Development Controller

Our client, a nationally recognized real estate investor, developer, operator and lender, is looking for a development controller to oversee a major project the firm is managing. This client makes and manages debt and equity investments in real estate and real estate-related securities through multiple business lines and strategies. The development controller will work for a subsidiary of the investor group, which is a full-service real estate development business specialized in entitling, designing, and constructing institutional quality commercial real estate projects.

The client is seeking a dynamic individual with a strong foundational understanding of development accounting who is detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage multiple development projects in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

The development controller will oversee accounting functions for various development and commercial properties, managing an internal team as well as service providers.

• Managing job cost accounting, including setup and maintenance of cost codes, tracking commitments, change orders, and forecasting costs to complete throughout the project's long lifecycle.
• Review and approve monthly construction draw packages, including lender and equity partner submissions; communicate with Asset Management and lender personnel to reconcile differences and respond to clarification requests.
• Track and reconcile development project budgets.
• Responsible for timely and accurate monthly financial statements with supporting schedules and commentary as needed.
• Manage cash balances for assigned properties including releasing check runs, initiating wire requests, and performing owner distributions as required.
• Responsible for coordination and organization with external auditors for year-end audit work.
• Maintain a proactive attitude by keeping CFO informed of all activities and tasks being completed
• Maintain a working knowledge of contracts and other deal-specific nuances for on-going construction for assigned properties
• Perform various special projects and tasks as required and/or requested.

• 8+ years of experience in a major public accounting firm and/or a combination of industry accounting in real estate development / construction
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting preferred
• CPA preferred
• Understanding and/or experience of Job Cost Accounting, Budgets, and Financials
• Must have initiative and be highly organized, detail-oriented and very responsive to a fast-paced investment environment
• Accounting Software experience required, preferably Yardi or related