Controller
Austin, TX (Hybrid)
$90-120k/year plus bonus & Equity
We are a growing real estate development company specializing in master plan communities, seeking a proactive and driven Controller to lead our financial operations. This role is pivotal in a startup environment where you'll oversee all accounting functions, ensure financial accuracy, and help shape the company's future. We're looking for someone who is ambitious, driven, and excited to develop our accounting department as we scale. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact while growing your career in real estate development accounting in a fast-paced, innovative setting.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management and Reporting
- Detailed Financial Oversight: Maintain a comprehensive grasp of the company's financial status in real-time. Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring accuracy in books and records.
- Financial Statements & Executive Reporting: Prepare detailed monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and other relevant reports.
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Develop and manage annual budgets and forecasts, providing regular updates and adjustments. Collaborate with project managers and department heads for alignment.
- Cash Flow Management: Optimize cash flow strategies to ensure liquidity for ongoing projects and operations, a critical need in real estate development.
Project Financing and Analysis
- Budget Development and Monitoring: Collaborate with project managers to establish and track detailed project budgets, reporting on variances.
- Financial Analysis: Conduct thorough analyses (profitability, cash flow projections, ROI) to assess project viability and inform decisions.
- Draw Submission Management: Oversee the preparation and submission of draw requests to lenders, ensuring all documentation (including invoices and progress reports) is accurate, complete, and compliant with lender requirements. Collaborate with project managers and accounting staff to gather necessary information, resolve discrepancies, and maintain smooth cash flow for ongoing development.
- Property Financial Management: Manage financial aspects of properties, such as property taxes, land contracts, and builder contracts.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal financial regulations, including tax filings and disclosures.
- Internal Controls: Develop and maintain robust controls to safeguard assets and reduce fraud risks.
- Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate financial risks tied to projects and market conditions.
Strategic Planning and Advisory
- Strategic Financial Advice: Provide insights to the executive team for long-term planning.
- Performance Analysis: Review financial performance against goals, offering improvement recommendations.
- Investor Reporting: Prepare transparent financial reports and presentations for current and potential investors.
Team Leadership and Collaboration (Future)
- Team Management: Lead, develop, and mentor the finance team for high performance and growth.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work with departments like project management, sales, and marketing to integrate financial strategies.
- External Relationships: Manage ties with auditors, lenders, investors, and regulators.
Technology and Process Improvement
- Financial Systems: Implement and manage efficient financial software and systems (Premier is our accounting software).
- Process Optimization: Continuously improve processes and controls for efficiency and accuracy.
- Scalable Financial Systems: Design accounting systems that can grow with the company, handling increased complexity.
Tax Planning and Management
- Tax Strategy: Oversee tax planning and compliance to minimize liabilities legally.
- Liaison with Tax Experts: Collaborate with external advisors for accurate tax reporting.
Cost Control
- Identify and implement cost-saving measures across projects and operations, enhancing financial efficiency without compromising quality.
Career Development and Growth Opportunities
To attract ambitious, determined candidates eager to grow, highlight the potential for professional advancement:
- Leadership Development: Potential to advance into higher leadership roles as the company expands.
- Professional Growth: Gain broad experience in a startup, accelerating your career through diverse responsibilities.
- Department Setup: Building and structuring a high-performing accounting system by implementing efficient accounting systems and regulations continuously improving financial reporting, accuracy, and efficiency.
Work Environment
Emphasize the startup culture to appeal to ambitious candidates:
- Dynamic and Fast-Paced: Thrive in a collaborative and innovative setting where proactive problem-solving is key.
- Impactful Role: Shape the company's financial foundation and contribute directly to its success.
- Expectations: Value clear communication and the agility to drive the company forward with financial tenacity.
Qualifications and Skills
The ideal candidate has some experience but is poised for growth. Here's a detailed profile:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA or equivalent certification is a plus.
- Experience: 5+ years in accounting or finance, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role. Real estate or construction experience is preferred but not required.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Premier, Procore), ERP systems, and advanced Excel. Familiarity with financial modeling and project accounting.
- Industry Knowledge: Understanding of real estate development processes (e.g., land acquisition, entitlements, construction, sales) is advantageous.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
- Communication: Strong verbal, organizational and written skills to present financial info to non-financial stakeholders.
- Leadership: Proven ability to manage multiple large scale financial project.
- Adaptability: Thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects with evolving priorities.
- Attention to Detail: High accuracy in financial reporting and analysis.
Note: This role is for a strategic self-starter who is analytical, inquisitive, and resourceful utilizing capabilities by creating a sense of urgency as priorities change while maintaining accuracy.
While we prefer candidates meeting these qualifications, we're open to those with strong potential and a clear drive to learn and grow in the role.