Development Controller

Chelsea Investment Corporation

$190K — $220K *
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years in accounting leadership roles
  • Experience managing and developing accounting teams
  • Significant multi-entity accounting experience (over 100 entities preferred)
  • Background in real estate development, construction, or affordable housing
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards
  • Exceptional communication and leadership skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead all accounting operations and financial reporting for a 350+ entity structure
  • Ensure integrity of the general ledger and financial reporting systems
  • Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and treasury functions
  • Manage entity administration, banking relationships, and intercompany transactions
  • Serve as primary administrator for Sage 300 CRE software
  • Supervise payroll processes and multi-entity allocations
  • Develop and guide a skilled accounting team
  • Collaborate with CFO on process enhancements and organizational growth

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Long-term growth potential in a stable and expanding organization
  • Direct involvement with executive leadership
  • Structured transition and onboarding with retiring Controller
Full Job Description
Development Controller

Chelsea Investment Corporation | San Diego, CA

$190,000-$220,000 Base Salary + 20-30% Bonus

Chelsea Investment Corporation (CIC) is seeking a Development Controller to help lead the accounting function for one of California's most established affordable housing developers. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, treasury, payroll oversight, and systems administration across a 350+ entity organization spanning affordable housing development, asset management, and construction.

This is a rare succession opportunity. Our current Controller is planning to retire in 2027, creating the opportunity for meaningful overlap and knowledge transfer before assuming full responsibility for the role.

What You'll Be Responsible For
  • Leading all accounting operations and financial reporting across a 350+ entity structure
  • Maintaining the integrity of the general ledger and financial reporting systems
  • Budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and treasury oversight
  • Entity administration, banking relationships, and intercompany transactions
  • Serving as the primary administrator of Sage 300 CRE
  • Overseeing payroll review, forecasting, and multi-entity allocations
  • Leading and developing a seasoned accounting team
  • Partnering closely with the CFO on process improvements, systems optimization, and organizational growth initiatives
  • Helping support new entities and evolving business structures as the organization continues to grow


What We're Looking For

The strongest candidates will bring:
  • 10+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience
  • Experience leading accounting teams and developing staff
  • Significant multi-entity accounting experience (100+ entities preferred)
  • Real estate development, construction, affordable housing, or similarly complex environments
  • Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting
  • Exceptional communication skills and leadership presence


Highly Preferred
  • Sage 300 CRE experience
  • CPA designation
  • Affordable housing or LIHTC experience
  • Development accounting, construction draws, or tax credit finance exposure


The Right Person

We're looking for more than technical expertise.

Our CFO is seeking a leader who can build team confidence, communicate clearly, challenge assumptions thoughtfully, and help drive continuous improvement across the organization.

You'll be successful here if you're comfortable navigating complexity, enjoy mentoring others, and can balance strategic thinking with a willingness to stay connected to the operational details.

Location

This position is based in San Diego, California. On-site presence is strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Base salary: $190,000-$220,000
  • Annual bonus eligibility: 20-30%
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Long-term growth opportunity within a stable and growing organization
  • Direct partnership with executive leadership
  • Structured transition and onboarding with the retiring Controller

If you've built your career in complex accounting environments and are looking for an opportunity where your leadership can make a meaningful impact, we'd welcome the conversation.

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