Real Estate Controller

SDL Search Partners; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SDL Search Partners is seeking a Controller / Director of Finance for its Boston boutique real estate investment and development team. The role oversees the accounting and finance verticals, including general ledger oversight and financial modeling for corporate and deal-related activity.

You will manage a small accounting/finance team, implement internal controls, produce monthly financial statements, and present analysis to executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 12+ years of accounting experience in Real Estate (ideally a blend of commercial & residential).
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, month-end close, accruals, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, and financial reporting.
• Experience overseeing accounts payable operations, vendor management, invoice processing, and payment workflows.
• Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Knowledge of partnership taxation, partnership returns, K-1 reporting, and related tax concepts.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner with employees across finance, operations, investment, and corporate functions.
• Experience developing accounting policies, procedures, and internal financial controls.
• Familiarity with treasury operations, banking platforms, and cash management processes.
• Demonstrated interest in leveraging technology and automation to improve accounting processes.

Responsibilities

• Proactively manage day-to-day financial operations and contribute to the overall success of the organization
• Oversee all accounting and financial functions within the firm
• Responsible for management, mentorship, and development of a small accounting / finance team
• Responsible for financial modeling for corporate and specific deals-related activity
• Supervise accounts payable, bookkeeping, bill payments, and financial record organization
• Participate in key decision-making as a member of the management team
• Develop policies and procedures to improve performance and reduce risk
• Prepare monthly financial statements and analysis for each property under management
• Responsible for managing relationships with both internal and external business partners
• Oversee and manage the organization's financial operations and provide guidance to ensure financial stability
• Develop financial models to identify and assess financial risk
• Prepare and present financial reports to executive management
• Monitor and review budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes
• Develop and maintain internal controls to ensure accurate financial reporting
• Support the organization's cash flow management
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate financial reporting

Skills

Financial modeling

GL accounting

Month-end close

Budgeting & forecasting

Excel proficiency

Internal controls

Cash management

Vendor management

Audit coordination

Team leadership

Education

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

Job description

"

Boutique, Boston-based Real Estate Investment & Development company is hiring of a Controller / Director of Finance to add to the team. This role will oversee the Accounting & Finance verticals for the organization, including a blend of GL oversight & involvement in financial modeling both for corporate as well as specific deals-related activity.

Highlights:

• Strong base pay


• + bonus


• + additional variable comp


• High-visibility role


• Fantastic team

Responsibilities:

• Proactively manage day-to-day financial operations and contribute to the overall success of the organization


• Oversee all accounting and financial functions within the firm


• Responsible for management, mentorship, and development of a small accounting / finance team


• Responsible for financial modeling for corporate and specific deals-related activity


• Supervise accounts payable, bookkeeping, bill payments, and financial record organization


• Participate in key decision-making as a member of the management team


• Develop policies and procedures to improve performance and reduce risk


• Prepare monthly financial statements and analysis for each property under management


• Responsible for managing relationships with both internal and external business partners


• Oversee and manage the organization's financial operations and provide guidance to ensure financial stability


• Develop financial models to identify and assess financial risk


• Prepare and present financial reports to executive management


• Monitor and review budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes


• Develop and maintain internal controls to ensure accurate financial reporting


• Support the organization's cash flow management


• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations


• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate financial reporting

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field


• 12+ years of accounting experience within Real Estate (ideally a blend of commercial & residential)


• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, month-end close, accruals, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, and financial reporting


• Experience overseeing accounts payable operations, vendor management, invoice processing, and payment workflows


• Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities


• Knowledge of partnership taxation, partnership returns, K-1 reporting, and related tax concepts


• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills


• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail


• Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner with employees across finance, operations, investment, and corporate functions


• Experience developing accounting policies, procedures, and internal financial controls


• Familiarity with treasury operations, banking platforms, and cash management processes


• Demonstrated interest in leveraging technology and automation to improve accounting processes

"