Controller of Land Division

Destination Homes•Sandy, UT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Controller of Land Division is responsible for leading all accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls related to the company’s Master Planned Communities and residential land holdings. This role ensures accurate cost capitalization, financial transparency, and compliance across land projects – Daybreak and Three Canyons – while partnering closely with land development, acquisitions, and executive leadership to drive informed decision-making. This individual will play a critical role in managing complex project accounting, overseeing land budgets, and supporting the strategic growth of the platform’s land pipeline. Why This Role Matters The Controller of Land Division is a critical partner in ensuring the financial integrity and success of the company’s land strategy. By providing clear visibility into land costs, risks, and returns, this role directly supports the company’s ability to scale its development pipeline and deliver profitable projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA strongly preferred).
8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in real estate development, homebuilding, or land development.
Strong experience with project accounting and cost capitalization in a development environment.
Experience working with multiple entities, joint ventures, and complex organizational structures.
Deep knowledge of GAAP, particularly as it relates to real estate and land development.
Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems (e.g., Yardi, JD Edwards, NetSuite, or similar).
Advanced Excel skills and financial modeling capabilities.
Strong leadership and team development skills.
High attention to detail with the ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial data for non-financial stakeholders.
Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Oversee all accounting functions related to land acquisition, entitlement, and development activities.
Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in accordance with GAAP.
Manage project-level accounting, including lot cost tracking, capitalization of development costs, and cost allocations.
Maintain detailed land inventory schedules, including work-in-progress (WIP) and finished lot positions.
Reconcile land-related accounts, including joint venture and partnership structures where applicable.
Partner with Land Development and Project Management teams to track budgets, forecasts, and actual costs.
Monitor and analyze variances between budgeted and actual development costs.
Ensure proper capitalization vs. expense treatment of land development costs.
Support underwriting and pro forma validation for new land acquisitions.
Establish and maintain strong internal controls over land-related transactions and reporting.
Ensure compliance with corporate accounting policies and external audit requirements.
Coordinate with external auditors on land-specific accounting matters.
Support tax compliance related to land entities and development activities.
Oversee land development cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning.
Partner with treasury and finance teams on funding strategies for land projects.
Monitor draw schedules, lender requirements, and capital calls for land developments and joint ventures.
Lead and develop a team of accountants focused on land and development accounting.
Establish scalable processes and systems to support platform growth.
Drive continuous improvement in reporting, systems, and data integrity.
Work closely with Land Acquisition, Development, Legal, and Asset Management teams.
Provide financial insights to support strategic decision-making on land deals and portfolio management.
Assist in preparing investment committee materials and executive reporting packages.