Property Controller

TRD Advisors LLC; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

TRD Advisors LLC in Bergen County, NJ seeks an experienced, hands-on Controller to lead property-, portfolio-, and corporate-level accounting across its real estate portfolio. You will manage a team of 4–10 accounting professionals, ensure accurate financial reporting, and strengthen internal controls while leveraging AI and automation to scale operations.

The Controller will report to the CFO and collaborate with senior management to optimize processes, systems, and productivity across the

Qualifications

• Experience leading a multi-person accounting team.
• Strong internal controls and financial reporting.
• Experience with Yardi or similar property management software.
• Ability to leverage AI and automation to scale accounting processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee property-, portfolio-, and corporate-level accounting.
• Manage monthly and annual close processes.
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable, including aging tracking.
• Administer and maintain Yardi across the portfolio.
• Develop and manage recurring financial reporting for ownership and senior management.
• Lead technology initiatives including AI and automation to expand capacity.
• Lead a team of approximately 4–10 accounting professionals.
• Interface with CFO and senior management on financial matters.

Job description

Our client, a real estate firm located in Bergen County NJ is seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to lead property-level and corporate accounting across its real estate portfolio. The Controller will oversee a team of approximately 4–10 accounting professionals and be responsible for accurate and timely financial reporting, strong internal controls, and consistent accounting practices across the platform. The role will report to the CFO and have significant interaction with senior management at the firm.

The Controller will leverage AI, automation, and other accounting systems to increase the team's capacity and allow the platform to scale without a proportional increase in headcount. The successful candidate will be a strong manager and mentor who can develop the accounting team while improving processes, systems, and productivity.

Core Accounting & Financial Management

• Oversee property-, portfolio-, and corporate-level accounting.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data, reporting, and reconciliations across entities.
• Manage monthly and annual close processes.
• Review financial statements and participate in regular financial review meetings.
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable, including aging, collections, and legal arrears tracking.
• Oversee accounting for the management company, including proper billing, payroll, and expense allocations across entities and businesses.

Cash Management & Payments

• Oversee payment processing, vendor payments, and invoice approvals.
• Manage property-level capital call tracking and investor payment follow-up.
• Administer and maintain Yardi across the portfolio.
• Oversee the setup of properties, units, entities, and accounting structures.
• Manage user access, permissions, and system functionality.
• Implement and optimize Yardi modules, including VendorCafe, contracts, and reporting tools.
• Coordinate with Yardi support and manage the rollout of new features, modules, and workflows.

Reporting & Data Distribution

• Develop and manage recurring financial reporting for ownership and senior management.
• Oversee automated weekly and monthly investor reporting.
• Maintain reporting distribution lists and ensure information is distributed accurately and timely.
• Provide ad hoc financial reporting and analysis to asset management and executive leadership.

Development & Construction Accounting

• Oversee accounting support for construction draws and requisitions.
• Support the accounting team's review of invoices, lien waivers, certificates of insurance, and contracts prior to payment.
• Assist with developer fee calculations and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with project managers, consultants, and vendors on construction-related financial matters.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as the primary accounting resource for asset management, property management, construction, and other internal teams.
• Interface with vendors, tenants, investors, and business partners on financial matters.
• Provide financial data and analysis to executive leadership and asset management.
• Lead accounting setup and transition activities associated with new property acquisitions.

Process Improvement, AI & Technology

• Lead technology initiatives, including AI and automation, designed to expand the accounting team's capacity and productivity as the platform grows.
• Automate accounting processes, including accounts payable, approval workflows, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Continually evaluate emerging accounting technologies and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, controls, and data accuracy.
• Develop processes that enable the organization to grow without requiring a proportional increase in accounting headcount.
• Lead, manage, and develop a team of approximately 4–10 accounting professionals.
• Serve as a hands-on mentor, improving the team's technical capabilities, accountability, and productivity.
• Establish clear responsibilities, processes, and performance expectations.
• Evaluate the accounting team's structure and recommend the appropriate size and scope as the platform grows.