A Real Estate or Property Accountant prepares financial records and reports for real estate transactions and provides accounting for commercial or residential properties. Maintains accounts and tracks expenses related to property management. May work for a commercial real estate firm, real estate developer or investor, or property owner.
Controller at The Axel Group, LLC Controller at The Axel Group, LLC in New Providence, New Jersey Posted in about 24 hours ago.
Type:
full-time
Job Description:
The Axel Group represents a commercial real estate firm local to the Summit, NJ area that is looking for a Controller with strong hands-on operational accounting experience, ideally with property/lease accounting or AEC industry background, though not required. This role involves overseeing the accounting operations for a portfolio of commercial properties, ensuring accurate financial management and compliance across all property accounting functions. Ideally, this candidate should come with commercial real estate, lease review, or property accounting experience, but we are open to any industry background as long as the candidate has genuine, current hands-on experience with AP, AR, collections, and GL accounting.
Controller Responsibilities:
Oversee daily accounting operations, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, tenant billing, cash application, and collections. Review leases and verify rent, escalations, and tenant charges for accuracy. Prepare and reconcile CAM, real estate tax, and insurance accounts. Review property-level financial statements and investigate discrepancies or unusual activities. Prepare and analyze monthly budget-to-actual reports and highlighting variances. Assist with annual property budgets and operating expense estimates. Manage tenant security deposits, escrows, and related accounting functions. Coordinate property and liability insurance administration along with tenant insurance requirements. Serve as a primary accounting contact for tenants regarding billing, reconciliations, and payments. Collaborate closely with property management, leasing, construction, and legal teams. Supervise and develop accounting staff across AP, AR, Property Accounting, and General Ledger functions. Identify opportunities to streamline and automate accounting processes. Oversee the company's real estate accounting system and support system upgrades and improvements.
Controller Requirements:
10+ years of hands-on accounting experience with genuine, current AP, AR, collections, and GL ownership; commercial real estate, lease, or property accounting experience a plus, but open to any industry. 3-5+ years in a leadership role such as Controller, Assistant Controller, or Director of Accounting/Property Accounting. Proven experience with AP, AR, and collections oversight; tenant billing and property accounting a plus. Strong knowledge of CAM, real estate tax, and insurance reconciliations preferred, but not required. Ability to interpret commercial leases effectively, or willingness/ability to learn quickly. Experience reviewing financial statements for multiple properties/entities preferred. Prior experience managing and developing accounting staff. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and familiarity with accounting software.
Compensation :
$180k - $215,000 annually, depending on experience and relevant industry exposure
Benefits :
Medical insurance (Horizon Omnia Gold) 401K with employer match PTO and paid holidays Performance-based bonus
