Controller

Cherry Bekaert•Bethesda, MD

30d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a hybrid role (3 days in-office). Compensation: $150-170k + 10-15% bonus, depending on related expertise. The Controller will lead day-to-day accounting operations for our commercial/retail real estate portfolio, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance with income tax-basis accounting standards and lender/investor requirements. This role partners closely with the CFO on financial strategy while managing a team of two Senior Accountants and owning the monthly close, property-level reporting, and compliance processes.

Requirements

BS/BS in Accounting or Finance
7+ years of progressive accounting experience required
2+ years in a supervisory/management role required
Commercial real estate accounting experience required (CAM reconciliations, multi-entity/property consolidations, income tax-basis reporting) required
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines across a portfolio of properties are required
Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team are required

Nice To Haves

CPA preferred
Knowledge of income tax-basis accounting principles as applied to real estate is preferred
Proficiency with property accounting software (Yardi, MRI, AppFolio, or similar) and advanced Excel skills are preferred
Experience managing lender and investor reporting cycles preferred

Responsibilities

Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process across the property portfolio and corporate entities
Prepare consolidated financial statements, property-level P&Ls, and variance analyses for the CFO and ownership/investors
Ensure accurate accounting for CAM reconciliations, tenant billings, depreciation, and capital expenditures on an income tax basis
Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and balance sheet schedules prepared by the team
Manage, mentor, and develop two Senior Accountants, including workload allocation, performance reviews, and professional growth
Establish and document accounting procedures and review checklists to ensure consistency across properties
Serve as the escalation point for complex accounting issues raised by the team
Maintain and strengthen internal controls over financial reporting across the portfolio
Serve as primary liaison for tax preparers and lender reporting requirements
Ensure compliance with loan covenants, partnership agreements, and investor reporting obligations
Oversee property tax, insurance, and 1099 reporting processes
Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities within the accounting function
Own the chart of accounts and property accounting system administration (e.g., Yardi, MRI, or similar)
Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash management in partnership with the CFO
Provide the CFO with financial analysis and ad hoc reporting to support acquisition due diligence, refinancing, and dispositions
Collaborate with property management and asset management teams on operational and financial questions