Controller

Job Title: Controller (Head of Accounting & Finance)Reports To: Chief Operating OfficerLocation: On-siteFLSA Status: ExemptPOSITION SUMMARY:The Controller will play a critical role in supporting this mission by ensuring the financial strength, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability of the organization. This individual will lead all accounting and financial operations, maintain the integrity of financial information, and provide clear, actionable insights that drive decision-making across the portfolio.Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and ownership, the Controller will act as a strategic partner to operations in helping translate financial results into initiatives that enhance property performance, optimize expenses, and support continued growth. This role requires a balance of technical accounting expertise, operational understanding, and leadership capability in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.RESPONSIBILTIES/DAILY EXPECTATIONS:Financial Leadership & ReportingOversee the preparation, accuracy, and timely delivery of all financial reporting for the company and its portfolio.Enhance operational reporting by delivering high-level financial summaries and forward-looking insights to ownership and senior leadershipTranslate financial results into actionable recommendations to improve community and portfolio performance.Provide additional financial reports and analysis upon request from ownership or senior leadership.Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).Accounting Operations OversightLead all aspects of the accounting function, including general ledger, month-end close, and financial statement oversight.Oversee the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to deadlines.Oversee periodic occupancy, collections, and retention reporting processes ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to deadlines.Establish, maintain, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.Maintain the integrity and effectiveness of accounting systems, including Yardi.Partner with Human Resources and the Benefits Manager to oversee payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with financial reporting and internal controls.Team Leadership &DevelopmentDirectly manage and develop the Accounting Manager and accounting team (Staff Accountants and support staff).Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations within the department.Mentor and develop team members to support scalability and organizational growth.Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.Budgeting, Forecasting & AnalysisLead the annual budgeting process across the management company and portfolio in partnership with operations leadership.Implement and maintain rolling forecasts to provide ongoing visibility into financial performance.Analyze trends in revenue, expenses, and profitability across the portfolio and identify opportunities for improvement.Support operational leaders in evaluating financial performance at the community level.Cash Management & Financial PlanningOversee company-wide cash management, including monitoring liquidity, distributions, and reserve balances.Develop and maintain short-term and long-term cash flow forecasts.Manage and maintain all banking relationships.Lead the annual review, renewal, and ongoing management of insurance programs(property, liability, and health), including claims oversight and coordination with brokers to optimize coverage and cost.Operational PartnershipAct as a strategic partner to the Chief Operating Officer and operations team.Collaborate with regional and property management teams to improve financial performance, control expenses, and optimize NOI.Participate in regular financial and operational review meetings with senior leadership and ownership.Partner with the COO on evaluation, negotiation, and renewal of key operational contracts (e.g., laundry, waste, utilities, and service agreements) to drive cost efficiency and maximize NOI.External Relationships & ComplianceServe as the primary liaison with external CPA firms for tax preparation and financial reporting matters.Oversee audit and tax processes, including preparation and review of supporting documentation.Ensure compliance with all regulatory, tax, and reporting requirements.Process Improvement & SystemsIdentify opportunities to improve efficiency, automation, and scalability within accounting and financial processes.Lead initiatives to enhance reporting capabilities and data visibility.Ensure optimal utilization and continuous improvement of Yardi and related systems.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The job is periodically sedentary, however requires mobility to tour and inspect apartments/homes/communities. Involves sitting, walking, or standing for prolonged periods of time and stooping for brief periods of time. There is some repetitive motion of the hands and wrists associated with using a computer. On an intermittent basis, will be exposed to activity that requires intermittent standing, bending, crouching, twisting, pushing/pulling, lifting/moving/carrying (light and heavy loads, 0lbs – 25lbs+), climbing stairs and ladders. Frequent travel is required to visit all communities and surrounding areas, attend training and meetings.POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA or advanced degree preferred.8–12+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, preferably within real estate or multifamily property management.Proven experience overseeing accounting for multi-entity organizations.Strong leadership experience managing and developing accounting teams.Deep knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.Demonstrated ability to translate financial data into actionable business insights.Experience working directly with senior leadership and/or ownership.Strong systems experience; Yardi experience required, with preferred knowledge of Voyager7s/8, VendorCafe, Forecasting IQ, Construction Manager, Yardi Data Connect.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools.Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of the organization.Superior knowledge of Fair Housing guidelines, state/local/federal laws and safety compliance.WORKING CONDITIONS:Work takes place in a typical office setting. Minimal lifting of paperwork files. There are minimal exposures to injuries or hazards. Job may require periodic travel by car to handle work-related activities such as bank deposits, training or meetings.CONFIDENTIALITYThe team member must maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary company, team member, and resident information and must not discuss such matters outside of Paragon Properties, LLC. Tact and discretion must be used in all dealings with team members, residents, and potential residents to maintain a positive image of Paragon Properties, LLC.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required in this position. Job functions may be added, deleted, or modified at any time by management. Receipt or possession of this job description does not constitute a contract of employment.