Buckingham Search
Vice President of Accounting
Location:
Chicago, IL
| Hybrid:
3-4 days in the office, 1-2 days work from home As our Vice President of Accounting, you will be a key financial leader shaping the firm’s accounting strategy and operations across a diverse, multi-entity real estate portfolio. Reporting directly to the CFO, this high-impact role offers the opportunity to build scalable processes, lead a talented team, and deliver insights that directly influence strategic decision-making and long-term growth. About Us We are a fast-growing real estate investment, management, and development firm with a strong track record of success across Illinois and Indianapolis. With more than a decade of experience and a portfolio of 5,500 units and $700M+ AUM, we’ve built a reputation for delivering value-add projects, ground-up development, student housing, and build-to-rent communities. Responsibilities:
Lead all aspects of the monthly and annual close process across operating, investment, and development entities. Drive the firm’s transition from cash to accrual-based, GAAP-compliant accounting, elevating financial visibility and reporting. Establish firmwide accounting policies, internal controls, and scalable processes to support growth and compliance. Oversee corporate accounting, including holding company and management company financials, consolidations, and intercompany eliminations. Direct cash management strategy, treasury operations, and intercompany funding structures. Deliver timely GAAP-compliant financial statements, executive dashboards, and investor reporting packages. Partner with lenders on compliance, refinancing, covenant tracking, and due diligence. Manage tax compliance in coordination with external partners, including property-level filings and investor K-1s. Collaborate with operations, asset management, and development teams on budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Lead technology adoption and process automation to increase accuracy, speed, and scalability. Define and monitor department KPIs, driving accountability and measurable improvement. Mentor and develop a growing accounting team, fostering a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous improvement. Roll up your sleeves when needed—you’ll set the standard for adaptability and leadership by example. Qualifications:
Bachelor’s in Accounting or Finance. CPA required 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years leading teams. Public accounting background strongly preferred (Big 4 or regional firm). Real estate industry experience required; exposure to investment, development, or property management accounting is a plus. Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP, consolidations, and intercompany accounting. Experience managing audits, tax prep, and compliance with lenders and regulators. Skilled in accounting systems (AppFolio, Yardi, MRI a plus) and advanced Excel; FP&A software experience (Vena, Prophix, Datarails) is highly desirable. Proven track record of building and scaling accounting teams in growing environments. Exceptional communication skills—able to explain complex financials to both technical and non-technical audiences. High sense of ownership, urgency, and adaptability in a fast-paced, collaborative culture. Join Us This is more than an accounting leadership role—it’s an opportunity to have a direct, lasting impact on a growing real estate investment platform. Why You’ll Love Working Here Competitive Pay
– We’re ready to invest in top talent. Comprehensive Benefits
– Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental coverage options. 401(k) with Match
– Build long-term wealth while building your career. Generous PTO & Wellness Days
– Time to recharge, reset, and show up at your best. Culture of Connection
– Monthly team events, quarterly offsites, and direct access to leadership. Impact & Growth
– Be part of a fast-growing firm where your expertise will directly shape the future of the business.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Chicago, IL
| Hybrid:
3-4 days in the office, 1-2 days work from home As our Vice President of Accounting, you will be a key financial leader shaping the firm’s accounting strategy and operations across a diverse, multi-entity real estate portfolio. Reporting directly to the CFO, this high-impact role offers the opportunity to build scalable processes, lead a talented team, and deliver insights that directly influence strategic decision-making and long-term growth. About Us We are a fast-growing real estate investment, management, and development firm with a strong track record of success across Illinois and Indianapolis. With more than a decade of experience and a portfolio of 5,500 units and $700M+ AUM, we’ve built a reputation for delivering value-add projects, ground-up development, student housing, and build-to-rent communities. Responsibilities:
Lead all aspects of the monthly and annual close process across operating, investment, and development entities. Drive the firm’s transition from cash to accrual-based, GAAP-compliant accounting, elevating financial visibility and reporting. Establish firmwide accounting policies, internal controls, and scalable processes to support growth and compliance. Oversee corporate accounting, including holding company and management company financials, consolidations, and intercompany eliminations. Direct cash management strategy, treasury operations, and intercompany funding structures. Deliver timely GAAP-compliant financial statements, executive dashboards, and investor reporting packages. Partner with lenders on compliance, refinancing, covenant tracking, and due diligence. Manage tax compliance in coordination with external partners, including property-level filings and investor K-1s. Collaborate with operations, asset management, and development teams on budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Lead technology adoption and process automation to increase accuracy, speed, and scalability. Define and monitor department KPIs, driving accountability and measurable improvement. Mentor and develop a growing accounting team, fostering a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous improvement. Roll up your sleeves when needed—you’ll set the standard for adaptability and leadership by example. Qualifications:
Bachelor’s in Accounting or Finance. CPA required 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years leading teams. Public accounting background strongly preferred (Big 4 or regional firm). Real estate industry experience required; exposure to investment, development, or property management accounting is a plus. Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP, consolidations, and intercompany accounting. Experience managing audits, tax prep, and compliance with lenders and regulators. Skilled in accounting systems (AppFolio, Yardi, MRI a plus) and advanced Excel; FP&A software experience (Vena, Prophix, Datarails) is highly desirable. Proven track record of building and scaling accounting teams in growing environments. Exceptional communication skills—able to explain complex financials to both technical and non-technical audiences. High sense of ownership, urgency, and adaptability in a fast-paced, collaborative culture. Join Us This is more than an accounting leadership role—it’s an opportunity to have a direct, lasting impact on a growing real estate investment platform. Why You’ll Love Working Here Competitive Pay
– We’re ready to invest in top talent. Comprehensive Benefits
– Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental coverage options. 401(k) with Match
– Build long-term wealth while building your career. Generous PTO & Wellness Days
– Time to recharge, reset, and show up at your best. Culture of Connection
– Monthly team events, quarterly offsites, and direct access to leadership. Impact & Growth
– Be part of a fast-growing firm where your expertise will directly shape the future of the business.
#J-18808-Ljbffr