Controller

About Kearney Group

Kearney Group is a privately held, family-owned real estate development and management company with nearly two decades of experience developing, constructing, and managing residential and commercial properties throughout New York State.

Our portfolio includes affordable housing, market-rate residential developments, and commercial properties. Through our affiliated construction company, Tern Construction & Development, LLC, we provide integrated development and construction services.

As our organization continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Controller to lead our corporate accounting department and help strengthen our financial operations.

Position Overview

The Controller will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations of Kearney Group and its affiliated companies, ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, and managing a team of accounting professionals.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in corporate accounting, preferably within the real estate development, construction, or property management industries. This individual should be a hands-on leader who can manage existing accounting functions while identifying opportunities to improve processes, reporting, and operational efficiency.

The Controller will report directly to company leadership and supervise a four-person accounting team.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and bank reconciliations.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes.
• Prepare and review accurate and timely financial statements for multiple affiliated entities.
• Oversee intercompany accounting, reconciliations, and transactions.
• Monitor corporate cash balances, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
• Ensure proper recording and reconciliation of management fees and other intercompany charges.
• Maintain accurate accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, and tax professionals.

Department Management & Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate accounting department personnel.
• Establish clear responsibilities, accountability, and performance expectations.
• Review accounting procedures to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.
• Develop and maintain documented accounting policies and procedures.
• Identify opportunities to streamline operations through technology and automation.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls and segregation of duties.

Real Estate Development & Construction Accounting

• Oversee accounting activities related to real estate development and construction operations.
• Monitor development expenditures, project-related transactions, and intercompany allocations.
• Coordinate with development and construction personnel to ensure accurate accounting and reporting.
• Review construction-related accounts payable, vendor payments, and cost allocations.
• Assist with project-level financial reporting and reconciliations as necessary.
• Maintain appropriate accounting records for affiliated entities and development projects.

Financial Controls & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and strengthen internal accounting controls.
• Identify and implement improvements to existing accounting workflows.
• Oversee the accuracy and integrity of financial information across multiple entities.
• Assist management with budgeting, financial reporting, and cash flow monitoring.
• Develop financial reports that provide company leadership with timely and useful information.
• Support the implementation and optimization of accounting software and related systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting experience.
• At least 3 years of experience supervising or managing accounting personnel.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience managing accounting functions across multiple business entities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• Previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Manager.
• Accounting experience within real estate development, construction, or property management.
• Familiarity with construction job costing and development project accounting.
• Experience with Yardi Voyager or similar real estate accounting software.
• Knowledge of affordable housing and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments.
• Experience working for a privately held, multi-entity organization.

Pay: $106,000.00 - $119,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person