Controller, Accounting, Accounting Manager

Title: Controller
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: On-site
Schedule: Full-time

Overview: We are seeking a highly experienced Controller with deep expertise in App Folio Property Manager and a proven track record overseeing accounting operations for portfolios exceeding 3,000 residential and/or commercial units for our LA-based client.

This role requires a strategic financial leader who can manage large-scale property accounting operations, communicate directly with ownership groups, and design and implement scalable financial processes. The ideal candidate is both technically strong and operationally minded - capable of building structure, improving systems, and driving accountability across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Financial Oversight

• Direct full-cycle accounting operations for a large-scale portfolio (3,000+ units).

• Oversee property-level financial statements and consolidated reporting.

• Ensure accurate rent roll reporting and revenue recognition.

• Manage owner distributions, capital calls, and reserve tracking.

• Oversee debt schedules and lender covenant compliance.

• Lead month-end and year-end close across multiple entities.

• Standardize financial reporting across the portfolio.

Owner & Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as primary financial liaison to property owners and investors.

• Present monthly and quarterly financial reports with variance explanations.

• Communicate complex financial data in a clear, strategic manner.

• Provide proactive financial insights and operational recommendations.

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.

• Build trust through timely and transparent reporting.

Advanced App Folio Expertise

• Lead all accounting operations within App Folio Property Manager.

• Optimize chart of accounts structure across large portfolio.

• Ensure trust accounting compliance and segregation of funds.

• Oversee bulk bank reconciliations (operating & security deposit accounts).

• Maintain tenant ledger accuracy and owner statement integrity.

• Implement workflow automation and internal control enhancements.

• Conduct system audits and improve reporting functionality.

Process Design & Implementation

• Design, document, and implement scalable accounting processes.

• Improve month-end close efficiency and reporting timelines.

• Establish internal controls and approval workflows.

• Develop SOPs for accounting, distributions, reconciliations, and reporting.

• Identify system gaps and implement operational improvements.

• Drive cross-department alignment between accounting and operations.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor accounting team (AP, AR, Staff & Senior Accountants).

• Establish KPIs and performance standards.

• Build scalable team structure to support portfolio growth.

• Promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA strongly preferred).

• 10+ years progressive accounting experience.

• 5+ years in property management accounting.

• Demonstrated experience overseeing accounting for 3,000+ units.

• Advanced proficiency in App Folio (required).

• Strong knowledge of trust accounting and portfolio reporting.

• Experience with multi-entity structures and consolidated financials.

• Advanced Excel skills and strong communication abilities.

Compensation: $ - $ per year DOE plus benefits.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance