Controller

About Us:

Spruce is a family-owned real estate company based in Omaha, NE. We invest in, develop, and manage apartment and build-to-rent communities around the US. As long-term owners, we make decisions for the next twenty years, not the next quarter. Spruce is growing, and our Controller works directly with the firm’s principals to lead the accounting function that supports that growth.

As our Controller, we know you do your best work when expectations are clear, information is reliable, and there’s a process to follow. You’re thoughtful about your decisions, careful with details, and most comfortable when you can verify information before moving forward. You’ll support the accounting and financial reporting for a portfolio of properties, working within established processes for financial reporting, cash management, and the general ledger.

What You’ll Be Great At:

• Work within a clear process. Follow a fixed calendar to complete the month-end close for self-managed properties and corporate entities in Yardi — cash-basis. Record journal entries, accruals, and intercompany transactions, reconcile balance sheet accounts, and prepare monthly financial packages for ownership.
• Verify the work. Review the accounting team’s work, including bank reconciliations, accounts payable, and cash activity, checking the details against supporting information to ensure everything is accurate and complete.
• Make sure the details line up. Review monthly financials from third-party property managers and prepare construction draw packages for development projects, checking the information against the required documentation.
• Have the right information ready. Prepare lender reporting as required, support investor distributions and cash management, and coordinate the outside CPA firm’s year-end tax work by providing the books, supporting schedules, and requested information.
• Keep things consistent. Oversee the accounting team’s work and build and maintain clear, written policies, procedures, and controls for the function.

You’re Our Person If:

• You appreciate clear direction. You’re comfortable working independently within established expectations and know when to seek clarification or direction when something falls outside the process.
• You take your time with important decisions. You’d rather gather the facts, consider the details, and make a well-supported decision than act quickly without enough information.
• You prefer consistency over constant change. You appreciate a predictable cadence and established procedures, and you’re comfortable doing things the right way every time.
• You’re careful with the details. You take pride in getting the numbers right and catching inconsistencies before they become problems.
• You’re organized by nature. You keep information, documentation, deadlines, and processes in order so you always know what’s been done and what still needs attention.

Education and Experience

• 4+ years of Property Accounting experience or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
• Experience with Microsoft Office including Excel
• Familiarity with Yardi, RealPage, Entrata, and/or AppFolio

Physical Requirements:

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, use a computer regularly, and occasionally lift up to 15 lbs