Controller (Real Estate Developer)

Controller (Real Estate Developer)

Queens, NY | On-Site

The Role

Equal Access is partnering with a real estate developer, owner, and investment firm focused on strategic acquisitions, disciplined operations, and long-term value creation across its portfolio. The firm is mission-driven, community-oriented, and operationally serious, and it is looking for a Controller who can match that combination.

This is a hands-on accounting leadership role reporting to the Managing Partners and Managing Director. You will own the day-to-day accounting operations across a multi-entity, multi-property portfolio, with real responsibility for accuracy, compliance, and the reliability of financial reporting. There is genuine room to grow here as the finance function matures, but the immediate need is execution.

This is not a strategic finance or FP&A-first role. The person who thrives here is someone who can close the books cleanly, keep controls tight, and partner effectively with property and asset management teams, all while building toward broader managerial responsibility.

What This Role Is, and Is Not

This role is:

• A hands-on controller position with meaningful ownership of month-end close, GL management, and multi-entity reporting
• A key operational partner to senior leadership, not a back-office support function
• An opportunity to grow into broader finance leadership as the firm scales
• A compliance-adjacent role with real exposure to HUD, LIHTC, Section 8, and lender reporting requirements
• A collaborative position that requires regular coordination with property management and asset management teams

This role is NOT:

• A fully built-out corporate finance function where systems and processes are already in place
• A remote or hybrid role, presence in Queens is expected
• The right fit if you want to stay out of the details, the granular work is the job
• A pure reporting role, you will be expected to strengthen controls, mentor staff, and actively problem-solve

Required Experience & Traits

• 5 or more years of accounting experience, ideally within real estate, affordable housing, or property management
• Solid command of GAAP and demonstrated experience supporting financial statement preparation and external audits
• Hands-on experience with AP, AR, reconciliations, and month-end close across multiple entities simultaneously
• Proficiency in Excel, and working experience with an ERP or property accounting platform such as Yardi, Sage Intacct, or NetSuite
• Familiarity with affordable housing compliance requirements (HUD, Section 8, LIHTC) is a meaningful plus
• A bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required; CPA progress is preferred but not a dealbreaker if the experience is strong
• Detail-oriented and organized enough to manage competing deadlines without dropping the ball on accuracy
• Collaborative and clear in communication, you will need to work effectively across finance, operations, and senior leadership

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP, with a focus on accuracy and on-time delivery
• Manage general ledger activity, journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end close procedures across multiple entities and properties

Cash, AP & AR Operations

• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, ensuring timely processing, accurate coding, and proper documentation
• Support cash management activities including bank reconciliations, cash flow tracking, and fund-level reporting at the property level

Budgeting, Forecasting & Variance Analysis

• Assist with budgeting and forecasting processes, providing the Managing Partners and Managing Director with timely, reliable data
• Partner with property and asset management teams on budget-to-actual tracking and prompt resolution of discrepancies

Compliance & Controls

• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and accounting procedures across the firm's entities and properties
• Support audit, tax, and regulatory compliance, including preparation of schedules for external auditors, lenders, and regulatory agencies (HUD, LIHTC, and related programs)
• Monitor covenant compliance and assist with reporting on existing debt and investor agreements

People & Finance Function Development

• Review, train, and mentor accounting staff, contributing to the development of a capable and high-performing finance team
• Identify process improvements and help build the systems and workflows the firm needs as it grows

Compensation

• Base salary: $170,000 to $190,000, depending on experience

Why EqualAccess

EqualAccess partners with best-in-class organizations and supports candidates beyond placement. Every candidate we place receives 3 months of post-hire coaching and career support, ensuring long-term success and growth.