Controller

Job Title : Controller

Location : Bergen County, NJ

Employment Type : Full-time, Onsite

Position Overview

A growing real estate investment and development firm in Bergen County, NJ, is seeking a highly skilled Controller to lead accounting and finance operations across the corporate entity and portfolio. This role is ideal for a finance professional who thrives in detail, enjoys building processes, and is motivated by deadlines and precision. The Controller will oversee financial reporting, cash flow management, internal controls, and investor reporting while collaborating with partners and property management teams.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio & Corporate Accounting

Oversee accounting and finance operations across the corporate entity and multifamily portfolio.

Ensure timely monthly closes, quarterly reporting, and annual statements, with variance analysis and commentary.

Review and approve construction draw requests, coordinating with lenders and construction managers.

Partner with property management to monitor property-level financial results, budgets, and operating performance.

Ensure compliance with GAAP accounting standards.

Ensure adherence to property management agreements and lender requirements.

Treasury & Cash Flow

Manage treasury operations, including cash flow forecasting, debt servicing, and liquidity planning.

Develop budgeting and forecasting processes for corporate and property-level operations.

Maintain strong banking relationships and oversee cash disbursement / collection processes.

Internal Controls & Compliance

Implement internal controls to safeguard assets, ensure accuracy, and prevent fraud.

Handle tax filings, audits, and replacement reserve submissions.

Oversee audits and tax preparation, coordinating with external accountants to ensure compliance and timely filings.

Manage insurance policies and broker relationships to optimize coverage and cost.

Investor Reporting

Prepare and review financial reports and distributions for investors.

Support investor relations by ensuring timely, accurate, and transparent reporting.

Respond to investor inquiries regarding financial performance.

Team & Process Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting / finance team, including oversight of a staff accountant or bookkeeper.

Oversee accounts payable associates and property accountants.

Establish scalable systems, policies, and procedures to support growth.

Implement technology and process improvements to streamline reporting and improve data accuracy.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred.

Proven experience as a Controller (minimum 5+ years in role); exposure to real estate, investment management, or related sectors strongly preferred.

Strong technical accounting skills with hands-on experience—comfortable managing both detail-level work and portfolio / corporate reporting.

Track record of meeting deadlines in high-pressure, schedule-driven environments (month-end, quarter-end, year-end).

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; thrives on structure and accountability.

Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across a lean, entrepreneurial team.

Demonstrated ability to build and manage a small but highly effective finance team.