Director of Accounting - Real Estate

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.

• Oversee monthly and annual close across a large portfolio of operating, development, and investment entities.
• Review work papers, journal entries, and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Lead ongoing upgrades to controls, policies, and standardized procedures.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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, App Folio, 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

• 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