Controller (Real Estate Developer)

Equal Access

New York, NY

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$170,000–$190,000 Per Year

SKILLS

Accounting, Accounting Close, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Acquisition Strategy, Administrative Skills, Affordable Housing, Asset Management, Budget Management, Budgeting, Career Counseling, Cash Flow, Cash Management, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Communication Skills, Corporate Finance, Detail Oriented, Documentation, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), External Audit, Finance, Financial Compliance, Financial Control, Financial Operations, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), Financial Reporting, Financial Statements, Financial Strategy, Financial Systems, Forecasting, General Ledger Accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Journal Entries, Leadership, Loan Regulations, Loans, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, NetSuite, Organizational Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Process Development, Process Improvement, Property Management, Real Estate, Real Estate Development, Reconciliation, Regulatory Compliance, Tax Regulations, Team Player, Time Management, Variance Analysis

LOCATION

New York, NY

POSTED

Today

Controller (Real Estate Developer)

Queens, NY | On-Site

The Role

Equal Access is partnering with a real estate developer, owner, and investment firm focused on strategic acquisitions, disciplined operations, and long-term value creation across its portfolio. The firm is mission-driven, community-oriented, and operationally serious, and it is looking for a Controller who can match that combination.

This is a hands-on accounting leadership role reporting to the Managing Partners and Managing Director. You will own the day-to-day accounting operations across a multi-entity, multi-property portfolio, with real responsibility for accuracy, compliance, and the reliability of financial reporting. There is genuine room to grow here as the finance function matures, but the immediate need is execution.

This is not a strategic finance or FP&A-first role. The person who thrives here is someone who can close the books cleanly, keep controls tight, and partner effectively with property and asset management teams, all while building toward broader managerial responsibility.

What This Role Is, and Is Not

This role is:

A hands-on controller position with meaningful ownership of month-end close, GL management, and multi-entity reporting
A key operational partner to senior leadership, not a back-office support function
An opportunity to grow into broader finance leadership as the firm scales
A compliance-adjacent role with real exposure to HUD, LIHTC, Section 8, and lender reporting requirements
A collaborative position that requires regular coordination with property management and asset management teams

This role is NOT:

A fully built-out corporate finance function where systems and processes are already in place
A remote or hybrid role, presence in Queens is expected
The right fit if you want to stay out of the details, the granular work is the job
A pure reporting role, you will be expected to strengthen controls, mentor staff, and actively problem-solve

Required Experience & Traits

5 or more years of accounting experience, ideally within real estate, affordable housing, or property management
Solid command of GAAP and demonstrated experience supporting financial statement preparation and external audits
Hands-on experience with AP, AR, reconciliations, and month-end close across multiple entities simultaneously
Proficiency in Excel, and working experience with an ERP or property accounting platform such as Yardi, Sage Intacct, or NetSuite
Familiarity with affordable housing compliance requirements (HUD, Section 8, LIHTC) is a meaningful plus
A bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required; CPA progress is preferred but not a dealbreaker if the experience is strong
Detail-oriented and organized enough to manage competing deadlines without dropping the ball on accuracy
Collaborative and clear in communication, you will need to work effectively across finance, operations, and senior leadership

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP, with a focus on accuracy and on-time delivery
Manage general ledger activity, journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end close procedures across multiple entities and properties

Cash, AP & AR Operations

Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, ensuring timely processing, accurate coding, and proper documentation
Support cash management activities including bank reconciliations, cash flow tracking, and fund-level reporting at the property level

Budgeting, Forecasting & Variance Analysis

Assist with budgeting and forecasting processes, providing the Managing Partners and Managing Director with timely, reliable data
Partner with property and asset management teams on budget-to-actual tracking and prompt resolution of discrepancies

Compliance & Controls

Maintain and strengthen internal controls and accounting procedures across the firm's entities and properties
Support audit, tax, and regulatory compliance, including preparation of schedules for external auditors, lenders, and regulatory agencies (HUD, LIHTC, and related programs)
Monitor covenant compliance and assist with reporting on existing debt and investor agreements

People & Finance Function Development

Review, train, and mentor accounting staff, contributing to the development of a capable and high-performing finance team
Identify process improvements and help build the systems and workflows the firm needs as it grows

Compensation

Base salary: $170,000 to $190,000, depending on experience

Why EqualAccess

EqualAccess partners with best-in-class organizations and supports candidates beyond placement. Every candidate we place receives 3 months of post-hire coaching and career support, ensuring long-term success and growth.

About the Company

Equal Access

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