Controller, Real Estate Investment

About the Company:

Lamar Companies is a full-service, privately held, real estate investment company headquartered in New Jersey. Since its founding in 1972, the Company has routinely been ranked in the top 100 largest owners of retail shopping centers in the US according to National Real Estate Investors rankings. Lamar primarily focuses on opportunities created by real estate economic cycles and underperforming assets across the United States and is a principal investor in projects for its own account and in partnership with major institutions. Throughout the years the firm has maintained its entrepreneurial roots as a hands-on operating partner with a deep expertise in the retail space, and a unique ability to drive value for its investors.

Job Overview:

Lamar Companies is seeking a Controller to lead all aspects of the accounting department including property and corporate accounting. This highly visible Controller will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will play an integral role in decision-making across all aspects of the firm’s financial operations. A successful candidate will also take ownership of initiatives to create, improve, and implement review, reporting, and other information systems that will support the firm’s continued growth. The position will be based in Lamar’s suburban New Jersey office with the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement all accounting and reporting operations and financial management functions including audits of annual budgets and CAM reconciliations and monitoring of monthly revised budgets to monitor individual project cash flows.
• Management of accounting staff.
• Lead in the development and maintenance of the Firm’s accounting system and policies and implement a system of controls to minimize risk and increase efficiency.
• Lead investor relations including investor communications, distributions and capital calls.
• Complete complex 1031 exchange analysis for investors and internal stakeholders.
• Administration and compliance of property Operating and Real Estate Management Agreements.
• Correspond with company’s lenders and monitor debt covenants for the portfolio as well as preparation and review of quarterly bank covenant compliance documentation.
• Preparation of semi-annual property value reforecasts.
• Work with outside tax accountants.
• Assist with asset management including sales, refinances, property insurance, cash flow, and scenario analysis.
• Lead the Company’s risk management/insurance book including all property insurance and corporate-level insurance, including annual portfolio insurance renewals and ensuring new properties are properly insured.
• Prepare annual tax packages for tax return preparation by an outside tax consultant.

Your Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of related work experience, preferably within commercial real estate.
• Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis on accounting and finance.
• CPA certification a plus.
• Experience with Yardi.
• Experience in commercial real estate accounting with a concentration in retail a plus.
• Track-record of working as a true leader with the ability to communicate financial matters in an understandable format and make financial recommendations.
• Ability to supervise and mentor staff.
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail.
• Deep knowledge of accounting principles.
• Analytical skills, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Forward thinker that can develop plans for the department needs to keep up with company growth.
• Considerable experience with property and corporate level insurance.
• Experience with investor communications.
• Strong communication, quantitative and time management skills.
• Self-motivated individual who takes personal ownership of the accounting platform, is a problem solver and uses independent judgment while also being a team player.
• Limited to no travel required.