CONTROLLER - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Bear Real Estate Group

Kenosha (WI)

On-site

USD 85,000 - 110,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Comprehensive health benefits

Generous paid time off

Ongoing education and training

Job summary

A reputable property management firm in Kenosha, WI, seeks a Controller for their property management division. The ideal candidate will oversee financial operations, guide the month-end close process, and ensure accounting accuracy across multiple property types including residential and commercial. Strong expertise in LIHTC and GAAP compliance is necessary. This full-time role also emphasizes leadership and effective cash management strategies.

Qualifications

7-10 years of related experience in accounting.
Strong experience with LIHTC, Commercial, and multi-entity environments.
Familiarity with GAAP and technical accounting standards.

Responsibilities

Lead the full accounting function for the property management division.
Ensure timely and accurate month-end closes.
Manage daily and weekly cash flow planning.

Skills

Leadership

Cash management

Accounting policies

GAAP compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

CPA certification

Tools

RealPage

AppFolio

Job description

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SUMMARY:Bear Real Estate Groupis seeking a senior accounting leader to oversee financial operations for Bear Property Management’s expanding portfolio of market-rate residential, affordable (LIHTC), and commercial properties. This hands-on role requires deep expertise in property management accounting, strong technical knowledge of LIHTC and commercial real estate financials, and the ability to scale systems and processes for a rapidly growing organization.

This position directs the month-end close process, oversees cash management, manages internal controls, leads budgeting/forecasting, and ensures compliance with GAAP, LIHTC financial requirements, and commercial leasing structures (CAM/NNN). The Controller partners closely with the VP of Accounting, Asset Management, Property Operations, Construction/Development, external auditors, and lenders to support strategic financial decision-making and portfolio performance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the full accounting function for the property management division, including oversight of Property Accountants, Accounts Payable/Receivable, CAM/NNN analysts, and accounting support personnel.
Ensure timely and accurate month-end closes for a large multi-entity portfolio, including preparation and review of financial statements, variance reports, cash flow statements, and KPI packages.
Develop, enforce, and continually improve accounting policies, internal controls, and standard operating procedures to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
Oversee financial operations for Market Rate, LIHTC, Commercial, Condo/HOA, and 3rd-party managed assets.
Prepare and deliver monthly financial statements, cash flow analysis, budget-to-actual variance explanations, and capital/operating reserve updates.
Ensure accurate revenue recognition, lease abstraction, tenant ledger integrity, and adherence to lease structures across residential and commercial portfolios.

Commercial (CAM/NNN) Accounting

Direct and collaborate with Asset Management and Operations on the annual CAM and NNN reconciliation process for the commercial portfolio, including gross-up calculations, base-year adjustments, multi-building cost allocations, and commercial escalation clauses.
Work closely with the property management, legal, and asset teams to ensure lease compliance and resolve tenant disputes related to financial charges.

Affordable Housing (LIHTC) Accounting

Oversee all LIHTC-related financial requirements including surplus cash calculations, eligible basis tracking, reserve compliance, and capital account maintenance.
Prepare audit-ready documentation for LIHTC audits, cost certifications, and lender/investor reporting.
Coordinate with Asset Management and Operations to ensure accurate rent limits, utility allowances, and unit status reporting.

Cash Management & Banking Relationships

Manage daily and weekly cash flow planning, intercompany transfers, reserve accounts, lender escrows, and treasury activities.
Own and maintain all banking relationships, including account openings, banking controls, cash management platforms, and fraud prevention protocols.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Strategy

Assist with the property budgets, collaborating with Asset Management and Property Operations.
Prepare financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and scenario modeling to support strategic decisions.
Work with Asset Management to identify opportunities to improve portfolio performance and operational efficiency through financial analysis.

Audit, Tax & External Reporting

Serve as liaison with asset management with external auditors, tax preparers, LIHTC compliance auditors, and lenders.
Oversee year-end close, audit preparation, tax documentation, and lender-required financial reporting.
Ensure timely delivery of all investor, lender, and regulatory reporting.

Systems Ownership & Process Optimization

Assist Systems Administrator for RealPage accounting modules (and AppFolio if applicable), on system configuration, optimization, and integration efforts.
Partner with IT/Systems Administrator to implement new technology, automate workflows, and improve financial data accuracy.
Continuously evaluate systems and processes to support organizational growth and One-Company standardization.
Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team; provide coaching, training, and performance feedback.
Establish clear accountability, deadlines, and quality standards.
Promote a culture of accuracy, continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional growth.

Other Responsibilities

Prepare complex journal entries, consolidations, intercompany eliminations, fixed-asset tracking, and cross-entity charges.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; CPA certification preferred.
Seven to ten years’ related experience.
Strong experience with LIHTC, Commercial, and multi-entity environments is highly desirable.
Familiarity with GAAP and technical accounting standards and terminology
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
Knowledge of Real Page and AppFolio software a plus
Experience with CAM/NNN reconciliations, lease accounting, and multi-entity consolidations.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.

WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT WORKING HERE:

Invest in Your Future:401(k) with company match, plus annual merit-based increases
Prioritize Your Health: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Long-Term Disability, and FSA and HSA options.
Recharge and Renew: Generous paid time off and 8+ paid holidays.
Voluntary Benefits: Short Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity.
Keep Growing: Ongoing education, leadership training, and advancement opportunities across all departments.
Celebrate Together:Annual employee appreciation events, team outings, and company-wide recognition programs.
Make an Impact:Contribute to meaningful projects that shape neighborhoods and improve lives.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bear Real Estate Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Seniority level