Controller – Commercial Property Management

NW Recruiting Partners; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Controller – Commercial Property Management in Seattle, WA, is seeking an experienced finance leader to oversee accounting operations for a portfolio of commercial properties. You will report to the CFO and guide monthly close, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls while partnering with ownership and property management teams.

The ideal candidate has deep CRE property management accounting experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and a track record of building

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; equivalent experience.
• 8–10+ years in progressive accounting roles, with CRE property management background.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, CAM reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Experience leading and developing accounting professionals.
• Budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial analysis proficiency.
• Proficiency with property management accounting systems; Yardi preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting and financial operations for a portfolio of commercial properties; ensure accuracy and timely reporting.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses for senior leadership.
• Manage accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, tenant billing, collections, and lease accounting.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning with cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate CAM reconciliations, operating expenses, taxes, and insurance reimbursements.
• Monitor cash flow, debt covenants, lender reporting, and capital calls.
• Establish strong internal controls and GAAP compliance; oversee audits and regulatory filings.
• Partner with investment and asset management on acquisitions, dispositions, and structuring.

Skills

Analytical skills

Detail-oriented

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Yardi

Job description

Controller – Commercial Property Management

Seattle, WA

Our client, a well-established real estate investment, development, and property management firm with deep roots in the community, is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee the accounting and financial operations for a portfolio of 11 commercial properties.

Reporting directly to the CFO, this individual will play a key leadership role in overseeing financial reporting, accounting operations, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.

Working closely with senior leadership, investment management, and property management teams, the Controller will ensure financial accuracy, strengthen accounting processes, and provide meaningful insights to support business decisions.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in commercial real estate property management accounting and demonstrated experience leading accounting teams. This individual is analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive, with the ability to balance hands-on accounting oversight with broader financial strategy. Strong communication skills, a collaborative leadership style, and a commitment to improving processes will be essential to success.

• Oversee all accounting and financial operations for an assigned portfolio of commercial properties, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely reporting.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and financial statement preparation.
• Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses, providing actionable insights to senior leadership.
• Manage day-to-day property accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, tenant billing, collections, and lease accounting.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning in collaboration with the CFO, investment management, and property management teams.
• Oversee CAM reconciliations, operating expense recoveries, property taxes, insurance reimbursements, and other tenant-related financial obligations.
• Manage cash flow, liquidity forecasting, banking activities, capital calls, loan draws, and ownership distributions.
• Monitor debt obligations, lender reporting, covenant compliance, and related financial requirements.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, approval procedures, and compliance with GAAP and applicable regulations.
• Oversee fixed assets, depreciation, capital expenditures, tenant improvements, and construction-related accounting.
• Coordinate annual audits, tax preparation, regulatory filings, and financial reporting requirements with external auditors and advisors.
• Partner with investment and asset management teams to support property acquisitions, dispositions, ownership transitions, and other significant transactions.
• Review and maintain accounting records related to leases, security deposits, intercompany transactions, and ownership structures.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and consistent reporting standards.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, property managers, and other departments to address financial matters and support portfolio performance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting workflows, strengthen reporting, and improve operational efficiencies.
• Optimize property accounting systems and technology, including Yardi, to enhance reporting accuracy and productivity.
• Support new property onboarding, entity setup, accounting system transitions, and financial process implementation.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic planning, investment decisions, and long-term portfolio objectives.
• Participate in special projects and other financial initiatives as needed.

Controller Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• 8-10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience in commercial property management accounting.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, commercial property accounting, financial reporting, and CAM reconciliations.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing accounting professionals.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial analysis.
• Proficiency with property management accounting systems; Yardi experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with senior leadership.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and identify opportunities for process improvement.