Controller

Vaco is assisting their Memphis-based client in their search for a Controller.

Position Overview :   This position will lead all aspects of property-level financial operations for our growing, national portfolio of multi-family apartment communities. This is a high-impact leadership role, ideal for a results-driven accounting professional with a passion for real estate and operational excellence.

As a senior leader within the Accounting & Finance organization, the Controller will oversee the timely and accurate preparation of property-level financials, enhance and maintain best-in-class accounting practices and operational controls, lead system and process improvements to drive efficiency and scalability, and collaborate cross-functionally with property operations and both internal and external stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team-oriented organization where leadership will help strengthen financial operations and support the continued growth and stability of the real estate portfolio.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the property accounting function for a portfolio of multi-family properties across various ownership structures and third-party clients

Lead, develop, and mentor a team of property accountants and accounting managers

Provide executive leadership to the Director of Accounting Operations, who manages all aspects of Accounts Payable

Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process for all owned and managed properties

Review and approve complex journal entries, reconciliations, and property financial packages

Ensure consistency and integrity in account reconciliations, tenant ledgers, reserve tracking, and various other accounting reconciliations and records

Review, develop and implement strong internal controls and financial systems

Ensure compliance with internal control policies and reporting requirements for internal and external stakeholders

Partner with the Senior Accounting Manager – Transactions and Strategic Initiatives, on financial onboarding and offboarding for property acquisitions, dispositions, and management transitions

Partner with property management teams to provide training and support on accounting processes

Collaborate with Operations and other departments to interpret and explain property performance and to support budgeting, reforecasting, and operational strategy

Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including investment partners, property owners / clients, and financial institutions

Oversee cash flow management for the property portfolio, ensuring liquidity for daily operations, capital expenditures, and debt service obligations

Other duties and special projects as assigned

Required Skills / Abilities

Exceptional leadership, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills

Ability to drive organizational change and process improvements

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make data-driven decisions

In-depth knowledge of accounting principles (e.g., GAAP) and compliance requirements

Strong understanding of financial management and operational accounting practices, ideally with experience using industry-specific software platforms such as Yardi, RealPage, or MRI

Education And Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA strongly preferred

8+ years of progressive experience in accounting or finance; multifamily property accounting experience strongly preferred

3+ years in a leadership role, preferably within multifamily or commercial real estate, or related sectors

Demonstrated experience managing accounting operations and shared services teams, such as Accounts Payable, preferably within a multi-entity and / or client-service environment

Proven track record of overseeing accounting and financial reporting for large property portfolios or multi-entity operations; experienced in managing complex financial operations and leading cross-functional accounting initiatives

Demonstrated experience in client service-oriented roles within accounting, finance, or consulting environments

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco / Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco / Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.

Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and / or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal .

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here .

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to :

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.