Controller- Development & Construction

Frederick Fox; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick Fox in Indianapolis, IN is seeking an experienced Construction & Development Controller to lead the accounting function for its development and construction operations, with hands‑on experience in multifamily or commercial real estate. The role focuses on construction accounting, job costing, draws, and cash forecasting while partnering with cross‑functional leadership.

Location: hybrid schedule with 3 days in office; compensation includes a base salary of $155,000–$175,000 plus a 25%

Qualifications

• Significant accounting experience in real estate development and construction.
• Strong understanding of development accounting and construction job costing.
• Experience preparing and overseeing construction/ownership draw packages.
• Experience with project setup, monthly job costing, and closings.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop accounting professionals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee accounting activities for development/construction portfolio.
• Manage construction job costing, project setup, and monthly cost reporting.
• Oversee lender and ownership draw packages for accuracy and timely submission.
• Lead accounting aspects of project closings and funding needs.
• Develop internal controls, processes, and scalable reporting systems.

Skills

Real estate accounting

Development accounting

Construction accounting

Job costing

Cash forecasting

Leadership & mentoring

Job description

Frederick Fox is supporting a premier client in Indianapolis, IN with their search for a Construction & Development Controller.

Construction & Development Controller

Location: Indianapolis, IN preferred; Phoenix, AZ or Orlando, FL also considered

Work Schedule: Hybrid – 3 days per week in office with some flexibility

Compensation: $155,000–$175,000 base salary + 25% target bonus

Position Overview

An award-winning, rapidly growing mixed-use and multifamily real estate development organization is seeking an experienced Construction & Development Controller to lead the accounting function supporting its development and construction operations.

This is a highly visible leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of development and construction accounting while partnering closely with Accounting, Finance, Development, and Construction leadership. The ideal candidate brings hands‑on experience within a multifamily or commercial real estate developer and has a strong command of construction accounting, development accounting, job costing, draws, project closings, and cash forecasting.

As the organization continues to grow, this individual will also play an important role in developing processes, strengthening financial controls, and mentoring and developing a high‑performing accounting team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee accounting activities for the company's development and construction portfolio.
• Manage construction job costing, including new project setup, monthly cost reporting, cost maintenance, and project‑level accounting.
• Oversee and prepare monthly construction lender and ownership draw packages, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission.
• Lead the accounting and financial aspects of development and construction project closings.
• Manage development‑level cash requirements, cash forecasting, and funding needs.
• Oversee AIA billings, lien releases, and other construction‑related accounting documentation.
• Monitor project costs, commitments, budgets, funding, and financial performance throughout the development lifecycle.
• Partner closely with Development, Construction, Accounting, and Finance teams to provide timely and accurate financial information.
• Establish and enhance accounting procedures, internal controls, reporting processes, and scalable systems to support continued organizational growth.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development to the construction and development accounting team.
• Communicate financial results, project issues, and accounting matters effectively with senior leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Significant accounting experience within real estate development and construction, ideally with a multifamily developer.
• Strong knowledge of development accounting and construction job costing.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and overseeing construction and ownership draw packages.
• Experience with project setup, monthly job costing, project maintenance, and development/construction closings.
• Strong understanding of cash management and development‑level cash forecasting.
• Experience with AIA billings and lien releases.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop accounting professionals.
• Ability to operate effectively in a growing, fast‑paced organization with multiple active development and construction projects.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Polished executive presence with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across Accounting, Finance, Development, Construction, and senior leadership.

Preferred Background

The strongest candidates will have held a Controller, Development Controller, Construction Controller, or similar senior accounting leadership role within a multifamily, mixed‑use, or commercial real estate development organization. Direct experience supporting projects throughout the development and construction lifecycle is highly preferred.