Controller

Macdonald & Company is proudly partnered with a Charlotte-based, family-owned real estate investment and development firm to appoint a Controller. This established firm has a long-standing track record in acquiring, developing, and managing a diverse portfolio of commercial and multifamily real estate across the Charlotte metropolitan region. With over four decades of experience, the company is known for its high standards, long-term investment strategy, and tightly knit team culture rooted in loyalty and collaboration.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Controller to lead financial operations, manage a lean but capable accounting team, and serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership. This role is critical to the company’s day-to-day function and long-term planning, with oversight spanning both real estate and family office accounting. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in real estate finance, strong leadership skills, and a CPA designation. This position is highly visible and offers a potential path to a future CFO role. The environment is collaborative, in-office, and best suited for a proactive and reliable leader who thrives in a small, values-driven organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management

Prepare timely and accurate monthly financial statements and reports for corporate accounting functions.

Maintain and update depreciation schedules, rent rolls, and ensure compliance with debt obligations.

Oversee CAM reconciliations, job costing, and development accounting.

Manage accounts payable and receivable processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Ensure insurance compliance and prepare income tax files, property taxes, and sales tax returns.

Family Office Accounting

Oversee the accounting for family office activities, including management of family trusts and tiered LLCs.

Maintain detailed records of investments, distributions, and trust-related transactions.

Manage accounting for various family-owned entities, ensuring accurate financial tracking and compliance with trust structures.

Coordinate with external advisors on estate planning, tax strategies, and trust administration.

Leadership and Supervision

Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of property accountants and property managers.

Ensure effective operation of the accounting department, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

Strategic Analysis

Provide comprehensive financial analysis and prepare detailed historical reports on development projects and the company’s overall financial status.

Collaborate with the CFO and executive team to assist in budget creation, financial forecasting, and strategic planning.

Tax and Compliance

Work closely with the external CPA firm for tax filings and ensure compliance with relevant tax regulations.

Maintain knowledge of real estate tax concepts including bonus depreciation, 1031 exchanges, and complex trust structures.

Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements related to family trusts and real estate investments.

Systems and Processes

Utilize Yardi software for property management and accounting functions, ensuring accurate and efficient record-keeping.

Design and implement customized Yardi reports for financial performance, occupancy, and operational metrics.

Manage relationships with banks and lenders, overseeing debt servicing and compliance.

Stay up to date with the latest accounting technologies and best practices to enhance departmental efficiency.

Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.

MBA highly preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 10 years of experience in real estate accounting, from both a development and operating capacity.

Prior background in public accounting is highly desirable.

Demonstrated experience managing property accountants and property managers.

Proven experience with family office accounting, including trust management and complex tax structures.

Prior experience with Yardi software is required.

Licenses

Active CPA license preferred.

Skills

Deep knowledge of real estate accounting for multifamily, office, land, and warehouse properties.

Strong financial analysis skills with the ability to produce comprehensive and insightful reports.

Experience with family trusts and tiered LLCs.

High level of maturity and proven leadership capabilities.

Work Environment:

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Charlotte, NC.

The role involves collaboration with a close-knit, long-tenured team, many of whom have been with the company for 10 to 20 years.