Controller - Real Estate

Job Overview

The Real Estate Controller will manage the accounting department, oversee daily accounting operations, and direct financial planning and accounting practices for residential lots and commercial property across multiple projects in California and Hawaii. This position has three direct reports:
Senior Accountant, Senior Staff Accountant, and Project Accountant/Contract Administrator. It reports to the Vice President of Finance and Accounting.

• Oversee the full cycle of accounting operations, including month‑end close, preparation of financial statements, accounts payable/receivable, job costing, cash management, and internal controls for more than twenty legal entities.
• Lead and manage the annual year‑end close process ensuring timely and accurate filing of tax returns.
• Build and mentor a high‑performing accounting team, providing leadership to both direct and indirect reports across all core accounting functions.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Support implementation, development, and maintenance of a comprehensive job cost system.
• Manage processes for financial forecasting, budgets, consolidation, and reporting to the Company; provide leadership in evaluating short‑ and long‑term strategic financial objectives.
• Establish and maintain lines of communication with the investor community and serve as the finance leader focused on driving enhanced business results.
• Ensure monthly analysis of Pro Forma results to track project performance and make recommendations to meet project expectations.
• Develop the long‑range plan in partnership with senior Real Estate leadership to establish long‑term business goals and identify initiatives to achieve them.
• Package applications for all equity and debt project transactions to appropriate stakeholders.
• Facilitate all insurance and bonding needs.
• Coordinate monthly financial reviews per project with the development team.

Undergraduate degree in finance, economics, or real estate (Master’s degree, CPA or CFA preferred). Five to ten years of experience in analysis of residential/commercial real estate markets; prior experience in multi‑entity environments and equity investment accounting preferred. Five to ten years of industry experience in residential and commercial development from acquisition to entitlements to build‑out. Valid driver’s license may be required.

• Strong understanding of project‑based accounting for real estate land and vertical development projects; homebuilding experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to identify key real estate market drivers, assess their impact, and communicate analysis and conclusions.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Conduct management responsibilities in accordance with organization policies and applicable laws: interviewing, hiring, planning, assigning, directing work; performance evaluations; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Ensure employees receive proper training on tasks and safety requirements.

• Requires regular sitting; occasionally standing; frequently walking and using hands.
• Work environment usually quiet.

$140,000 - $175,000

SBM offers comprehensive benefit packages. For more information, visit

SBM Management Services, LP and its affiliates are proud to be equal opportunity workplaces. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, sex, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or other legally protected status.