Controller, Accounting, Accounting Manager

Vaco is hiring for a Controller opportunity in Kansas City.
Direct Hire, Onsite
Salary: /yr

We are seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations of our growing property development and commercial real estate organization. This role oversees all aspects of financial reporting, cash management, project accounting, and compliance for multiple development entities and investment structures. The ideal candidate has strong real estate industry experience, deep technical accounting knowledge, and a proactive, hands‑on leadership style.

• Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including GL, AP/AR, job cost accounting, and payroll.

• Lead month-end and year-end close processes for multiple entities.

• Prepare timely and accurate financial statements
  , variance analyses, and operational dashboards.

• Manage consolidation of entities, including partnerships, LLCs, and joint ventures.

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies, and external reporting requirements.

• Oversee project/job cost accounting
  , tracking budgets, commitments, actuals, and cost-to-complete.

• Manage development draw requests, lender reporting packages, and capital calls.

• Work with development, construction, and property management teams to ensure financial accuracy for projects in all phases (acquisition, development, stabilization, disposition).

• Maintain fixed asset schedules, depreciation, lease accounting, and property-level P&.

• Ensure proper treatment of tenant improvements, CAM reconciliations, and lease abstraction.

• Manage cash flow forecasting, cash requirements for projects, and funding strategies.

• Oversee banking relationships, loan compliance, and covenant tracking.

• Coordinate with outside CPA firms for tax filings, K-1s, and audits.

• Maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and risk management processes.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team.

• Implement process improvements, automation, and system optimizations for scalability.

• Serve as a strategic business partner to senior leadership and operations teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred.

• 7–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including real estate or property development industry experience.

• Strong understanding of real estate development accounting
  , job cost, capitalized interest, leasing accounting, and multi-entity consolidations.

• Experience with real estate-focused accounting systems (Yardi, MRI, Sage Intacct, Timberline, or similar).

• Proven leadership skills and ability to manage a small to mid-sized accounting team.

• Advanced Excel and strong analytical skills.

• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational ability, and communication skills.