Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Controller - Multifamily Housing and Commercial - Detroit Suburbs

Full Service Commercial Real Estate Group

Search by Harper Associates

The Controller is responsible for overseeing accounting, financial reporting, and the consistent execution of accounting processes across a portfolio of commercial and multifamily real estate assets.

This role reports to the CFO/COO and supports the accounting team, ensuring accurate financial reporting and a collaborative, accountable environment. The Controller partners with operations and leadership to align financial reporting with property performance and leads the accounting team to deliver consistent, high-quality results.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Close

• Oversee and support the monthly close process across the real estate portfolio.

• Ensure financial statements are accurate, complete, and delivered on time.

• Review and approve property-level financial statements for both commercial and multifamily properties.

• Review reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules to promote consistency and quality.

• Provide guidance and support to the team to resolve issues and meet close deadlines.

• Reinforce accountability around close timelines while supporting the team in meeting expectations.

Commercial CAM & Tenant Accounting

• Review CAM reconciliations and guide the team to ensure alignment with lease terms.

• Support property accountants in understanding CAM structures, including expense pools, gross-ups, and caps.

• Assist in resolving tenant questions and discrepancies in collaboration with operations.

• Ensure CAM deliverables are well-supported, accurate, and prepared for audit or review.

Multifamily Accounting

• Review multifamily accounting activity, including rent roll support, concessions, and revenue recognition.

• Partner with the team to analyze GPR, vacancy loss, and operational trends.

• Ensure security deposit balances are accurate and properly reconciled.

• Support resolution of accounting issues while reinforcing consistent standards.

Internal Controls & Process

• Support the implementation and consistent application of accounting policies and internal controls.

• Reinforce proper workflows, segregation of duties, and documentation standards.

• Review journal entries and reconciliations for completeness and compliance.

• Assist in maintaining exception logs and work with the team to resolve items in a timely manner.

• Support audit processes by ensuring documentation is organized and accessible.

Cash & Reconciliation Oversight

• Review bank reconciliations and support timely resolution of reconciling items.

• Help monitor property cash balances and identify potential concerns early.

• Ensure disbursement processes follow established procedures.

• Partner with treasury and team members to support cash-related processes.

Systems & Process Improvement (Yardi)

• Support the team in effectively utilizing Yardi Voyager for accounting workflows.

• Encourage consistent and accurate system usage across all properties.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.

• Help maintain data accuracy and integrity within the system.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and support the accounting team.

• Provide ongoing coaching, training, and technical guidance.

• Foster a team environment focused on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Help team members prioritize work, meet deadlines, and develop professionally.

• Address challenges early by providing clear direction, support, and follow-up.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations and leadership teams to support property performance.

• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis as needed.

• Support property transitions, acquisitions, and dispositions.

• Act as a resource to both accounting and operations teams.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA preferred.

• 7–10+ years of property accounting experience across commercial and multifamily real estate.

• Experience with CAM reconciliations and lease interpretation.

• Proficiency in Yardi Voyager preferred.

• Strong Excel and financial reporting skills.

• Prior experience leading or mentoring accounting staff.

Core Competencies:

• Team Leadership and Development

• Financial Reporting and Close Management

• CAM Reconciliation Knowledge

• Multifamily Accounting Expertise

• Internal Controls Awareness

• Collaboration and Communication

• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

• Organization and Time Management

Performance Expectations:

• Financial reporting is consistently accurate, complete, and delivered on time.

• Reconciliations and supporting schedules are clear, well-documented, and review-ready.

• CAM reconciliations are prepared accurately and supported for audit or tenant review.

• Team members are supported, meeting deadlines, and developing in their roles.

• Issues are identified early and addressed with clear follow-through.

Work Environment:

This position is based in a professional office setting. No travel is required. The role works closely with accounting, operations, and leadership teams to support consistent financial reporting and team success

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary ($130-160,000+ bonus)
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO and holidays

Please forward resume to: [email protected]

Ben Schwartz | President | Harper Associates

Direct: (248) 737-0431 | Fax (888) 737-8525

[email protected] |

Harper Associates specializes in the permanent placement of experienced personnel. Founded in 1968, Harper Associates has built an excellent reputation in the recruitment industry. Our long-standing history in the industry makes us unique. While we have progressed with the times, we still strive to offer personal attention and dedication to meet our clients’ needs. Harper Consultants are constantly networking, creating a continuous pool of experienced professionals to choose from.

Company Description

Harper Associates specializes in the permanent placement of experienced personnel. Founded in 1968, Harper Associates has built an excellent reputation in the recruitment industry. Our long-standing history in the industry makes us unique. While we have progressed with the times, we still strive to offer personal attention and dedication to meet our clients’ needs. Harper Consultants are constantly networking, creating a continuous pool of experienced professionals to choose from.