Controller - Property Management firm

Barnowl Advisory Group open roles; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnowl Advisory Group is seeking a Controller for a mission-driven property management and development client overseeing affordable housing, LIHTC properties, and mixed-use spaces. The role reports to the CFO and leads the accounting team, ensuring accurate financial reporting and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include managing all accounting operations, budgeting, audits, internal controls, and cross‑department collaboration with property management, development, and asset management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• CPA certification and/or MBA preferred.
• 7+ years progressive accounting experience, with 3+ years in affordable housing, real estate, or nonprofit finance.
• GAAP knowledge with HUD/LIHTC experience.
• Proven experience supervising accounting teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all accounting operations across Real Estate portfolio.
• Prepare timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for stakeholders.
• Maintain compliance with HUD, LIHTC, HOME, and other programs.
• Develop annual operating budgets in collaboration with leadership.
• Coordinate audits and improve processes for transparency.

Skills

7+ years accounting experience

Nonprofit/real estate experience

Education

CPA certification

MBA preferred

Tools

Onesite/RealPage

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title: Controller – Affordable Housing, Tax Credit, and Mixed-Use Portfolio Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Our client isa mission-driven property management and development companyoverseeing a diverse portfolio that includes affordable housing, Low-Income Housing TaxCredit (LIHTC) properties, condominium communities, and commercial spaces. Their goal isto strengthen neighborhoods by delivering high-quality housing and services while maintaining strong financial stewardship and operational excellence.

Position Summary

The Controller is a senior-level finance leader responsible for the full spectrum ofaccounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and regulatory compliance across our clientsdiverse real estate portfolio. This role reports directly to the CFO and serves as akey member of the organization's financial leadership team.

The Controller ensures the integrity of financial systems and reporting, oversees internalcontrols, and manages a team of accounting professionals; works collaboratively withproperty management, development, asset management and external partners. Familiarity withOnesite/RealPage software.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Direct and oversee all accounting operations across the organization's Real Estateportfolio.
• Prepare and review timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financialstatements and reports for internal stakeholders, investors, lenders, and regulatoryagencies and the executive team.
• Maintain compliance with affordable housing program requirements, includingHUD, LIHTC, HOME, and other government funding programs.

Budgeting, Planning & Audit

• Oversee the development of annual operating budgets for all entities, incollaboration with property management and executive leadership.
• Coordinate and supervise organizational accounting functions and cross-functionalfinancial planning efforts.
• Work closely with the CFO on year-end audit preparation and assist withthecoordination of annual independent audits.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and financialtransparency.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Provide direct supervision and guidance to the Accounting Team, includingperformance management and support for professional development.
• Set clear expectations, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress to ensuredepartment objectives are met.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning aligned with the clients mission and values.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Act as a financial liaison with internal departments, including property management, development, and asset management.
• Maintain effective communication with external partners such as auditors, investors, lenders, and regulatory agencies.
• Support the CFO in financial research, long-term planning, and special projects asneeded.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the financial health and operationalgoals

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA and/or MBApreferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years(preferred)in affordable housing, real estate, or nonprofit finance.
• Strong working knowledge of Onesite/RealPage software and Microsoft Excel;experience with other financial systems is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of GAAP and compliance with HUD, LIHTC, and otheraffordable housing regulations.
• Demonstrated success supervising and developing accounting/finance teams.

Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with a high degreeof accuracy and professionalism.