Controller-Multifamily

Harper Associates; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Harper Associates seeks a Controller to oversee accounting, financial reporting, and close processes for a portfolio of commercial and multifamily real estate. This role partners with operations and leadership to align reporting with property performance and directs a skilled accounting team.

The ideal candidate has 7–10+ years of property accounting, proficient CAM handling, and strong Excel capabilities. Yardi Voyager experience is preferred, with CPA being desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA preferred.
• 7–10+ years of property accounting experience across commercial and multifamily real estate.
• Proficiency with CAM reconciliations and lease interpretation; Yardi Voyager preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the monthly close process across the real estate portfolio.
• Ensure financial statements are accurate, complete, and delivered on time.
• Review and approve property-level financial statements for commercial and multifamily properties.
• Review reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules for consistency and quality.
• Provide guidance to the team to resolve issues and meet close deadlines.
• Lead the accounting team to deliver high-quality results.

Skills

Team Leadership

Financial Reporting

Close Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Yardi Voyager

Excel

Job description

Multifamily Accounting - Apartments in Multiple States

Proficiency in Yardi Voyager preferred.

The Controller is responsible for overseeing accounting, financial reporting, and the consistent execution of accounting processes across a portfolio of commercial and multifamily real estate assets. This role reports to the CFO/COO and supports the accounting team, ensuring accurate financial reporting and a collaborative, accountable environment. The Controller partners with operations and leadership to align financial reporting with property performance and leads the accounting team to deliver consistent, high-quality result

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and support the monthly close process across the real estate portfolio.
• Ensure financial statements are accurate, complete, and delivered on time.
• Review and approve property-level financial statements for both commercial and multifamily properties.
• Review reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules to promote consistency and quality.
• Provide guidance and support to the team to resolve issues and meet close deadlines.
• Reinforce accountability around close timelines while supporting the team in meeting expectations.
• Review CAM reconciliations and guide the team to ensure alignment with lease terms.
• Support property accountants in understanding CAM structures, including expense pools, gross-ups, and caps.
• Assist in resolving tenant questions and discrepancies in collaboration with operations.
• Ensure CAM deliverables are well-supported, accurate, and prepared for audit or review.

Multifamily Accounting

• Review multifamily accounting activity, including rent roll support, concessions, and revenue recognition.
• Partner with the team to analyze GPR, vacancy loss, and operational trends.
• Ensure security deposit balances are accurate and properly reconciled.
• Support resolution of accounting issues while reinforcing consistent standards.

Internal Controls & Process

• Support the implementation and consistent application of accounting policies and internal controls.
• Reinforce proper workflows, segregation of duties, and documentation standards.
• Review journal entries and reconciliations for completeness and compliance.
• Assist in maintaining exception logs and work with the team to resolve items in a timely manner.
• Support audit processes by ensuring documentation is organized and accessible.
• Review bank reconciliations and support timely resolution of reconciling items.
• Help monitor property cash balances and identify potential concerns early.
• Partner with treasury and team members to support cash-related processes

Systems & Process Improvement (Yardi)

• Support the team in effectively utilizing Yardi Voyager for accounting workflows.
• Encourage consistent and accurate system usage across all properties.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
• Help maintain data accuracy and integrity within the system.
• Lead, mentor, and support the accounting team.
• Provide ongoing coaching, training, and technical guidance.
• Foster a team environment focused on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Help team members prioritize work, meet deadlines, and develop professionally.
• Address challenges early by providing clear direction, support, and follow-up.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations and leadership teams to support property performance.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis as needed.
• Support property transitions, acquisitions, and dispositions.
• Act as a resource to both accounting and operations teams.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA preferred.
• 7-10+ years of property accounting experience across commercial and multifamily real estate.
• Experience with CAM reconciliations and lease interpretation.
• Proficiency in Yardi Voyager preferred.
• Strong Excel and financial reporting skills.
• Prior experience leading or mentoring accounting staff.

Core Competencies:

• Team Leadership and Development
• Financial Reporting and Close Management
• Collaboration and Communication
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Organization and Time Management

Performance Expectations:

• Financial reporting is consistently accurate, complete, and delivered on time.
• Reconciliations and supporting schedules are clear, well-documented, and review-ready.
• CAM reconciliations are prepared accurately and supported for audit or tenant review.
• Team members are supported, meeting deadlines, and developing in their roles.
• Issues are identified early and addressed with clear follow-through.

This position is based in a professional office setting. No travel is required. The role works closely with accounting, operations, and leadership teams to support consistent financial reporting and team success.