Fairlawn
Overview
Fairlawn
is a vertically integrated firm specializing in real estate investment, management, and development. Based in Chicago and Champaign, Illinois, we have a more than 10-year track record in value-add projects, development, student housing, and build-to-rent communities. With a portfolio of approximately 5,500 units and $700 million in assets under management, Fairlawn has established a strong presence across Illinois and Indianapolis. We are actively expanding into additional Midwest markets.
Responsibilities
Exemplify and promote the firm's core values: Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It, and Always Improve
Lead and manage the monthly and annual close process across all operating, investment, and development entities, including oversight of monthly workpaper preparation and review
Drive the firm's transition from cash to accrual-based, GAAP-compliant accounting, improving long-term financial visibility and reporting quality
Establish and enforce firmwide accounting policies, internal controls, and scalable processes that support growth, consistency, and regulatory compliance
Oversee all aspects of corporate accounting, including holding company books, management company financials, overhead allocations, and cost-sharing across entities
Manage multi-entity consolidations and intercompany eliminations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and audit readiness
Direct the firm's cash management strategy, including reserve policies, intercompany loans, credit lines, and treasury operations
Produce timely and accurate GAAP-compliant financial statements, internal dashboards, and investor reporting packages
Own lender financial reporting and compliance, and play an active role in supporting refinancing, covenant tracking, and due diligence
Oversee tax compliance and coordination with external partners, including preparation and filing of corporate returns, property-level filings, and investor K-1s
Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, asset management, and development teams to support budgeting, reforecasting, and financial performance analysis
Identify, implement, and optimize accounting systems and automation tools to improve accuracy, efficiency, and scalability
Define and monitor department KPIs related to close timelines, reporting accuracy, team productivity, and cash forecasting
Deliver actionable financial insights to executive leadership, supporting strategic decision-making and risk management
Lead, mentor, and develop a growing accounting team, including staff and senior accountants, ensuring clarity of expectations, continuous learning, and individual accountability
Foster a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous improvement within the accounting function
Pivot, roll up your sleeves and jump in where needed
Why Fairlawn
Competitive Pay. We are ready to invest in you!
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance to access care for positive health outcomes and your overall wellbeing
Employee sponsored benefits including Short Term Disability, Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, Flexible Spending, and H.S.A. Accounts to avoid costly medical expenses due to gaps and ensure that all your medical needs are met
401(k) Retirement Plan with Match to invest in your future wealth and retirement
Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holiday Pay to help you reset and come back rejuvenated and refreshed
Monthly company events to promote team cohesion
Wellness Days to focus on being your best self. We want you to have time to disconnect and recharge in a way that works for you
The opportunity to work for a growing organization where you are valued and can have a direct impact
Quarterly off-site meetings with your manager to celebrate wins, issue solve and ensure you are set up for success. Plus, the process is rewarding, and the results are great for your career
Qualifications
CPA required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in accounting, including at least 3+ years in a leadership role leading a team of accounting professionals
Background in public accounting (Big 4 or regional firm experience strongly preferred)
Real estate industry experience required, with a strong preference for exposure to investment, development, or property management accounting
Strong knowledge of US GAAP, consolidations, and intercompany accounting
Experience managing audits, tax prep, and regulatory compliance
Proficiency in accounting systems and Excel; experience with AppFolio, Yardi, or MRI is a plus
Experience with FP&A software, such as Vena, Prophix, or Datarails, highly preferred
Proven track record of leading, developing, and scaling an accounting team in a growing or evolving business environment
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a solutions-oriented, hands-on approach
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial concepts clearly and confidently to both accounting and non-accounting audiences
High sense of ownership, urgency, and attention to detail, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and accountable culture
Additional information
Valid driver's license and dependable transportation
Availability to work longer hours and weekends during department and company peak seasons
Must be able to complete the physical functions of the position, not limited to the ability to sit for long periods of time at a computer and extensive keyboarding
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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is a vertically integrated firm specializing in real estate investment, management, and development. Based in Chicago and Champaign, Illinois, we have a more than 10-year track record in value-add projects, development, student housing, and build-to-rent communities. With a portfolio of approximately 5,500 units and $700 million in assets under management, Fairlawn has established a strong presence across Illinois and Indianapolis. We are actively expanding into additional Midwest markets.
Responsibilities
Exemplify and promote the firm's core values: Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It, and Always Improve
Lead and manage the monthly and annual close process across all operating, investment, and development entities, including oversight of monthly workpaper preparation and review
Drive the firm's transition from cash to accrual-based, GAAP-compliant accounting, improving long-term financial visibility and reporting quality
Establish and enforce firmwide accounting policies, internal controls, and scalable processes that support growth, consistency, and regulatory compliance
Oversee all aspects of corporate accounting, including holding company books, management company financials, overhead allocations, and cost-sharing across entities
Manage multi-entity consolidations and intercompany eliminations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and audit readiness
Direct the firm's cash management strategy, including reserve policies, intercompany loans, credit lines, and treasury operations
Produce timely and accurate GAAP-compliant financial statements, internal dashboards, and investor reporting packages
Own lender financial reporting and compliance, and play an active role in supporting refinancing, covenant tracking, and due diligence
Oversee tax compliance and coordination with external partners, including preparation and filing of corporate returns, property-level filings, and investor K-1s
Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, asset management, and development teams to support budgeting, reforecasting, and financial performance analysis
Identify, implement, and optimize accounting systems and automation tools to improve accuracy, efficiency, and scalability
Define and monitor department KPIs related to close timelines, reporting accuracy, team productivity, and cash forecasting
Deliver actionable financial insights to executive leadership, supporting strategic decision-making and risk management
Lead, mentor, and develop a growing accounting team, including staff and senior accountants, ensuring clarity of expectations, continuous learning, and individual accountability
Foster a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous improvement within the accounting function
Pivot, roll up your sleeves and jump in where needed
Why Fairlawn
Competitive Pay. We are ready to invest in you!
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance to access care for positive health outcomes and your overall wellbeing
Employee sponsored benefits including Short Term Disability, Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, Flexible Spending, and H.S.A. Accounts to avoid costly medical expenses due to gaps and ensure that all your medical needs are met
401(k) Retirement Plan with Match to invest in your future wealth and retirement
Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holiday Pay to help you reset and come back rejuvenated and refreshed
Monthly company events to promote team cohesion
Wellness Days to focus on being your best self. We want you to have time to disconnect and recharge in a way that works for you
The opportunity to work for a growing organization where you are valued and can have a direct impact
Quarterly off-site meetings with your manager to celebrate wins, issue solve and ensure you are set up for success. Plus, the process is rewarding, and the results are great for your career
Qualifications
CPA required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in accounting, including at least 3+ years in a leadership role leading a team of accounting professionals
Background in public accounting (Big 4 or regional firm experience strongly preferred)
Real estate industry experience required, with a strong preference for exposure to investment, development, or property management accounting
Strong knowledge of US GAAP, consolidations, and intercompany accounting
Experience managing audits, tax prep, and regulatory compliance
Proficiency in accounting systems and Excel; experience with AppFolio, Yardi, or MRI is a plus
Experience with FP&A software, such as Vena, Prophix, or Datarails, highly preferred
Proven track record of leading, developing, and scaling an accounting team in a growing or evolving business environment
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a solutions-oriented, hands-on approach
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial concepts clearly and confidently to both accounting and non-accounting audiences
High sense of ownership, urgency, and attention to detail, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and accountable culture
Additional information
Valid driver's license and dependable transportation
Availability to work longer hours and weekends during department and company peak seasons
Must be able to complete the physical functions of the position, not limited to the ability to sit for long periods of time at a computer and extensive keyboarding
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr