Simon Wong
CFO | Financial Advisor
I am thrilled to share my journey in the real estate finance world, where I've evolved into one of the industry's top CFOs and accountants. Over the course of 15 years, I've immersed myself in the intricacies of accounting, finance, and operations, carving a niche for myself as a leader in this dynamic field.
My skill set, encompassing budgetary planning, cash flow forecasting, and team management, has been instrumental in driving the success of multi-million dollar projects across diverse locations. I take pride in my ability to make decisive leadership decisions and strategically navigate through challenges, consistently surpassing goals and meeting deadlines in fast-paced environments.
Being a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor since March 2021 reflects my commitment to staying abreast of industry tools and technologies. I approach my work with an entrepreneurial mindset, always eager to learn new skills and enhance my existing knowledge to optimize efficiency.
My journey began with a pivotal role at The Trump Organization, where I collaborated directly with Donald J. Trump on financial and contribution statements for news reporters. This early experience set the stage for my career, showcasing my capability to handle high-profile projects and collaborate effectively with top-level executives.
My diverse role as a Property Controller for a Private Family-Owned Property Management firm further highlights my versatility. From serving as a Senior Accountant to taking on responsibilities as a Leasing Administrator, Yardi Consultant, and Financial Analyst, I wore many hats, contributing significantly to the success of the firm, which specialized in Shopping Centers and Mixed-Use buildings.
I am dedicated to leveraging my experience and knowledge to benefit the companies I serve. My passion for continuous learning and unwavering commitment to efficiency underscore my standing as a top-tier CFO and accountant in the real estate industry.
I am committed to upholding ethical standards in all my professional endeavors, and I expect the same from my clients and employers. I do not condone unethical behavior and am not afraid to address it when necessary.
Work Experience
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Entrepreneur
CURRENTI own several active business entities, including CFO LLC, Accounting Properties LLC, and 888 Capital Group LLC.
CFO LLC - Consulting For Others
As the owner of CFO LLC, I provide comprehensive financial services to a diverse clientele. My approach begins with financial analysis to guide clients in making informed strategic decisions. I offer services such as financial planning and problem-solving to ensure that clients' financial outcomes align with their goals. I primarily consult for clients in the property management sector, helping them scale and streamline their operations. This includes overseeing their accounting departments and ensuring the effectiveness of their Controllers.
Accounting Properties LLC - Property Accounting
At Accounting Properties LLC, I provide precise bookkeeping, tax preparation, and auditing services for real estate investors. I assist with financial cleanups and transitions to new platforms, ensuring seamless and accurate financial management. Effective communication with clients' teams, including property managers, CPAs, and assistants, is a cornerstone of my service.
888 Capital Group LLC - Construction & Development
888 Capital Group LLC is a construction & development company formed in partnership with another construction firm. Since our first project in December 2023, we have successfully completed eight projects within four months and have twelve active projects in March 2024. -
Chief Financial Officer
05.2021-10.2023Empire Property Management Group LLC - Directing and planning the preparation of financial reports that summarize and forecast business activities and financial positions in areas of income, expenses and earnings based on past, present and expected operations. Overseeing and regulating corporate funds and accounts, establish budgets, approve expenditures and to provide guidance to ensure the financial solvency of the Family of Companies. I also direct the financial operations of the company including budgeting, planning, investing, and other financial matters.
I was quickly promoted from Financial Controller to CFO within 10 months.
I left Empire Property Management Group LLC due to ongoing issues with the owner, Jennifer DeJesus. She consistently ignored my financial advice, leading to a mass layoff and significantly increased workloads for all employees without additional compensation. Jennifer used owners' funds for an office renovation without their consent and transferred $250,000 of tenants' security deposits to cover payroll, which was never reimbursed. I have proof of these inappropriate transfers. Additionally, she enforced a no permanent work-from-home policy, yet allowed her favorite employees to do so while denying my diverse accounting team. She then unfairly blamed me for allegedly letting them abuse the work-from-home policy, despite my efforts to protect the company from potential lawsuits. I cannot support this kind of unethical behavior.
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Developmental Controller (Development/Construction)
01.2018-03.2020At Propco Holdings, I oversaw a portfolio of 8+ new developmental properties under construction projecting 398+ units and over 310,000SF. Managed and supervised all development accounting, cash management, and finance. Provided detailed periodic financial reporting, soft cost budgets, and cash flow projections. Implemented job costing/tracking procedures for the front and backend offices. Acted as a liaison with attorneys, auditors, and financial institutions. I supervised 4 staff accountants and worked closely with the CEO, Director of Finance, Project Asset Manager, and subcontractors out on the field.
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Controller (Residential/Condo)
01.2018-03.2020At Propco, I oversaw a portfolio of luxury condomiums, Class-B apartments, acquired assets consisting of 140+ units and approximately 110,000SF multifamily residential properties. Managed and supervised all development accounting, cash management, finance, and lease administration. Provide ownership, investors, and board with detailed periodic financial reporting, and operating budgets for residential properties Implemented accounting procedures for the front and backend offices. Acted as an liason with attorneys and auditors.
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Property Controller (Shopping Centers)
03.2016-07.2017I worked for a Family-Owned Acquisition and Management Company that focuses on Shopping Centers. I've helped with setting up Yardi Voyager 7S. Prior to my employment, they never had an accountant in-house to setup a proper system.
During my employment these were some of my accomplishments:
Reviewed over 200 Commercial Tenant Leases and inputted them into the system. Completed RPIE and Chapter 91 (New Jersey). Reconciled the HUD and prepared Acquisition nand Disposition Journal Entries. Reviewed tenant's ledger provided by the prior management before the sale. Reviewed and reforecasted budgets for 13 entities. Calculated Capital Calls and Distributions to investors. Rent escalation, tenant's pro-rata shares of RETAX, CAM, Insurance, and Management Fees. Recalculated a complexed ownership percentage due to an investor buyout. Created Pro-Forma scenarios if properties were bought and sold at different prices.
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Senior Property Accountant (Condos)
05.2015-03.2016I worked for The Trump Organization at The Trump Tower. I was involved in the preparation and finalization of Mr. Donald J. Trump's contributions/donations & financial prior to his candidacy for President.
I performed daily accounting activities, cash management and coordination of A/R & A/P. I collaborated with the Assistant Controller and Business Executives on Monthly Cash Flow Variance Reports. I prepared monthly analysis of budget vs actual financials and prepared Financial Projects for 10 condominiums. I assisted with the preparation of quarterly and year-end tax, cash and GAAP reporting. I took charge of reconciling/auditing the Quarterly Payroll Tax Returns. I assisted the Controller and CFO with various projects.
I took on a project to reconcile GL accounts to Unit Owners' escrow balances that go back 10 years; CFO appointed me to be the main person to approve invoices and to maintain each Condo Owner Unit account.
I had a managerial role that oversaw approximately 7 staff employees.
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Senior Property Accountant (Residential and Commercial)
03.2014-05.2015Beginning of my start date at ELH Mgmt; I helped the company catch up with their conversion of Timberline to Yardi Voyager.
I reconciled monthly bank reconciliations for roughly 100 accounts. Prepared and Filed RPIE. I billed and processed receipts for all Commercial Properties. I had to prepare Financial Reports (monthly & quarterly) for Investors as well as institutions (e.g. banks).
Communicated with lenders with escrow analysis for multiple entities. I was the main point of contact for all external auditors.
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Accountant (Rental/Commercial/Office/Industrial/Construction)
01.2011-03.2014I learned a lot from Ranger Properties. I was able to take on responsibilities of all aspect of Accounting in Real Estate. I was responsible for the Accounts Payable/Receivable, reconciliation of bank accounts and credit cards. Reconcile daily close-outs from their Self-Storage operations using CenterShift (powered by Yardi).
Education
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College of Staten Island
2010Bachelor of Science; Major in Accounting (Cum Laude)
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Zicklin School of Business; Baruch College
2009Completed 50 credits; Focused in Accounting
Feel free to download my Documents for you review.
Simon Wong's Resume
Simon Wong's DISC Style Report