Construction Controller in Santa Monica
Job DescriptionJob Description
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Construction Controller to lead the accounting
operations for the construction subsidiary of our multi-billion-dollar, NYSE-listed REIT. In this
critical leadership role, you will oversee the complete monthly accounting cycle, drive process
improvements, and provide actionable financial insights to executive leadership. The ideal
candidate is a hands-on CPA with deep construction accounting expertise, a meticulous eye for
detail, and a passion for mentoring high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Close & Reporting
Billing & Cycle Management: Direct all aspects of the construction subsidiary’s billing cycle, ensuring precision and timeliness.
Month-End Close: Lead successful monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including the posting and review of journal entries and the preparation of financial results.
Executive Reporting: Analyze and present monthly financial results to company executives, translating complex accounting data into clear business insights.
Project Risk Management: Partner with executive leadership and project teams to identify at-risk construction projects (e.g., budget variances, cost overruns) and proactively develop strategic, actionable solutions to course-correct and mitigate financial impact.
Leadership & Team Management
Team Development: Manage, mentor, and develop the construction accounting group. Oversee hiring, onboarding, continuous training, and performance evaluations.
Goal Tracking: Facilitate weekly team meetings to assess progress, align on priorities, and ensure all monthly goals and tight deadlines are consistently met.
Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as the senior leadership voice and primary technical accounting resource for the group. Process Improvement & Compliance
Operational Efficiency: Proactively identify and implement procedural efficiencies and IT upgrades to optimize resources while maintaining rigorous accuracy and internal controls.
Audit Management: Act as the primary point of contact for all internal and external audit requests, ensuring timely and compliant responses.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with senior management, property management personnel, and other stakeholders to answer inquiries and execute special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Active CPA license.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including at least 5 years in a formal management or supervisory role.
Extensive background in the construction industry and specialized construction accounting.
Technical Skills
Accounting Principles: Deep technical knowledge of US GAAP, specifically regarding construction and job-cost accounting.
Systems Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and comprehensive hands-on experience with general ledger and job-costing systems. SAGE experience is highly .
Professional Attributes
Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and drive solutions within a team environment, specifically under tight deadlines.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous, hands-on approach to ensuring the highest level of accuracy in all work products.
Communication: Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams.
Drive: Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and highly organized problem-solver.
Company DescriptionDouglas Emmett operates approximately 18 million square feet of Class A office space and over 5,000 luxury apartment units in nine highly desirable submarkets in Los Angeles County, six of which are located in Los Angeles' Westside - Brentwood, Century City, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, the Olympic Corridor, and Westwood - and three submarkets in the San Fernando Valley - Sherman Oaks/Encino, Warner Center/Woodland Hills, and Burbank. The Company's Honolulu office portfolio is located in the downtown central business district with multifamily properties in nearby suburban communities.
The Company utilizes the same focused business strategy that was implemented by its founding principals - managing, developing, redeveloping, and acquiring multifamily and commercial real estate in high barrier-to-entry submarkets that exhibit strong economic characteristics such as population and job growth, as well as inherent supply constraints, such as limited developable land due to natural and political barriers. The Company strives to capitalize on the experience of its seasoned management team to create continued value.Company DescriptionDouglas Emmett operates approximately 18 million square feet of Class A office space and over 5,000 luxury apartment units in nine highly desirable submarkets in Los Angeles County, six of which are located in Los Angeles' Westside - Brentwood, Century City, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, the Olympic Corridor, and Westwood - and three submarkets in the San Fernando Valley - Sherman Oaks/Encino, Warner Center/Woodland Hills, and Burbank. The Company's Honolulu office portfolio is located in the downtown central business district with multifamily properties in nearby suburban communities.\r\n\r\nThe Company utilizes the same focused business strategy that was implemented by its founding principals - managing, developing, redeveloping, and acquiring multifamily and commercial real estate in high barrier-to-entry submarkets that exhibit strong economic characteristics such as population and job growth, as well as inherent supply constraints, such as limited developable land due to natural and political barriers. The Company strives to capitalize on the experience of its seasoned management team to create continued value.