Controller

Sterling Group ‚Ä¢ Full Time

Posted on Thu, Jul 16, 2026

Who we are: Sterling Group is a family-owned vertically integrated real estate investment services firm started in 1976. Our organization includes development, construction, property management and investment management with a specialty in multifamily housing and self-storage facilities. Our executives are involved daily and work closely with over 375 colleagues in multiple states throughout the Midwest and Southeast. We are looking for self-driven professionals with high accountability and integrity. Why work for Sterling Group?

Training and Career advancement opportunities
Recognition programs
Competitive wages
Full benefits
Family friendly culture
Work life balance

The Controller is responsible for leading all accounting operations across a diversified real estate platform including property management, development, construction, acquisitions, and investment entities. This role provides strategic financial oversight, ensures accurate and timely reporting, and maintains strong internal controls while directly managing a team of approximately seven accounting professionals.

Lead and develop the corporate, property, construction, and payroll accounting functions while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team.
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accurate, timely, and GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
Manage property accounting operations, including financial statement reviews, general ledger integrity, accounts payable oversight, and operational financial reporting.
Direct construction and development accounting, including job cost reporting, capital expenditures, construction-in-progress (CIP), and fixed asset capitalization.
Coordinate year-end financial reporting, external audits, regulatory compliance, and required owner and tax-related reporting.
Partner with the CFO to support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, financial planning, and strategic analysis.
Drive continuous improvement through enhanced accounting systems, internal controls, automation, policies, and executive reporting.
Oversee the biweekly payroll process, ensuring accuracy, compliance, payroll tax reporting, and coordination with Human Resources.
Provide financial analysis and reporting to executive leadership while supporting acquisitions, development initiatives, asset management, and other strategic projects.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned in support of organizational objectives.
Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal policies, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Partner with executive leadership to align financial operations with organizational goals.
Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, exceptional service, and continuous improvement within the accounting department.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required
CPA preferred
Minimum of 10+ years of progressive accounting experience
Prior experience in real estate, property management, or construction accounting strongly preferred

Benefits:

Medical
Dental
Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Group Life Insurance
Voluntary Life Insurance
Short Term Disability
Long Term Disability
Supplemental programs
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
Employee Assistance Plan
Paid Time Off
Paid holidays
Volunteer time

Our goal is customer loyalty. Because we understand that customer loyalty is achieved by exceeding customer's expectations, our company credo is: "Creating the Sterling Story by exceeding expectations... one customer at a time!"

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