Controller

The Controller partners closely with the Director of Accounting and collaborates with peer Controllers and Assistant Controllers to ensure consistent practices across markets and serves as a key business partner providing financial insights that support operational and strategic decision-making. The company’s commitment to innovation and continually evolving to meet the needs of the market is a key reason we are one of the most celebrated home builders in the nation, winning hundreds of national and local industry awards in product and community design, architecture, merchandising, sales, marketing, and customer service.

Overview:

Ashton Woods is more than just a home builder. From the sale of our first home in 1989 to recently being named Builder of the Year by Builder Magazine, our focus has always been on blazing new trails and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in homebuilding. Ashton Woods, the #1 private home builder in the United States, markets its homes through its two award-winning brands, Ashton Woods and Starlight Homes. The Ashton Woods brand is known for designing thoughtfully curated, inspired homes for people who love design. The Starlight Homes brand builds homes specifically for the first-time homebuyer, offering affordable homes with well-executed designs and quality finishes for buyers looking to make the dream of home ownership a reality. The company’s commitment to innovation and continually evolving to meet the needs of the market is a key reason we are one of the most celebrated home builders in the nation, winning hundreds of national and local industry awards in product and community design, architecture, merchandising, sales, marketing, and customer service. We believe that what we accomplish together is greater than what we deliver individually. Our team members have inspired the shared values we embrace in all decisions and actions: Unwavering Integrity, Trail Blazing, Bold Action, Collective Compassion, and Unconditional Respect.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Ashton Woods sells new homes in Atlanta, Austin, Charleston, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Antonio, and Tampa.

 

Position Overview:

The Controller oversees financial reporting, close activities, and accounting operations across a larger, multi-market portfolio, providing leadership and consistency across teams within Centralized Accounting. This role is responsible for the accuracy and integrity of financial records across all assigned markets, developing accounting staff, maintaining compliance with company policies and GAAP, and driving standardization and process improvement across the portfolio. The Controller partners closely with the Director of Accounting and collaborates with peer Controllers and Assistant Controllers to ensure consistent practices across markets and serves as a key business partner providing financial insights that support operational and strategic decision-making.

 

Career Growth Opportunities:

This role is designed to support professional advancement by offering:

• Exposure to a wide range of accounting functions and financial processes.
• Opportunities to take ownership of projects and improve workflows.
• Mentorship and collaboration with experienced finance professionals.
• A pathway for increased responsibility and career progression within the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes across a multi-market portfolio, ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent financial reporting across all assigned markets.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Prepare and analyze financial statements and management reports across the portfolio to support business decisions.
• Standardize processes and reporting practices across assigned markets, identifying and addressing inconsistencies or inefficiencies.
• Collaborate with peer Controllers and Assistant Controllers to share best practices and maintain consistency across the broader Centralized Accounting function.
• Hire, train, develop, and mentor a team of Staff, Senior Staff and Senior Staff II Accountants across multiple markets.
• Maintain and continuously improve training documentation and onboarding processes.
• Monitor team workload across markets and ensure deadlines are met.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and accounting procedures.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Review and approve journal entries and supporting documentation across assigned markets to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Review and approve monthly reports (e.g., dashboard, land bank billing accruals, housing WIP, RENO, fixed asset schedules, customer deposits) for each market.
• Review and approve tax-related entries and filings including Arizona privilege tax based on market assignment and business needs.
• Review and approve the set-up of certain system data, including lot and land records across assigned markets.
• Review and approve bank and balance sheet account reconciliations, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely resolution of reconciling items.
• Prepare monthly reporting (e.g. lot stat, FIN 46 and land roll forwards) across assigned markets.
• Prepare quarterly schedules and assist with financial reporting requirements.
• Support special projects, system implementations, and organizational initiatives.
• Maintain organized and audit-ready documentation; support internal and external audit requests.
• Collaborate cross-functionally across markets and lead additional initiatives as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field required.
• CPA preferred; active pursuit of CPA certification encouraged.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Prior experience managing a multi-market or multi-entity accounting portfolio preferred.
• Prior supervisory experience required.
• Experience in homebuilding, construction, real estate development, or related industry preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills, including PivotTables, and data analysis.
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central preferred.
• Experience with reconciliation and close management software (e.g., FloQast) preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with a professional, customer-focused approach.
• Eagerness to learn, grow, and take on new challenges.