Controller – Property Management Accounting - Rent Manager Experience Required

About Us

Premium Properties & Development is a full-service property management and real estate investment firm established in 2002. We manage approximately 1,000 residential units throughout Berkeley, Oakland, and Albany.

Our mission is to deliver truly premium service to both our residents and clients. We are a collaborative, results-driven team that values accountability, accuracy, innovation, and continuous improvement.

We are seeking an experienced Property Management Controller to lead and oversee all accounting operations for our growing portfolio.

Position Overview

This is a senior leadership role responsible for managing the accounting department, ensuring compliance with California trust accounting regulations, maintaining accurate financial reporting, establishing strong internal controls, and providing strategic financial oversight to ownership and executive leadership.

The ideal candidate will have extensive property management accounting experience and be capable of independently running the accounting department with minimal supervision. This individual will be expected to identify inefficiencies, implement process improvements, strengthen internal controls, develop team members, and create scalable accounting systems to support future growth.

This is a hands-on role requiring both strategic leadership and the ability to dive into complex accounting issues when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Department Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and manage the accounting team
• Establish and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Review and approve accounting work for accuracy and compliance
• Serve as the primary accounting resource and escalation point
• Partner with executive leadership on financial strategy and operational improvements
• Develop and document scalable accounting processes

Financial Reporting & Oversight

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Review financial statements and supporting schedules
• Ensure timely and accurate owner and management reporting
• Analyze financial results and identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
• Monitor department KPIs and performance metrics

Trust Accounting & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with California DRE trust accounting requirements
• Oversee trust account reconciliations and trust fund management
• Maintain accurate security deposit and trust liability accounting
• Ensure accounting records remain audit-ready at all times
• Lead DRE, CPA, lender, and internal audits
• Identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions

Property Management Accounting

• Oversee owner accounting and owner distributions
• Review tenant and owner ledger accuracy
• Monitor rent increases, CAM reconciliations, and utility bill-backs
• Ensure accurate property-level financial reporting
• Oversee property transitions, acquisitions, and dispositions

Accounts Payable & Receivable Oversight

• Oversee AP processes utilizing Rent Manager and AvidXchange
• Review invoice coding, approvals, and payment processing
• Manage vendor compliance and annual 1099 reporting
• Monitor rent collections, delinquency reporting, and tenant billing
• Review ledger adjustments and account reconciliations
• Ensure proper documentation and approval procedures

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Design and implement strong internal controls
• Evaluate accounting workflows and identify process improvements
• Improve efficiency through automation and technology
• Maintain proper segregation of duties and approval controls
• Develop best practices and standard operating procedures

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience
• Minimum 5 years of property management accounting experience
• Minimum 3 years of accounting leadership experience
• Experience managing multiple entities and trust accounts
• Experience in multifamily residential property management
• Extensive knowledge of California DRE trust accounting regulations
• Experience with Rent Manager software
• Experience with AvidXchange
• Strong experience with financial reporting, audits, and internal controls
• Advanced Excel skills
• Ability to independently manage an accounting department
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 4% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Travel reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Work from home

Application Question(s)

* Are you able to travel to California periodically for training and other significant deadlines?

Education

* Bachelor's (Required)

Experience

• Financial auditing: 5 years (Required)
• Property Management Accounting: 5 years (Required)
• Rent Manage Property Management Software: 5 years (Required)
• Accounting: 10 years (Required)

Work Location: Remote