Controller

Controller | Queens, NY| On-siteEqualAccess (on behalf of a confidential client)The RoleThis is an accounting role at a real estate development firm based in Queens. The client operates in the development space, and they are looking for someone who understands the financial mechanics of real estate projects from the ground up, not just general ledger maintenance or corporate accounting.This is a hands-on seat. The person who succeeds here will be comfortable working close to the deals, the draws, the lenders, and the numbers that actually drive development decisions. This is not a passive reporting role, and it is not a large-team environment where work gets handed off between layers of staff.What This Role Is, and Is NotThis role is:A core accounting function embedded in an active real estate development operationResponsible for project-level financial tracking, reporting, and complianceA role requiring familiarity with construction draws, equity waterfalls, or development cost accountingA position with real visibility into how deals are structured and fundedThis role is NOT:A corporate or public accounting role with standardized, repeating cyclesA fit for someone who has only worked in audit or tax without development exposureA high-headcount environment with defined handoffs and support layersA remote or hybrid positionRequired Experience & TraitsSolid background in real estate development accounting, specifically at the project level, not just fund or asset management accountingFamiliarity with construction loan draws, lender reporting, and cost tracking against project budgetsComfort working with ownership and project management directly, without a large finance team around youStrong command of general ledger, job costing, and period-end close in a development contextAbility to manage multiple projects simultaneously without losing precision on any of themA degree is standard for this role, but direct experience in real estate development accounting matters more than where you went to schoolKey ResponsibilitiesProject Accounting & Cost TrackingMaintain accurate project-level books across the development portfolio, tracking costs against approved budgetsProcess and reconcile construction draws, flagging discrepancies early and keeping lender documentation completeFinancial ReportingPrepare internal financial reports for ownership and project stakeholders, presenting a clear picture of where each project standsSupport preparation of financial statements and schedules required by lenders, investors, or partnersCompliance & Audit SupportMaintain documentation and records in line with lender, investor, and regulatory requirementsCoordinate with external auditors and tax preparers, providing clean workpapers and timely responsesBudgeting & ForecastingAssist in building and updating project pro formas and cash flow projections as development timelines evolveFlag budget variances and work with the development team to understand and address the root causeSystems & ProcessWork within existing accounting systems and, where appropriate, recommend improvements to how costs and reporting are tracked across the portfolioCompensationBase salary: $135,000 - $180,000Total compensation details to be discussed during the interview processWhy EqualAccessEqualAccess partners with best-in-class organizations and supports candidates beyond placement. Every candidate we place receives 3 months of post-hire coaching and career support, ensuring long-term success and growth.