VP, Senior Controller - Real Estate Firm in Weehawken

Controller Position

Leading privately owned real estate company is seeking an accounting professional with 7-10 years of experience and 2-4 years of management experience to join the company as Controller. The Controller will be responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of a series of dedicated Opportunity Zone residential assets located in the US. The portfolio will also involve the oversight of assets that are outsourced to third-party property management teams.

The candidate should have prior experience in the real estate industry, either working at a public accounting firm as an auditor or working for a real estate company. Furthermore, the candidate ideally has prior experience in fund accounting/upper tier entity reporting. In addition to solid technical accounting knowledge, the Controller should have solid analytical skills and an ability to understand complex JV and multi-tier ownership structures.

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and communication skills needed to collaborate with peers as well as a positive attitude and desire to work in a collaborative team-based environment. The position will have the opportunity to assist in other ad-hoc projects as well.

• To take ownership of all accounting matters related to their properties which would include, but not be limited to:
• Oversee third-party property management teams and review of monthly reporting packages;
• Assist in documenting and developing optimal set up with third party property management
• Provide senior-level financial support for acquisitions, dispositions, refinancings, recapitalizations, and restructurings
• Maintain up to date files of all organizational documents and organizational charts
• Investor and lender reporting including balance sheet, income statement, equity, and cash flows;
• Quarterly REIT Filings
• Lead year end audit process for their respective portfolio;
• Annual budget process and coordination with other departments;
• Annual Operating expense (CAM) and Real estate escalation calculations/true-ups;
• Annual Certiorari and RPIE filings.
• Monthly cash projections and coordination with Asset Management and Treasury for all cash matters;
• Capital call/distribution letters for investors;
• Requisition/draw request packages for lenders;
• Tax basis books at property investment level as well as upper tier entities and coordination with internal/external tax teams.
• Foster productive relationships with internal teams (Asset Management, AR/AP, Lease Administration, Legal, Operations, Leasing) and provide accounting support as needed.
• Review documents such as tenant leases, operating agreements (including investment structure), loan agreements, property management agreement and contracts in conjunction with other departments and as needed in normal course of business.
• Review debt covenant calculations (DSCR, LTV, Debt Yield, etc).
• Review quarterly equity waterfalls to ensure accurate partnership allocation and promote calculations.
• Participate in initiatives to improve process and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, lender requirements, partnership agreements, and regulatory obligations.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience; 2-4 years management experience.
• Experience in real estate industry required
• Skills & Abilities:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well in a collaborative working environment
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, Tax Basis, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Proficiency in accounting software and financial management systems (e.g., Yardi,or similar) is preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills for financial analysis and reporting.
• Experience working with AI software (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude).