1158 Controller - Real Estate Development

Job Description

The Controller will serve as the primary internal lead for financial oversight, reporting, and systems management across the organization. This role will be responsible for managing and quality-controlling the work of our outsourced accounting firm (OHI), ensuring accuracy of financials at both the fund and project levels, and supporting strategic planning, capital management, and compliance processes. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in real estate or fund accounting, is highly organized, and is comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Our client is a vertically integrated real estate investment and development firm focused on delivering high-impact, design-forward projects across urban markets (Hotels and Mixed-Use). With a growing portfolio of active developments and capital partners, we combine institutional rigor with entrepreneurial execution. We are seeking a Controller to join their team and oversee all accounting, reporting, and financial operations in coordination with our third-party accounting partner.

Location: Los Angeles
Reports To:  Development Director   Type: Full-Time | 1099

Key Responsibilities

Financial Oversight & Reporting

• Review and validate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements prepared by third-party accounting teams (e.g., balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements).

• Ensure financials accurately reflect the capital structure, fund activity, and project-level transactions.

• Prepare internal management reports, financial dashboards, and variance analyses for leadership.

Cash Flow Management

• Oversee and maintain internal cash flow models and forecasting tools for both operating and development entities.

• Monitor liquidity across all entities and funds; ensure timely coordination of capital calls, distributions, and vendor payments.

• Reconcile bank activity with cash movement schedules and fund-level reporting.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Scenario Planning

• Support the development of annual budgets and long-range forecasts across projects, funds, and corporate entities.

• Collaborate with operations and development teams to update pro formas and perform scenario modeling.

• Identify and flag potential financial risks, funding gaps, or discrepancies.

Accounting Systems & Controls

• Maintain oversight of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance and consistency.

• Lead process improvement initiatives to optimize financial workflows, reduce manual errors, and enhance reporting timelines.

• Coordinate financial documentation and reporting with legal, investor relations, and development teams.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Liaise with external auditors and tax preparers to ensure timely and accurate submissions.

• Support annual audits and investor reporting cycles; manage document requests and compliance deliverables.

• Ensure financial practices align with regulatory requirements and investor expectations. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred but not required if candidate has comparable experience.

• 5–8 years of relevant experience in real estate, private equity, fund accounting, or public accounting.

• Strong understanding of capital stacks, distributions, fund accounting, and GAAP principles.

• Demonstrated experience managing outsourced accounting partners or cross-functional finance teams.

• Advanced proficiency in Excel; familiarity with QuickBooks, Northspyre, and cloud-based reporting systems preferred.

• Excellent attention to detail, analytical thinking, and communication skills.

• Ability to operate independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a dynamic environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary (150-185K), commensurate with experience

• Performance-based bonus eligibility

• [Insert: health insurance, 401(k), PTO, or other relevant benefits]
• Position will be 1099

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Gillian Executive Search is a leader in recruiting for real estate development accounting and finance. Contact Kipp Gillian, kgillian@gessearch.com, 866-600-0437x1