Senior Controller – Real Estate & Development

About the role

Howard Financial is seeking a Senior Controller to own accounting and financial reporting for a portfolio of US‑based clients while leading the internal accounting team. The role demands strong technical expertise, confident English communication, and the ability to juggle multiple client deadlines.

Key responsibilities

• Manage month‑end close, financial statements and reporting for several clients simultaneously, meeting Howard’s standards.
• Serve as senior point of contact for clients, lead recurring meetings, explain results and anticipate needs.
• Lead, coach and review accountants and senior accountants, assign work, enforce deadlines and support professional growth.
• Review reconciliations, journal entries, workpapers and financial statements to ensure accuracy and defensibility.
• Apply US GAAP to complex transactions and determine appropriate accounting treatments.
• Identify process gaps, design and implement cleaner, faster, more consistent workflows.
• Escalate issues when necessary and make independent judgment calls under pressure.

Required profile

• 7+ years progressive accounting experience, including Controller or Senior Controller roles.
• Proven ability to manage multiple client engagements, preferably in public accounting or outsourced finance.
• Experience leading and developing accounting teams, with a focus on high‑quality deliverables.
• Strong command of US GAAP, month‑end close and financial statement preparation.
• Excellent written and spoken English, capable of leading client conversations independently.
• Ownership mindset, detail‑oriented and able to meet commitments without supervision.

Required skills

• US GAAP
• Advanced Excel
• QuickBooks Online or similar cloud accounting platforms
• Experience with other modern accounting tools and AI‑enabled software