Senior Controller at Westland Real Estate Group

Senior Controller

Company Overview:
Established in 1977, Westland Real Estate Group is a privately owned Property Management company that manages and owns their own Real Estate portfolio responsibly. Our real estate portfolio consists of both Commercial and Residential with Residential having over 30,000 units spread out through Southern CA, Las Vegas, NV, Fort Worth, TX and San Antonio, TX.

Westland is headquartered in Long Beach, CA and believes in continually growing and expanding the Westland family while providing high-quality service and making a positive impact on each community we serve. Our company values are Family, Opportunity, Commitment and Results. Come and join the Westland team where growth is key!

Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Controller to join our dynamic finance team. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in general ledger (GL) accounting, along with significant experience working with a large accounting firm on the audit side. This role requires a proven leader with 15-20 years of experience in finance, a bachelor’s degree, and a CPA certification. The Senior Controller will oversee a team of ten Accounting Professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

General Ledger Accounting:

• Oversee the maintenance and reconciliation of the general ledger.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all financial transactions.
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies.

Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of ten finance professionals, including a Tax Preparer, two Controllers, three Staff Accountants, and an AR Supervisor with a team of 3-4 AR staff.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Provide guidance and support to team members to ensure their professional growth and development.

Financial Reporting and Analysis:

• Coordinate and prepare internal and external financial statements.
• Provide management with information vital to the decision-making process by collecting, interpreting, and reporting financial data.
• Prepare special reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.

Strategic Planning and Budget Management:

• Support the CFO in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
• Achieve budget objectives by scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective actions.
• Assess current accounting operations, offer recommendations for improvement, and implement new processes.

Internal Controls and Compliance:

• Protect assets by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures, as well as regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate accounting and internal control systems regularly.

Operational and Staff Management:

• Plan, direct, and coordinate all accounting operational functions.
• Manage the accumulation and consolidation of all financial data necessary for an accurate accounting of consolidated business results.
• Maintain financial staff job results by coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.
• Complete operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees, and following up on work results.

Special Projects and Collaboration:

• Handle special projects as required.
• Work with the legal department on new loans and participate in due diligence of acquisitions, including review of closing statement prorations.
• Coordinate setup of RUBS billings with outside providers.
• Maintain and update GL accounts, property codes, property lists, and banking information in Entrata.
• Manage an Insurance Captive, including oversight of premiums billed and claims processed, and work with the insurance broker, management company, external auditors, and actuaries.
• Handle all lender requests for information and reporting.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• CPA certification is required.
• 15-20 years of experience in finance, with a focus on tax management and strategy.
• Minimum of 5 years of tenure in a senior accounting role.
• Positive attitude toward technological innovation and basic understanding of databases.
• Extensive experience working with Big 4 firms on the tax side.
• Strong knowledge of GL accounting and financial reporting.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience.
• Basic understanding of databases or computer programming is a plus.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Westland Real Estate Group is an equal opportunity employer.