Strategic Controller - Real Estate & Construction (Hybrid)

ZipApply; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

ZipApply is seeking a hands-on Controller to oversee accounting and financial reporting across a portfolio of real estate-related entities, including residential acquisitions, renovations, rentals, and lending.

The role focuses on bringing accounting in-house, strengthening financial controls, and delivering project-level reporting with improved visibility for ownership. The office is in Georgia with initial in-office work and potential hybrid flexibility as processes mature.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience in real estate, construction, homebuilding, property investment, or a closely related industry.
• Hands-on job costing or project accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and month-end close.
• Experience working with multiple entities or related companies.
• Ability to develop and improve accounting processes and internal controls.
• Experience partnering with contractors, project managers, or operational teams.
• CPA or CPA background is a plus but not required.
• Experience with residential real estate acquisition, renovation, homebuilding, or real estate investment is preferred.
• Experience identifying project cost overruns and improving contractor or vendor controls is highly desirable.
• Experience bringing outsourced accounting functions in-house is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting and financial reporting across approximately 6–8 related entities.
• Manage the monthly close process and produce accurate, timely financial statements.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Develop and maintain job costing by property and renovation project.
• Monitor renovation budgets, contractor costs, invoices, and project profitability.
• Identify cost overruns, billing discrepancies, and opportunities to strengthen financial controls.
• Provide ownership with timely reporting and visibility into individual properties and overall business performance.
• Manage accounting for residential property acquisitions, renovations, sales, and rental properties.
• Oversee accounting activities associated with real estate lending operations.
• Lead the transition of currently outsourced bookkeeping and accounting functions in-house.
• Manage intercompany activity and reporting across related entities.
• Oversee cash management, reconciliations, accounts payable, and general ledger activities.
• Work closely with outside CPAs responsible for tax preparation and compliance.
• Coordinate with contractors and operational partners to ensure project costs are accurately captured and reported.
• Improve accounting systems, reporting processes, and financial controls as the organization grows.
• Assist ownership with additional financial, banking, insurance, and operational matters as needed.

Job description

ZipApply is seeking a hands-on Controller to oversee accounting and financial reporting across a portfolio of real estate-related entities, including residential acquisitions, renovations, rentals, and lending.

The role focuses on bringing accounting in-house, strengthening financial controls, and delivering project-level reporting with improved visibility for ownership. The office is in Georgia with initial in-office work and potential hybrid flexibility as processes mature.