Project Controller

JOB TITLE: Project Controller

COMPANY: Chase Merritt

LOCATION: Primarily in our Montrose, CO office, with occasional travel to our Telluride, CO office.

SALARY RANGE: $130,000 – $180,000 total compensation (base + performance bonus, based on experience)

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time or Full-Time (flexible based on candidate availability and business needs)

JOB SUMMARY

Chase Merritt is seeking an experienced and hands-on Project Controller to oversee accounting and financial operations for the company’s real estate development and construction activities. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and effective financial processes across project and corporate operations. The Project Controller partners closely with ownership, development, investment, and construction teams to support informed decision-making and scalable growth. This position also provides direct oversight and leadership to the Project Accountants. The role has a strong emphasis on both fund-level accounting for third-party LP capital and project-level development accounting. The role may be structured as either part-time or full-time depending on experience and business needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL OPERATIONS

· Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll coordination

· Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes

· Prepare and review financial statements, reports, and analyses for leadership and ownership

· Maintain and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls

· Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements

PROJECT & DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTING

· Oversee project accounting for real estate development and construction projects

· Directly manage and support the Project Accountants

· Review project budgets, job cost reports, and financial forecasts

· Support lender and investor reporting, including draw packages and supporting schedules

· Partner with Construction Owner’s Representatives and development leadership to ensure accurate cost tracking and capitalization

· Monitor cash flow, funding sources, and project-level financial performance

LEADERSHIP & TEAM MANAGEMENT

· Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and performance management for the Project Accountants

· Establish clear workflows, priorities, and accountability across accounting and administrative functions

· Support hiring, onboarding, and development of finance and administrative team members

· Serve as a key financial and operational partner to company leadership

HUMAN RESOURCES, ADMINISTRATION & SYSTEMS OVERSIGHT

· Oversee payroll, benefits administration, and HR systems in coordination with the Office Manager & HR Coordinator

· Ensure proper onboarding, employee documentation, and HR compliance processes

· Maintain and optimize accounting, payroll, and financial systems (e.g., Gusto, ADP, Yardi, Sage, NetSuite, or similar)

· Coordinate with external CPAs, tax advisors, auditors, legal counsel, and lenders

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

· 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibility

· Experience with fund accounting, waterfalls, investor reporting, and management of third-party LP capital in a real estate private equity or fund environment

· Experience in real estate development, construction, or project-based accounting

· Strong knowledge of GAAP, job cost accounting, and capitalization principles

· Proven experience overseeing month-end close, financial reporting, and internal controls

· Experience managing and developing accounting or administrative staff

· Proficiency with accounting and financial systems and advanced Excel skills

· Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills

· High level of integrity and discretion

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· CPA or CMA designation

· Experience supporting lender and investor reporting

· Experience working with or overseeing outsourced HR, payroll, or PEO providers

· Experience scaling accounting systems and processes in a growing organization

REPORTING & WORK ENVIRONMENT

· Reports to: COO & CFO/Corporate Controller

· Work Arrangement: This is an in-person role primarily based in our Montrose, CO office, with occasional travel to our Telluride, CO office. Limited remote flexibility may be considered after onboarding and proven performance.

· Works closely with: Development, Construction, Finance, Investment Management, and Leadership teams

Pay: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year

Benefits: