
• Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial reporting
• Manage and mentor the accounting team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and initiative
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to eliminate manual processes and increase team capacity through improved technology and process improvement
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local accounting and tax regulations
• Support family office financial reporting, investment tracking, and entity accounting for Johnson Management
• Prepare and present consolidated and entity-level financial statements with accuracy and timeliness
• Manage and reconcile intercompany transactions across JDA, Johnson Management, and affiliated entities
• Develop, document, and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls; lead ongoing efforts to standardize and institutionalize processes across the entire organization
• Coordinate with Tax Director and other third-party professionals to support tax filings and associated activities
• Oversee JDA cash management and reporting, including bank reconciliations and treasury monitoring
• Partner with the CFOs, and senior leadership to provide financial insights that inform strategic decision-making

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA required
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with 5+ years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role at an operating company
• Experience in multi-entity environment and systems design; real estate, private equity, or family office experience strongly preferred
• Deep knowledge of financial reporting standards and internal controls
• Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems; experience with Yardi, MRI, Sage Intact, or similar platforms required; comfort in evaluating, implementing, or transitioning systems as the organization scales
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop an accounting team
• Highly detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate across both a development company and a family office
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in a fast-paced, evolving, and non-structured work environment
• Proven ability to self-direct work initiatives and solve problems independently
• Represent The Johnson Group in a positive and professional manner
• Maintain a high regard of confidentiality for company information

Equal Opportunity Employer

JDA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. JDA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent an expressed or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter your at-will employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.