Controller

Controller – Private Equity Real Estate Investment Firm

Location: San Francisco, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site/Hybrid

Seniority: Director–Level Finance Leadership

About the Firm

We are a San Francisco–based private equity real estate investment firm focused on acquiring, developing, and managing institutional‐quality assets across major U.S. markets. Our team combines deep sector expertise with a disciplined investment philosophy, and we are seeking a highly skilled Controller to lead our accounting, reporting, and financial operations as we continue to scale.

Position Summary

The Controller will oversee all accounting, financial reporting, fund administration, and internal controls for both the management company and investment vehicles. This role is ideal for a hands‐on, detail‐oriented finance leader with strong private equity real estate experience who thrives in a fast‐paced, entrepreneurial environment. The Controller will report directly to the CFO and serve as a key partner to the investment, asset management, and investor relations teams. Potential for rapid increase in responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Oversee all accounting functions for the management company and investment entities, including GAAP-compliant financial statements, consolidations, tax and audit support.
• Manage quarterly and annual reporting cycles, including NAV calculations, capital account statements, and portfolio-level financials.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of property‐level and fund‐level financial packages.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.

Fund Accounting & Investor Reporting

• Lead fund accounting processes across multiple open‐end vehicles.
• Oversee capital calls, distributions, waterfalls, and carried interest calculations.
• Partner with Investor Relations to prepare LP reporting, performance metrics, and ad‐hoc analyses.
• Coordinate with third‐party fund administrators and auditors.

Treasury & Cash Management

• Manage cash flow forecasting, liquidity planning, and capital deployment tracking.
• Oversee bank relationships, treasury operations, and compliance with loan covenants.
• Monitor investment‐level cash activity, including construction draws, operating expenses, and distributions.

Tax Coordination

• Coordinate with external tax advisors on partnership returns and investor K‐1s.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements across entities.

Operational Leadership

• Build and mentor a high‐performing accounting team.
• Implement systems improvements, automation, and process optimization.
• Support due diligence and onboarding for new acquisitions and dispositions.
• Collaborate cross‐functionally with asset management, acquisitions, and executive leadership.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA preferred, tax experience required.
• 7-10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3–5 years in private equity real estate.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, investment partnership accounting, and real estate financial structures.
• Experience managing audits, fund administrators, and tax advisors.
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with real estate accounting systems (e.g., Yardi, MRI, Juniper Square).

Preferred

• Prior experience as a Controller or Assistant Controller in a private equity or real estate investment firm.
• Exposure to REIT structures, development accounting, and complex JV arrangements.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a high‐growth, entrepreneurial environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary depending on experience
• Co-investment participation potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with employer contribution.
• Generous PTO and professional development support.