Controller - Real Estate

Buckingham Search; Skokie (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing real estate firm in Skokie, IL is seeking a Controller to lead accounting operations in a hybrid work model. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of accounting experience, a CPA certification, and expertise in GAAP. This high-impact leadership role involves financial operations, process improvement, and direct access to key decision-makers, offering broad ownership and the opportunity to build effective accounting practices.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience in real estate, construction, or multi-entity environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations.
• Lead monthly close and financial reporting.
• Evaluate and enhance accounting workflows and controls.

Skills

Progressive accounting experience

Real estate background

Leadership skills

GAAP knowledge

Detail-oriented

Education

CPA required

Tools

Yardi or similar ERP/accounting systems

Job description

Skokie, IL | Hybrid 3 days in office + 2 days WFH each week

A growing, privately held real estate owner/operator is seeking a Controller to lead its accounting function and partner closely with executive leadership.

This is a high-impact role within an entrepreneurial environment where the right person will have full ownership over accounting, financial operations, and process improvement across a multi-entity portfolio.

Why This Role is Compelling

• Direct access to ownership and key decision-makers
• Broad ownership across accounting, reporting, and cash management
• Opportunity to build and improve processes in a hands-on environment
• Visible role with real influence on business operations

The Role

The Controller will oversee all day-to-day accounting operations while helping scale financial processes to support continued growth. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone who enjoys both managing and executing.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Accounting & Reporting

• Lead monthly close and financial reporting across multiple entities
• Oversee general ledger, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data

Operations & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and enhance accounting workflows, controls, and systems
• Implement best practices to improve reporting and efficiency
• Manage multi-entity structures and intercompany activity

Cash, Treasury & Transactions

• Oversee cash management, forecasting, and banking activity
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and project activity
• Support capital activity, distributions, and funding flows

Audit & Compliance

• Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors
• Support year-end reporting, tax filings, and compliance requirements
• Maintain strong internal controls and documentation

Leadership

• Lead and develop the accounting function
• Build structure, accountability, and scalability within the team
• Partner cross-functionally with operations and leadership

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Background in real estate, construction, or multi-entity environments
• CPA required
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems (Yardi or similar strongly preferred)
• Hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment
• Strong leadership and communication skills

Who This Role is For

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Wants ownership vs. layers
• Thrives in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment
• Enjoys building and improving processes
• Is comfortable operating across both strategy and execution