Controller

• Location: West LA, CA
• $175000 base salary
• Remote: Remote
• Type: Direct Hire
• Job #1593
• Salary: $175,000 - $225,000

Title: Controller

Industry: Real Estate

Location: West LA – Hybrid

Overview: Pacific Executive Search has been engaged on a search for a Controller position in West LA that offers you the chance to oversee a small accounting team while preparing detailed financial packages for lenders. You will play a crucial role in financial reporting and forecasting, directly influencing the firm's investment strategy and operational planning. This position not only allows you to work closely with senior leadership but also provides significant opportunities for career growth as the firm expands.

Description:

Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive and precise financial packages and reports for lenders during property refinancing or recapitalization.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of loan covenants, compliance obligations, and refinancing schedules, proactively managing deliverables and necessary documentation.
• Act as the primary financial liaison for lender inquiries, third-party loan servicers, and debt partners.
• Generate and present detailed monthly and quarterly internal financial reports to ownership, highlighting portfolio performance, operating margins, and cash flow insights.
• Tailor reporting packages for family office executives, stakeholders, and decision-makers at the property level.
• Lead initiatives to enhance internal reporting processes, key performance indicators (KPIs), and presentation formats.
• Oversee cash flow forecasting at both the property and portfolio levels, integrating debt service, capital improvement planning, and leasing assumptions.
• Assist in property acquisition and refinancing decisions by developing or reviewing financial models at the property level.
• Maintain rolling forecasts and conduct scenario analyses to guide capital planning and operational strategies.
• Supervise and mentor two operational accountants, reviewing their work and optimizing processes related to accounts payable, rent collections, reconciliations, and monthly closing activities.
• Manage the monthly closing process, including the review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and ledger accuracy.
• Promote a culture of ownership, precision, and accountability within the accounting team.
• Assess current workflows and implement process enhancements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of the finance function.
• Oversee and optimize the use of property management and accounting systems (e.g., Yardi, Appfolio).
• Standardize documentation and reporting practices to ensure consistency and facilitate review.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA or MBA is preferred.
• A minimum of 5–8 years of experience in real estate accounting or finance, with a focus on debt financing and property operations.
• Prior experience in a leadership role working directly with property-level accountants or staff accountants is essential.
• Experience in small company or family office settings is preferred; ability to function effectively without the structure typical of public companies.
• Proficient in GAAP-based financial reporting, with no audit preparation required beyond lender-related documentation.
• Advanced Excel skills for financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with property accounting software such as Yardi, Appfolio, or MRI.
• Strong understanding of real estate finance, loan structures, and operational cash flow drivers.
• Self-motivated individual who thrives in a lean environment with broad responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate complex financial insights clearly to both sophisticated investors and non-financial stakeholders.
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of building team trust, delegating effectively, and raising performance standards.