Description

Director of Accounting

Commercial Real Estate Investment Firm | Larkspur, CA

A well‑established, privately held commercial real estate investment firm headquartered in Northern California is seeking a Director of Accounting to join its leadership team during a pivotal growth phase. With a diversified portfolio of neighborhood and community shopping centers across the western U.S., this firm is known for disciplined investing, hands‑on asset management, and a long‑term value creation approach.

The firm is currently launching a private REIT through the roll‑up of existing single‑asset investments and is seeking a senior accounting leader to help build institutional‑quality infrastructure while remaining hands‑on.

This role is ideal for a seasoned real estate accounting professional who thrives in a transformational environment, enjoys building processes, and can balance strategic leadership with execution.

What You'll Do

• Own GAAP accounting and ensure financial statement integrity across REIT, fund, and operating entities
• Lead multi‑entity consolidation related to a newly launched private REIT
• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors and third‑party REIT/Fund administrators
• Establish GAAP accounting policies, close processes, and internal controls
• Lead and develop an existing accounting team (senior‑level and junior staff)
• Oversee equity tracking, capital activity, and waterfall calculations
• Manage and own first‑time audits and ongoing audit cycles
• Partner closely with executive leadership, investors, and internal stakeholders
• Improve systems, documentation, and reporting as the platform institutionalizes

What They're Looking For

• 10-15+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP
• Direct experience within real estate accounting (REIT, private equity real estate, or institutional operator)
• Proven ownership of external audits (not just audit support)
• Experience with complex, multi‑entity consolidations
• Strong background in equity structures and waterfall calculations
• Big 4 or strong national public accounting experience preferred (Manager / Sr. Manager level or above)
• Comfortable operating in a growing, entrepreneurial environment
• Strong communicator who can engage effectively with executives, auditors, and investors