Controller (CONFIDENTIAL)

Company Description

CONFIDENTIAL

Role Description

Controller – Real Estate Investment & Property Management

Location: Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid Schedule)

Company: Confidential Family Office – Privately Held Real Estate Investment Firm

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Controller to lead the finance and accounting function of a privately held, rapidly growing real estate investment firm operating as an offshoot of a family office. This role is instrumental in driving financial visibility, supporting refinancing activities, and delivering high-quality reporting to ownership and lenders.

The Controller will work directly with the firm’s principals and senior leadership, overseeing a small accounting team, producing internal and lender-facing financial reports, and leading forecasting efforts that support the firm’s investment strategy. This is a highly tactical role with direct influence over day-to-day operations and long-term financial planning.

Key Responsibilities

Lender-Facing Financial Support

• Prepare detailed and accurate financial packages and reporting for lenders as properties are refinanced or recapitalized.
• Maintain a clear understanding of loan covenants, compliance requirements, and refinancing timelines, proactively managing deliverables and documentation.
• Serve as the primary finance point of contact for lender inquiries, third-party loan servicers, and debt partners.

Internal Financial Reporting

• Develop and deliver comprehensive monthly and quarterly internal financial reports to ownership, providing insights on portfolio performance, operating margins, and cash flow.
• Customize reporting packages for family office executives, stakeholders, and property-level decision-makers.
• Lead ongoing efforts to refine internal reporting processes, KPIs, and presentation formats.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Finance

• Lead cash flow forecasting at both the property and portfolio levels, incorporating debt service, capital improvement planning, and leasing assumptions.
• Support property acquisition and refinancing decisions by building or reviewing property-level financial models.
• Maintain rolling forecasts and scenario analyses to inform capital planning and operational strategy.

Team Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Supervise and mentor two operational accountants, reviewing their work and streamlining processes related to accounts payable, rent collections, reconciliations, and monthly close.
• Oversee the monthly close process, including review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and ledger accuracy.
• Foster a culture of ownership, precision, and accountability within the accounting function.

Process & Systems Optimization

• Evaluate existing workflows and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of the finance function.
• Manage and optimize use of property management and accounting systems (e.g., Yardi, Appfolio).
• Standardize documentation and reporting practices to ensure consistency and ease of review.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA or MBA preferred).
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in real estate accounting or finance, ideally with exposure to debt financing and property operations.
• Prior experience working directly with property-level accountants or staff accountants in a leadership capacity is required.
• Experience in small company or family office environments is preferred; ability to operate without the structure of public company processes.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Proficiency in GAAP-based financial reporting, though no audit preparation is required beyond lender-related documentation.
• Advanced Excel skills for modeling, forecasting, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with property accounting software such as Yardi, Appfolio, or MRI.

Core Competencies

• Financial Acumen: Strong grasp of real estate finance, loan structures, and operational cash flow drivers.
• Ownership Mentality: Self-starter who thrives in a lean environment with broad responsibility.
• Communication: Capable of conveying complex financial insights clearly to both sophisticated investors and non-financial stakeholders.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to build team trust, delegate appropriately, and elevate performance standards.

Why This Role Matters

• Direct Ownership Access: Work closely with principals and decision-makers to shape financial outcomes.
• High Impact: Your reporting and analysis will drive critical decisions on refinancing, acquisitions, and long-term strategy.
• Scalable Platform: As the portfolio grows, this role offers the opportunity to expand in scope and influence, with visibility across all areas of the business.