Financial Controller

SVN - Real Estate Associates•Durham, NC

About The Position

SVN | Real Estate Associates, an independently owned commercial real estate brokerage and property management firm based in Durham, NC, is seeking a Financial Controller. The role oversees the company’s financial health, accounting operations, reporting, budgeting, and compliance, as well as the financials for affiliated real estate holding entities. It is central to maintaining financial stability and supporting growth, managing day-to-day financial operations, and contributing to strategic planning and decision-making. The Financial Controller also maintains internal controls and regulatory compliance, ensuring the company meets applicable industry and legal financial requirements. The role leads accounting operations and reporting, manages cash flow, forecasting, budgeting, brokerage commission accounting, affiliated-entity accounting, partner distributions, loans and lender reporting, and coordination with outside CPAs. It oversees banking activity, tax and trust-account compliance, property and lease accounting, tenant and owner reporting, and financial planning and modeling for real estate acquisitions, dispositions, refinancings, capital projects, and hold/sell decisions. The Financial Controller also leads and develops the accounting team, improves financial processes, and collaborates with executive leadership on financial strategy and business growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Minimum 7–10 years in financial management or accounting.
Strong understanding of tax regulations and financial reporting standards.
Experience managing multi-entity accounting and cash flow management.
Proficiency in property management software and accounting systems.
Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
Familiarity with North Carolina trust-account requirements, or ability to learn them quickly.
Experience with Argus Enterprise.
Comfort adopting new technology, including AI tools.
Exceptional analytical, organizational, and leadership abilities.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments.

Nice To Haves

CPA preferred.
Experience in real estate or property management.

Responsibilities

Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll.
Prepare required reports for the company’s CPA for tax reporting.
Oversee preparation of financial statements, management reports, and variance analysis.
Manage cash flow across multiple companies and entities.
Conduct financial forecasting and budgeting to support business objectives.
Provide financial insights and recommendations to executive leadership.
Oversee brokerage commission accounting.
Maintain financials for affiliated real estate holding entities and document intercompany transactions.
Manage partner distributions.
Monitor loans, lender reporting deadlines, and debt service across entities.
Coordinate with an outside CPA on tax preparation and 1031 exchanges.
Ensure compliance with tax regulations and internal policies.
Manage relationships with banks and lenders, including setting up and coordinating cash and debt accounts for newly acquired properties.
Oversee bank account reconciliations and monitor banking activities for compliance with real estate trust-account regulations and industry standards.
Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets.
Supervise tenant lease accounting, property-level financial reporting, and Common Area Maintenance (CAM) reconciliations.
Ensure accurate recording and collection of rent payments, pass-through expenses, and lease obligations.
Oversee real estate financial compliance and the efficiency and accuracy of lease administration, reconciliations, and reporting.
Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
Assist with financial planning for property acquisitions, dispositions, and CapEx projects.
Oversee financial modeling and scenario analysis to support business expansion and operational efficiency.
Prepare and review owner reports and ensure accurate financial documentation for property owners and stakeholders.
Build and maintain Argus models to underwrite acquisitions, dispositions, refinancings, and hold/sell decisions.
Lead and mentor the accounting team, fostering accuracy, accountability, and efficiency.
Provide training, support, and professional development for the accounting team.
Improve financial processes and reporting to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Collaborate with the executive team to shape financial strategy and drive business growth.