Controller – Commercial Property Management

NW Recruiting Partners•Bellevue, WA

About The Position

The Controller oversees accounting and financial operations for a portfolio of 11 commercial properties at a real estate investment, development, and property management firm. Reporting directly to the CFO, the role leads financial reporting, accounting operations, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls. The Controller works with senior leadership, investment management, and property management teams to ensure financial accuracy, strengthen accounting processes, and provide insights for business decisions. The position calls for commercial real estate property management accounting experience and a record of leading accounting teams, along with an analytical, detail-oriented, proactive approach that balances hands-on accounting oversight with broader financial strategy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
8–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience in commercial property management accounting.
Strong understanding of GAAP, commercial property accounting, financial reporting, and CAM reconciliations.
Demonstrated experience managing and developing accounting professionals.
Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial analysis.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with senior leadership.
Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and identify opportunities for process improvement.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with property management accounting systems; Yardi experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee accounting and financial operations for an assigned portfolio of commercial properties, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely reporting.
Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and financial statement preparation.
Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses, and provide actionable insights to senior leadership.
Manage day-to-day property accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, tenant billing, collections, and lease accounting.
Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning in collaboration with the CFO, investment management, and property management teams.
Oversee CAM reconciliations, operating expense recoveries, property taxes, insurance reimbursements, and other tenant-related financial obligations.
Manage cash flow, liquidity forecasting, banking activities, capital calls, loan draws, and ownership distributions.
Monitor debt obligations, lender reporting, covenant compliance, and related financial requirements.
Establish and maintain internal controls, accounting policies, approval procedures, and compliance with GAAP and applicable regulations.
Oversee fixed assets, depreciation, capital expenditures, tenant improvements, and construction-related accounting.
Coordinate annual audits, tax preparation, regulatory filings, and financial reporting requirements with external auditors and advisors.
Partner with investment and asset management teams on property acquisitions, dispositions, ownership transitions, and other significant transactions.
Review and maintain accounting records related to leases, security deposits, intercompany transactions, and ownership structures.
Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and consistent reporting standards.
Collaborate with senior leadership, property managers, and other departments on financial matters and portfolio performance.
Identify opportunities to streamline accounting workflows, strengthen reporting, and improve operational efficiencies.
Optimize property accounting systems and technology, including Yardi, to enhance reporting accuracy and productivity.
Support new property onboarding, entity setup, accounting system transitions, and financial process implementation.
Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic planning, investment decisions, and long-term portfolio objectives.
Participate in special projects and other financial initiatives as needed.