Controller @ Real Estate PE Firm

Coda Search│Staffing; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A real estate private equity firm based in Jersey City is seeking a Controller to lead property-level accounting operations. In this role, you will manage a dedicated accounting team and ensure financial data accuracy while supporting organizational growth. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of property accounting experience, strong GAAP knowledge, and advanced Excel skills. Full-time position with a director-level seniority.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of accounting experience with property accounting in real estate.
• Experience in managing and developing an accounting team.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead all property-level accounting operations and financial close processes.
• Supervise a team of 4+ property accountants.
• Collaborate with asset management teams for financial insights.
• Manage audit processes and liaise with external auditors.
• Implement process improvements for property accounting.

Skills

Property-level financial reporting

Variance analysis

Budgeting and forecasting

GAAP compliance

Team leadership

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA certification or progress towards it

Job description

Base pay range

$180,000.00/yr - $220,000.00/yr

Coda Search is partnering with a rapidly expanding real estate private equity firm seeking a Controller to join its growing accounting team. This high-impact role will focus on leading all aspects of property-level accounting across a diverse portfolio, while also overseeing corporate-level reporting and supporting the firm’s continued growth. The Controller will manage and develop a dedicated accounting team, streamline reporting processes, and partner closely with senior leadership to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data as the firm continues to scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all property-level accounting operations across a growing portfolio, including monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.Review and approve property-level financial statements, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GAAP and company policies.
• Supervise and mentor a team of 4+ property accountants, providing training, performance feedback, and ongoing development while fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Partner with property management and asset management teams to provide variance analysis, cash flow forecasts, and insights to support portfolio performance.
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting at the property level, ensuring alignment with portfolio objectives.
• Collaborate with the treasury and FP&A teams to support cash management, capital planning, and funding strategies.
• Manage the preparation of audit workpapers and liaise with external auditors during the annual audit process.
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities to scale property accounting operations as the portfolio grows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience in property accounting within real estate investment, REIT, or property management organizations.
• Experience leading and developing a property accounting team required.
• Strong technical knowledge of GAAP, property-level financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables).
• CPA license or active progress toward CPA certification strongly preferred.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Accounting/Auditing

Industries

• Real Estate and Financial Services