Fund Controller

Our client, is a real estate investment advisor based in Chicago. They are seeking to hire a Fund Controller. The Fund Controller joins The Fund Finance & Reporting group which oversees outsourced fund administration functions including property and fund accounting, client reporting and performance measurement for all advised direct real estate vehicles in the U.S. The successful candidate will be responsible for the financial reporting and operational aspects for several real estate investment vehicles including overseeing the out-sourced fund administration function, ensuring timely and accurate completion of vehicle financial statements, liaising with third service providers and interfacing with current and potential investors on information requests. The position is in Chicago within the firm’s Illiquid Asset Operations group and offers a hybrid working environment (3 days in office, 2 from home).

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintains strong cross-functional relationships, consistent communication and cooperation with the Illiquid Asset Operations team and other groups to support department and company initiatives

• Manage the review process for select real estate vehicles including monthly and quarterly accounting close packages, quarterly financial statements and footnotes, annual audit reports, and investor reporting related deliverables including distributions, tax withholding and redemption tracking

• Manage the process and relationships with third-party service providers including the Fund Administrator, auditors, and tax advisors.

• Review and approval of fund level invoice payments, and oversee and manage the annual fund level budgeting process

• Monitor transaction pipeline for assigned real estate products, assist Transactions team as needed, and manage the review of the accounting and tax reporting for the transaction

• Liaise with third party tax providers to manage the annual tax returns/1099s/K-1’s reporting process as well as tax planning strategies.

• Monitor and assist with regulatory reporting and loan compliance requirements.

• Lead and complete ad hoc projects and tasks to improve efficiency and processes

• Responsible for managing assigned direct reports and delegating responsibilities and tasks

• Stay educated on real estate and accounting industry updates including new GAAP accounting literature and NCREIF PREA Reporting Standards

• Collaborate on deliverables and projects with other teams including Portfolio Management, CFO group, Asset Management, Transactions, Client Advisory Group, and Capital Markets

Desired Experience:

• Real estate accounting knowledge in both fair market value and historical cost method preferred

• Experience with real estate funds and separate accounts

• Four-year college degree required with a concentration in accounting or related business field

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in public accounting and/or a real estate accounting position

• CPA strongly preferred

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products

• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

• Motivated, self-started with the ability to problem solve

• Strong attention to detail

What they offer you:

A healthy, engaged and well-supported workforce are better equipped to do your best work and, more importantly, enjoy their lives inside and outside the workplace. That’s why they are committed to providing an environment with your development and wellbeing at its center.

You can expect:

• Competitive Salary and Matched 401K Savings Plan

• Generous Paid Time Away plus Bank Holidays

• Health and Life Insurance Plans for you and your family

• Work/Life Balance Programs including Adoption/Surrogacy/Infertility Assistance, Backup Care through

Bright Horizons, Phase Back to Work and Support for New Mothers

• A range of flexible benefits including Retail Discounts, Commuter Discounts and Gym benefits

• The opportunity to support wide-ranging volunteer programs, + 1 day volunteering leave per year, matched personal donations to non-profit organizations dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000

How they will support you:

• Training and development to help you excel in your career

• Flexible working to assist you balance your personal priorities

• Coaching and support from experts in your team