Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

SUMMARY

Bear Real Estate Group is seeking a senior accounting leader to oversee financial operations for Bear Property Management’s expanding portfolio of market‑rate residential, affordable (LIHTC), and commercial properties. This hands‑on role requires deep expertise in property management accounting, strong technical knowledge of LIHTC and commercial real‑estate financials, and the ability to scale systems and processes for a rapidly growing organization. This position directs the month‑end close process, oversees cash management, manages internal controls, leads budgeting/forecasting, and ensures compliance with GAAP, LIHTC financial requirements, and commercial leasing structures (CAM/NNN).

The Controller partners closely with the VP of Accounting, Asset Management, Property Operations, Construction/Development, external auditors, and lenders to support strategic financial decision‑making and portfolio performance.

• Lead the full accounting function for the property management division, including oversight of Property Accountants, Accounts Payable/Receivable, CAM/NNN analysts, and accounting support personnel.
• Ensure timely and accurate month‑end closes for a large multi‑entity portfolio, including preparation and review of financial statements, variance reports, cash flow statements, and KPI packages.
• Develop, enforce, and continually improve accounting policies, internal controls, and standard operating procedures to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Oversee financial operations for Market Rate, LIHTC, Commercial, Condo/HOA, and 3rd‑party managed assets.
• Prepare and deliver monthly financial statements, cash flow analysis, budget‑to‑actual variance explanations, and capital/operating reserve updates.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition, lease abstraction, tenant ledger integrity, and adherence to lease structures across residential and commercial portfolios.

• Direct and collaborate with Asset Management and Operations on the annual CAM and NNN reconciliation process for the commercial portfolio, including gross‑up calculations, base‑year adjustments, multi‑building cost allocations, and commercial escalation clauses.
• Work closely with the property management, legal, and asset teams to ensure lease compliance and resolve tenant disputes related to financial charges.

• Oversee all LIHTC‑related financial requirements including surplus cash calculations, eligible basis tracking, reserve compliance, and capital account maintenance.
• Prepare audit‑ready documentation for LIHTC audits, cost certifications, and lender/investor reporting.
• Coordinate with Asset Management and Operations to ensure accurate rent limits, utility allowances, and unit status reporting.

• Manage daily and weekly cash flow planning, intercompany transfers, reserve accounts, lender escrows, and treasury activities.
• Own and maintain all banking relationships, including account openings, banking controls, cash management platforms, and fraud prevention protocols.

• Assist with the property budgets, collaborating with Asset Management and Property Operations.
• Prepare financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and scenario modeling to support strategic decisions.
• Work with Asset Management to identify opportunities to improve portfolio performance and operational efficiency through financial analysis.

• Serve as liaison with asset management with external auditors, tax preparers, LIHTC compliance auditors, and lenders.
• Oversee year‑end close, audit preparation, tax documentation, and lender‑required financial reporting.
• Ensure timely delivery of all investor, lender, and regulatory reporting.

• Assist Systems Administrator for Real Page accounting modules (and App Folio if applicable), on system configuration, optimization, and integration efforts.
• Partner with IT/Systems Administrator to implement new technology, automate workflows, and improve financial data accuracy.
• Continuously evaluate…