Real Estate Controller

Atlantic Group; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlantic Group is seeking an experienced Real Estate Controller to oversee accounting for a diverse commercial real estate portfolio. This leadership role provides direct exposure to executive leadership, investment teams, and property operations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong commercial real estate accounting background, prior team leadership experience, and a CPA foundation. Public accounting exposure with real estate is highly valued and considered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• 8+ years of accounting experience, preferably in commercial real estate.
• Public accounting foundation strongly preferred; CPA designation highly desirable.
• Experience managing and reviewing the work of accounting teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct all property accounting functions and establish accounting principles and controls.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year-end closings across a real estate portfolio.
• Review financial reports and present recommendations to executive leadership.
• Supervise and mentor senior managers and accounting staff.
• Coordinate with Investment Managers on asset performance and reporting.
• Review operating expenses, budgets, and reforecasting activities.
• Manage tenant billings including CAM and real estate taxes.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Leadership experience

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA designation desirable

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Real Estate Controller to oversee the accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, and compliance functions for a diverse commercial real estate portfolio. This is a highly visible leadership role with direct exposure to executive leadership, investment teams, and property operations.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong commercial real estate accounting background, prior team leadership experience, and preferably a foundation in public accounting with a CPA designation. Candidates coming directly from public accounting with significant real estate exposure will also be considered.

This role offers the opportunity to build processes, mentor a large accounting team, and drive operational and reporting improvements across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Direct all property accounting functions, including establishing and maintaining accounting principles, procedures, controls, and best practices
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year-end closings across a portfolio of properties in accordance with GAAP, tax basis, and cash basis accounting
• Review financial reports, analyze findings, and present recommendations to executive leadership
• Supervise and mentor Senior Managers, Managers, Senior Property Accountants, and Property Accountants
• Partner closely with Investment Managers on asset performance, lender reporting, investor reporting, and operational analysis
• Review and analyze annual operating expenses, budgets, and reforecasting activities
• Manage tenant billings including CAM, real estate tax, and general billback reconciliations
• Oversee cash management processes including distributions, capital calls, and investment of excess cash
• Review debt compliance, loan covenants, debt yield calculations, debt service coverage tests, and lender reporting requirements
• Coordinate with external auditors and CPA firms to support annual audits and audited financial statements
• Review tax returns, REIT compliance, and related planning initiatives
• Ensure accounting systems and process controls align with company standards and industry best practices
• Lead and support operational improvement and efficiency initiatives across the accounting function

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of accounting experience, preferably within commercial real estate
• Public accounting foundation strongly preferred; CPA designation highly desirable
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• Prior experience managing and reviewing the work of accounting teams
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and real estate accounting practices
• Advanced analytical, communication, and relationship management skills
• Advanced Excel skills required
• Experience with accounting and reporting systems preferred, including: