Controller

GJL Partners; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

GJL Partners is seeking a seasoned Controller to lead development and corporate accounting for its growing South Bay LA-area real estate operations. You will manage project accounting, internal controls, and provide strategic financial insight to the executive team.

The ideal candidate has CRE development accounting expertise, hands-on leadership skills, and a strong background in GAAP financial reporting across multiple entities and projects.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including CRE or development accounting.
• Experience in controller, accounting director, or senior accounting leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of real estate development accounting, construction draws, capitalization policies, and GAAP.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development & construction accounting for commercial/industrial real estate from acquisition through completion.
• Manage budgets, draws, job costing, capitalization, and cost allocations.
• Lead day-to-day corporate accounting: GL, A/P, A/R, cash management, monthly close, and GAAP financial reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Hands-on accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA designation

Tools

Excel

Real estate accounting systems

Yardi

Job description

Compensation: $150,000 – $200,000 Base Salary + 20% Annual Bonus

Position Overview

Our client, an established and growing commercial real estate investment and development firm based in the South Bay LA Area, is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee its development and corporate accounting functions.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a hands-on accounting professional who thrives in a dynamic real estate environment. The Controller will play a critical role in managing the company's financial operations, overseeing development project accounting, strengthening internal controls, and providing strategic financial insight to executive leadership.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in commercial real estate accounting, with particular expertise in ground-up development, construction accounting, corporate financial reporting, and managing complex real estate entities.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Construction Accounting

• Oversee all accounting activities related to commercial and industrial real estate development projects, from initial acquisition through construction, stabilization, and completion.
• Manage development budgets, construction draws, job costing, project capitalization, and cost allocations.
• Monitor project expenditures, commitments, and budget-to-actual variances to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Partner with development, construction, and asset management teams to track project performance and financial milestones.
• Oversee accounting for development loans, construction financing, interest capitalization, and lender reporting.
• Ensure accurate tracking of project costs, including hard costs, soft costs, tenant improvements, and capital expenditures.
• Lead day-to-day corporate accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and monthly close processes.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Oversee financial reporting across multiple legal entities, development projects, and real estate investments.
• Manage intercompany transactions, consolidations, and complex ownership structures.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and standardized reporting procedures.
• Coordinate annual audits, tax preparation, and external reporting requirements with third-party advisors.
• Support cash flow forecasting, corporate budgeting, and financial planning initiatives.

Leadership & Strategic Support

• Serve as a key financial partner to executive leadership, providing actionable insights into company performance and development activities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting personnel while fostering accountability and operational excellence.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and improve financial systems.
• Collaborate with acquisitions, development, property management, and investment teams on financial matters.
• Support new acquisitions, development opportunities, financing transactions, and other strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience within commercial real estate, real estate development, or construction accounting.
• Previous experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Director, or similar senior accounting leadership position.
• Strong understanding of real estate development accounting, construction draws, project costing, and capitalization policies.
• Demonstrated expertise in corporate accounting, financial statement preparation, consolidations, and GAAP.
• Experience managing accounting across multiple entities, properties, or development projects.
• Strong technical accounting skills with the ability to remain hands-on while overseeing broader financial operations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with real estate accounting systems.
• Yardi experience is a plus.
• CPA designation preferred but not required.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Base Salary: $150,000 – $200,000, depending on experience.
• Annual Bonus: Target bonus of approximately 20%.
• Total Target Cash Compensation: $180,000 – $240,000.
• Long-term career growth opportunities within an established commercial real estate organization.
• Direct exposure to executive leadership and involvement in significant commercial and industrial development projects.