Property Controller | Bethesda (4 days in-office) | $140-160K+Bonus
Are you a CPA with deep multifamily or commercial real estate accounting experience and a passion for leading teams, improving processes, and driving financial performance? We are seeking a Property Controller to oversee the accounting function for a real estate portfolio and serve as a trusted partner to operations, asset management, treasury, tax, and executive leadership. This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who brings strong technical accounting skills, sharp business judgment, and the ability to build a high-performing team. You will play a key role in financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, process improvement, and strategic decision support.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Portfolio Accounting
- Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
- Deliver accurate, timely financial statements and reporting
- Review financial performance, analyze variances, and investigate unusual activity
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal accounting policies
- Oversee property accounting for a multifamily portfolio
Cash Management & Forecasting
- Oversee cash management and liquidity forecasting
- Monitor lender escrows, reserve balances, insurance funding, and investor distributions
- Identify cash flow risks and recommend corrective actions
- Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities
Controls, Compliance & Audit Support
- Maintain strong internal controls and financial governance
- Improve accounting policies, procedures, and reporting discipline
- Ensure compliance with lender requirements, partnership agreements, and company policies
- Support audits and tax reporting processes
Process Improvement & Systems
- Identify and implement efficiencies across accounting operations
- Support automation and system enhancement initiatives
Leadership & Business Partnership
- Lead, coach, and develop the Property Accounting team
- Set priorities, monitor performance, and foster accountability
- Build strong partnerships across Asset Management, Operations, Treasury, Tax, and leadership
- Provide proactive financial insights and actionable recommendations
- Communicate risks early and help drive solutions
Why This Opportunity
This role is ideal for a hands-on accounting leader who wants to do more than close the books. You will have the opportunity to strengthen controls, elevate team performance, improve systems, and provide financial leadership that supports portfolio growth and operational excellence.
If you are a collaborative and forward-thinking Property Controller ready to make a meaningful impact, please apply directly to this posting! Direct questions to Lee Chernett, VP at Robert Half Finance & Accounting, via LinkedIn.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
- CPA required
- 9+ years of progressive accounting experience
- 3–5+ years of leadership experience managing accounting teams
- Multifamily or commercial real estate accounting experience required
- Advanced knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and cash management
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities