Buckingham Search
Director of Accounting - Real Estate
Buckingham Search, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Director of Accounting — Real Estate Investment Firm (Chicago, IL)
A rapidly expanding real estate investment and operations firm is seeking a Director of Accounting to lead all corporate and portfolio-level accounting functions. With thousands of units under management across multiple markets and an active development and acquisitions pipeline, the company is building out a scalable, GAAP‑compliant financial infrastructure to support significant growth.
This is a high‑visibility role reporting to the CFO with direct influence over processes, systems, people, and long‑term financial strategy.
What You’ll Own
Oversee monthly and annual close across a large portfolio of operating, development, and investment entities.
Review workpapers, journal entries, and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Lead ongoing upgrades to controls, policies, and standardized procedures.
GAAP, Reporting & Compliance
Drive the transition to accrual accounting and elevate reporting to full GAAP standards.
Produce consolidated financial statements and multi‑entity eliminations.
Manage audits, lender reporting, covenant compliance, and interactions with external partners.
Oversee accounting for holding companies, management entities, and property‑level operations.
Support budgeting, reforecasting, and variance analysis with operations and asset‑management teams.
Manage cash planning, intercompany activity, reserves, and treasury processes.
Systems, Automation & Process Improvement
Lead the evaluation and implementation of accounting systems and automation tools.
Build scalable workflows across AP, AR, consolidations, and reporting.
Identify KPIs and improve departmental efficiency and reporting quality.
Leadership & Team Development
Manage and develop a growing accounting team across staff and senior‑level roles.
Set clear expectations, build accountability, and foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
Be hands‑on where needed—this is a roll‑up‑your‑sleeves environment.
What You Bring
CPA required
Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance
7+ years of progressive experience , including
3+ years managing a team
Public accounting background strongly preferred
Real estate experience required
(investment, development, or property management)
Deep knowledge of GAAP, consolidations, intercompany accounting, and multi‑entity structures
Experience with audits, tax coordination, and complex reporting requirements
Strong systems acumen; experience with Yardi, AppFolio, MRI, or similar is a plus
Experience with FP&A or reporting tools (Prophix, Vena, Datarails, etc.) a plus
High ownership mentality, strong communication skills, and comfort operating in a fast‑growing environment
Why This Company?
Competitive compensation
Medical, dental, vision & life insurance options
401(k) with company match
Generous PTO and paid holidays
Company‑wide events and team‑building programs
Growth‑focused leadership team and a culture that values improvement, accountability, and collaboration
Opportunity to make a real impact as the firm scales into new markets
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This is a high‑visibility role reporting to the CFO with direct influence over processes, systems, people, and long‑term financial strategy.
What You’ll Own
Oversee monthly and annual close across a large portfolio of operating, development, and investment entities.
Review workpapers, journal entries, and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Lead ongoing upgrades to controls, policies, and standardized procedures.
GAAP, Reporting & Compliance
Drive the transition to accrual accounting and elevate reporting to full GAAP standards.
Produce consolidated financial statements and multi‑entity eliminations.
Manage audits, lender reporting, covenant compliance, and interactions with external partners.
Oversee accounting for holding companies, management entities, and property‑level operations.
Support budgeting, reforecasting, and variance analysis with operations and asset‑management teams.
Manage cash planning, intercompany activity, reserves, and treasury processes.
Systems, Automation & Process Improvement
Lead the evaluation and implementation of accounting systems and automation tools.
Build scalable workflows across AP, AR, consolidations, and reporting.
Identify KPIs and improve departmental efficiency and reporting quality.
Leadership & Team Development
Manage and develop a growing accounting team across staff and senior‑level roles.
Set clear expectations, build accountability, and foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
Be hands‑on where needed—this is a roll‑up‑your‑sleeves environment.
What You Bring
CPA required
Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance
7+ years of progressive experience , including
3+ years managing a team
Public accounting background strongly preferred
Real estate experience required
(investment, development, or property management)
Deep knowledge of GAAP, consolidations, intercompany accounting, and multi‑entity structures
Experience with audits, tax coordination, and complex reporting requirements
Strong systems acumen; experience with Yardi, AppFolio, MRI, or similar is a plus
Experience with FP&A or reporting tools (Prophix, Vena, Datarails, etc.) a plus
High ownership mentality, strong communication skills, and comfort operating in a fast‑growing environment
Why This Company?
Competitive compensation
Medical, dental, vision & life insurance options
401(k) with company match
Generous PTO and paid holidays
Company‑wide events and team‑building programs
Growth‑focused leadership team and a culture that values improvement, accountability, and collaboration
Opportunity to make a real impact as the firm scales into new markets
#J-18808-Ljbffr