Controller at Zocalo Recruiting Venice, CA

Zocalo Recruiting; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct access to senior leadership

Career growth potential

Competitive compensation and benefits

Job summary

Zocalo Recruiting seeks a highly skilled Controller to oversee accounting for a diverse real estate portfolio in Los Angeles. This role requires strategic leadership, GAAP financial reporting, and collaboration with senior leadership to drive profitability.

The ideal candidate has 7–10+ years of accounting experience, 3–5 years in leadership, and hands-on experience with Yardi/MRI and multi-entity environments. CPA or MBA preferred.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong background in real estate accounting (residential, commercial, retail, or mixed-use).
• Experience with multi-entity, partnership, or construction/development environments is highly desirable.
• Advanced proficiency in Yardi, MRI, or similar real estate ERP systems, plus Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations, including AP/AR, bank reconciliations, and general ledger management.
• Oversee preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning across multiple entities and properties.
• Monitor and report on property-level and consolidated financial performance, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, tax filings, and internal controls.
• Partner with asset management, development, and operations teams to support business objectives.
• Oversee capital contributions, distributions, and investor reporting.
• Implement and maintain efficient accounting systems and processes (experience with Yardi or similar real estate platforms preferred).
• Manage and mentor accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
• Support audits, lender compliance, and external reporting requirements.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Strategic advisory

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA or MBA preferred

Tools

Yardi

MRI

Excel

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Controller with deep experience in the real estate industry. This individual will oversee all accounting and financial operations for our portfolio of properties and entities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. The Controller will be a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing financial insights that support decision-making, growth, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations, including AP/AR, bank reconciliations, and general ledger management.
• Oversee preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning across multiple entities and properties.
• Monitor and report on property-level and consolidated financial performance, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, tax filings, and internal controls.
• Partner with asset management, development, and operations teams to support business objectives.
• Oversee capital contributions, distributions, and investor reporting.
• Implement and maintain efficient accounting systems and processes (experience with Yardi or similar real estate platforms preferred).
• Manage and mentor accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
• Support audits, lender compliance, and external reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred).
• 7–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong background in real estate accounting (residential, commercial, retail, or mixed-use).
• Experience in multi-entity, partnership, or construction/development environments highly desirable.
• Advanced proficiency in Yardi, MRI, or similar real estate ERP systems, plus Excel.
• Thorough knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, or family office-style environment.

Benefits

• Opportunity to lead the finance function for a diverse and growing real estate portfolio.
• Collaborative culture with direct access to senior leadership and decision-makers.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and career growth potential.