CONTROLLER - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Bear Property Management • Pleasant Prairie, WI

3d

About The Position

Bear Real Estate Group [https://bearreg.com/] 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; CPA certification preferred.
• Seven to ten years’ related experience.
• Strong experience with LIHTC, Commercial, and multi-entity environments is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with GAAP and technical accounting standards and terminology
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
• Acute attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
• Knowledge of Real Page and AppFolio software a plus
• Experience with CAM/NNN reconciliations, lease accounting, and multi-entity consolidations.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.

Responsibilities

• 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 RealPage accounting modules (and AppFolio 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 systems and processes to support organizational growth and One-Company standardization.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team; provide coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Establish clear accountability, deadlines, and quality standards.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Prepare complex journal entries, consolidations, intercompany eliminations, fixed-asset tracking, and cross-entity charges.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Invest in Your Future: 401(k) with company match, plus annual merit-based increases
• Prioritize Your Health: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Long-Term Disability, and FSA and HSA options.
• Recharge and Renew: Generous paid time off and 8+ paid holidays.
• Voluntary Benefits: Short Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity.
• Keep Growing: Ongoing education, leadership training, and advancement opportunities across all departments.
• Celebrate Together: Annual employee appreciation events, team outings, and company-wide recognition programs.
• Make an Impact: Contribute to meaningful projects that shape neighborhoods and improve lives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees