Controller (Property Management Portfolio)
Onsite - Irvine, CA
Direct Hire | $140,000 - $160,000 DOE

Are you an experienced accounting leader in the property management space with a passion for process improvement, team development, and financial integrity? Our client, a well-established real estate firm based in Irvine, CA, is hiring a Controller to oversee all accounting functions for their affordable housing property portfolio - over 5,000 units across 52 properties.

This is a newly created position due to the strategic decision to split the current Controller role. While the existing Controller will continue managing Corporate Accounting, this new hire will be responsible for overseeing the Property Accounting division and leading a team of 7-9 staff.

Position Summary

As Controller, you will provide leadership, direction, and hands-on oversight for all property-related financial operations. You'll ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, support audits, manage banking relationships, and drive continuous improvement across processes and systems. This role requires expertise in Yardi, a solid background in affordable housing accounting, and proven success managing and mentoring teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the property accounting team (7-9 staff), including staff accountants and AP specialists
• Ensure timely, accurate monthly financials for each property; oversee WSH property financial statements
• Develop and report monthly Vital Factors and Key Performance Indicators
• Manage loan payments, property taxes, insurance, and reserve tracking
• Maintain banking relationships and open new accounts as needed
• Oversee audits and act as the primary liaison for external auditors
• Review and process property credit card transactions and ensure timely payments
• Train and onboard accounting staff; provide financial support to regional and property managers
• Serve as company liaison and Database Admin for Yardi Property Management Software
• Monitor IT needs for property management operations and assist with related budgeting
• Ensure compliance with Affordable Housing programs (e.g., CTCAC requirements)
• Continuously identify and implement improvements in accounting operations and processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA preferred)
• 5-7+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally in affordable housing or real estate
• Strong leadership background; must have experience managing teams of 5+ employees
• Proficiency with Yardi software is a must
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills
• Stable job history and demonstrated ability to "hit the ground running"

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. For unincorporated Los Angeles county, to the extent our customers require a background check for certain positions, the Company faces a significant risk to its business operations and business reputation unless a review of criminal history is conducted for those specific job positions.