Controller, Multifamily Construction & Development

CompanyOur client is a nationally recognized leader in multifamily development, innovation, and sustainability which creates world-class mixed-use developments in top metropolitan areas in the U.S., driven by Class-A multifamily rental housing. As one of the largest vertically integrated developer-builder-owner-operators in the U.S., our client is a leader in both ground-up and adaptive reuse projects, having developed $5B+ of projects over the last 15 years, with an owned $2B pre-construction development pipeline of 2,500 units in the mid-Atlantic region.PositionReporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Construction & Development Controller (Controller) is responsible for accounting leadership across the Firm's construction and development portfolio. The Controller serves as the financial counterpart to the construction and development teams, ensuring real-time cost visibility, proactive issue escalation, and disciplined financial governance throughout the lifecycle of each project.Some travel to job sites in the D.C. metro will be required.ResponsibilitiesThe Controller is responsible for the following tasks, listed in order of priority:Perfect Job Cost Accounting & Cost-to-Complete Accuracy - Maintain job cost accounting with absolute precision such that the Firm always knows the true anticipated cost-to-complete for every active construction project. Cost forecasting must be continuously updated, fully supported, and readily available to executive leadership always. This is the single most critical responsibility of the role.Budget Variance Management & Executive Reporting - Own project variance reporting and cost performance communication:Lead structured cost reviews with construction management, development, and accounting teamsMaintain direct accountability to executive leadership for financial transparency and accuracyIdentify deviations from budget early and clearlyChange Order Tracking & Processing - Maintain full control over all pending and approved COs. It is unacceptable for change order requests to remain unaddressed or unprocessed.Ensure all change order requests are responded to promptly and once approved, entered in Yardi immediatelyPartner with the construction team to drive timely responses and resolutionMaintain visibility into approval statusPrevent buried exposures or surprise costs through prompt processing and proactive communicationLender Draw Compilation & Funding Execution - compile, submit, and obtain lender approval for monthly construction draws.Ensure draw packages are complete, accurate, and professionally presentedConfirm eligible costs, lien compliance, and proper documentationMaintain timely funding flow to support uninterrupted executionFinancial Workflow Leadership & Team Management - Provide firm, structured leadership to the accounting team to ensure efficient workflows, clear communication, and disciplined internal controls. Set expectations, enforce deadlines, and hold staff accountable to accurate, timely execution. The accounting team includes various AP personnel, contract administrators, etc.QualificationsBachelor's Degree in business, finance or accounting required.Experience as a Construction Controller (including Assistant Controller or Project Controller) in a large real estate development or construction company is required.10+ years accounting or finance experience required.5+ years managerial experience required.Strong technical skills, excellent in Microsoft Excel.Previous experience with Yardi preferred.Personal Skills & AttributesNot conflict-avoidant - Willing to enforce process, challenge incomplete information, and escalate issues decisively to protect the firm's financial position.High backbone and authority - Establishes clear expectations and ensures project teams do not bypass controls, delay responses, or allow cost exposures to go unmanaged.High-capacity operator - Thrives in a fast-paced, multi-project environment with competing priorities.Detail-obsessed and deadline-driven - Operates with precision under strict monthly close and draw timelines.Exceptional communicator - Strong proactive verbal and written skills to collaborate effectively with construction teams, leadership, lenders, and subcontractors.