Controller
Status: Full-Time Salaried Exempt
Salary Range: $100,000 to $120,000
Location: Southfield, MI
Who We Are
Our client is a family-owned property management company that has been creating quality rental communities throughout Metro Detroit. Our client has built a strong reputation as an innovative leader in the property management, development, and construction industries, with a portfolio of award-winning apartment communities, condominium residences, and commercial real estate ventures.
What You Will Do
As the Controller, you will oversee the accounting operations of the company, supervising the accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliation, and payroll processes across our property portfolio and corporate and investment entities. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator that is able to complete work skillfully and independently. The Controller is good at giving and receiving constructive feedback and displays a positive, inspirational leadership style that supports the values and commitments of the organization.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Documentation - Maintain an accounting system of procedures and guidelines, implement internal controls to minimize risk and safeguard assets, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements
- Reporting - Oversee the production of required reports and ensure they meet accounting guidelines and principles; collaborate with auditors and provide information as requested; produce annual reporting, budgets, and forecasting
- Financial Performance Review - Manage the accounting budget and system; provide financial analysis with emphasis on capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations as requested or required
- Leadership - Manage, mentor, and develop personnel in the accounting department; create and deliver annual performance evaluations for the accounting team; provide guidance and initiate employee discussions when discipline is required
Specific Tasks
- Perform and supervise the month-end accounting close for the company and its corporate and investment tier entities, using the accrual method of accounting for income tax purposes
- Organize and direct accounting personnel and ensure the integrity of financial data, accounting, taxes, reporting, and financial controls
- Oversee and supervise the processing of all corporate A/P and A/R transactions and reconcile all subsidiary ledgers to the general ledger monthly
- Manage the presentation of internal management reporting; ensure accuracy of financial statements through strict account reconciliation procedures and balance sheet reviews
- Manage treasury and payment functions, including weekly cash reconciliations, debt and working capital management, and approval of cash disbursement activities; assist with banking account setups, wires, and intercompany banking activity
- Verify, review, and analyze property general ledgers on both cash and accrual basis, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established accounting policies, procedures, and calendar deadlines
- Oversee rent roll accuracy, resident receivables, security deposit accounting, and lease-related revenue reporting
- Assist with annual property and corporate budget cycles, communicating with different departments to achieve accurate and complete operating budgets and ensuring budgets are properly reflected in the accounting system
- Provide department heads with actual-to-budget reports and ensure appropriate classification of G&A expenses to department budgets
- Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual lender compliance submissions
- Assist with the management and review of internal controls for the safeguarding of assets and mitigation of financial risk
- Act as liaison with our external accounting firm, providing annual tax packages including financial statements, trial balances, and all supporting schedules for all corporate and investment entities, and ensuring all tax filing deadlines are met
- Work with leadership and the external accounting firm to reduce inefficiencies in the annual tax filing process
- Assist with new systems implementations as the company continues to grow
- Perform ad-hoc analysis and projects as needed, and proactively seek out efficiencies in all accounting processes
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration; a CPA is a plus
- Minimum of 5 years of related accounting experience, including supervisory experience
- Experience in real estate (public or private) is required; multifamily experience is a plus
- Prior experience in public accounting is highly desired
- Strong knowledge of internal controls, GAAP, and accounting guidelines
- A valuable record of improving financial results
- Proficiency with accounting software and extensive experience with RealPage/OneSite, Yardi, Entrata, AppFolio, or other real estate property management applications; advanced Excel skills
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work with a diverse group of people and customers, and to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
- Positive mindset and attitude, growth minded
Why Join Our Client?
- Join a stable, family-owned company with a long legacy in Metro Detroit
- Work directly with ownership and make a visible impact on financial strategy
- Collaborative, long-tenured team environment where people stay and grow
- Meaningful work supporting communities that thousands of residents call home
- Professional growth and development opportunities
