Commercial Real Estate Construction Controller

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Real Estate Construction Controller to oversee the financial management of construction and development projects within a growing real estate organization. This role will be responsible for project accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls related to construction activities, ensuring accurate cost tracking, compliance with accounting standards, and strong financial oversight across multiple development projects.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in construction accounting, real estate development, project cost control, and financial reporting, with the ability to partner closely with project managers, development teams, and executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Oversee full-cycle accounting for construction and development projects.

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.

• Manage general ledger, journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations related to construction operations.

• Lead month-end and year-end close processes.

Construction & Project Accounting

• Monitor and track project budgets, construction costs, and capital expenditures.

• Review job cost reports, draw requests, and construction invoices to ensure proper allocation and accuracy.

• Manage work-in-progress (WIP) reporting and construction-in-progress (CIP) accounting.

• Coordinate with project managers to analyze cost variances and forecast project financial performance.

Development & Real Estate Accounting

• Support proforma analysis, development budgets, and project financial modeling.

• Track capital contributions, loan draws, and lender reporting requirements.

• Monitor construction loan compliance, covenants, and reporting obligations.

• Assist with property stabilization and transition from development to operations.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish and maintain internal accounting controls and financial procedures.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, GAAP standards, and lender requirements.

• Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and financial reviews.

• Maintain accurate documentation for all financial transactions and construction contracts.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise accounting staff and support professional development.

• Partner closely with project management, development, and executive teams.

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

• Implement process improvements and technology solutions to improve financial reporting and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred).

• 8–12+ years of accounting experience, with significant experience in construction and commercial real estate development.

• Strong knowledge of construction accounting, job costing, WIP reporting, and project financial management.

• Experience with construction loan draws and lender reporting.

• Proficiency in accounting systems such as Yardi, MRI, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, or similar platforms.

• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership abilities.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with commercial real estate developers, general contractors, or real estate investment firms.

• Familiarity with development project lifecycles and capital structures.

• Experience managing multi-entity or multi-project accounting environments.

Key Competencies

• Financial leadership

• Construction cost control

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving

• Attention to detail and accuracy

• Cross-functional collaboration

• Process improvement and operational efficiency

Ascendo is a certified minority owned staffing firm, and we welcome and celebrate diversity. Ascendo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Contact information

Hector Vargas