Real Estate Controller

Professional Alternatives; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Professional Alternatives is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting function for a growing organization in Houston. The role oversees property, corporate, investment, treasury, and tax accounting, driving accurate reporting and strong controls.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, CPA certification, and a demonstrated ability to lead teams and partner with executives, lenders, investors, and external advisors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• Active CPA certification is required.
• 10+ years of progressive, full-cycle accounting experience in related industries.
• Experience leading accounting teams and managing multiple functional areas.

Responsibilities

• Direct the company’s accounting operations across property, corporate, investment, treasury, and tax functions.
• Lead and develop accounting managers, set priorities, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Oversee monthly/annual close, financial reporting, internal controls, and entity accounting.
• Develop policies and control frameworks to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Partner with executives and lenders to deliver insightful financial analysis.
• Identify process improvements, automation, and scalability opportunities.
• Provide financial insight for cash flow forecasting and strategic initiatives.
• Build a high-performing accounting team through coaching and development.

Skills

Accounting leadership

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic partnering

Education

CPA certification

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Yardi

Job description

***Exceptional team, lots of exciting growth happening within the company!

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting function and provide financial oversight across the organization’s property, corporate, investment, treasury, and tax-related activities. This position will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial reporting, strengthening accounting processes and controls, and providing leadership with the financial information needed to support business decisions and growth.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, strategic accounting leader who can manage through complexity, develop a strong team, improve existing processes, and partner effectively with executives, ownership, lenders, investors, and external advisors.

What You’ll Do

• Direct the company’s accounting operations across property accounting, corporate accounting, investment accounting, treasury, and tax functions.
• Lead and support accounting managers by establishing priorities, setting expectations, and maintaining accountability for deadlines and deliverables.
• Manage the monthly and annual close, financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting activities for property, corporate, holding company, and joint venture entities.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and control frameworks that promote accuracy, consistency, compliance, and protection of company assets.
• Act as a senior resource for complex accounting matters, including technical issues requiring research, judgment, documentation, and resolution.
• Partner with internal teams to address issues involving accounting, cash management, controls, reporting, and compliance.
• Evaluate existing accounting processes and systems to identify opportunities for greater efficiency, automation, scalability, and accuracy.
• Provide ownership and executive leadership with financial insight related to cash flow, forecasting, scenario analysis, transactions, and other strategic initiatives.
• Build and develop a high-performing accounting team through coaching, cross-training, collaboration, and professional development.
• Maintain strong working relationships with lenders, investors, outside accountants, attorneys, and other third-party partners.
• Help ensure the accounting function can effectively support the company’s continued growth and evolving business needs.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Active CPA certification is required.
• 10+ years of progressive, full-cycle accounting experience within commercial real estate, financial services, or a closely related environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing accounting professionals and managing across multiple functional areas.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, accounting controls, and complex entity structures.
• Ability to work effectively with executives, ownership, lenders, investors, and external service providers.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly explain financial and accounting matters to both accounting and non-accounting stakeholders.
• Proven ability to establish priorities, drive accountability, and independently move projects and initiatives forward.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Yardi experience is preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments while managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.