Accounting Manager

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 5,750 units and $900 million in assets under management, Fairlawn has established a strong presence across Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. We are actively expanding into additional Midwest markets. 

Fairlawn is currently searching for a hands-on Accounting Manager to lead the day-to-day execution of our property management accounting function. This role is responsible for overseeing the full accounts payable cycle, managing the property month-end close and year-end tax preparation, and leading a team of accountants to ensure all processes are executed accurately and on schedule. The ideal candidate will fully align with Fairlawn’s core values: Be Kind, Own It, Be Flexible and Always Improve. This role will be based on-site, full-time, in our corporate office in Champaign, IL and report to the Vice President of Accounting.

What will you do? 

• Train, manage and lead accounting staff, holding team members accountable for their assigned responsibilities
• Foster a collaborative, detail-oriented team culture with a focus on continuous improvement
• Assist the VP of Accounting with property-level cash monitoring as needed, including reviewing property cash balances in support of corporate cash flow reporting
• Oversee the full AP cycle across the property management portfolio, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and vendor payments
• Lead and manage the monthly close process for the property management portfolio, ensuring timely and accurate completion
• Prepare and review journal entries, accruals, prepaid schedules, and bank reconciliations
• Prepare the year-end tax packages for the property management portfolio, working with the outside tax accountant to provide complete and accurate workpapers in support of timely return filings
• Follow and help document the AP, close, and tax procedures within the role, surfacing opportunities to tighten or streamline these processes where you see them
• Report property management close results and any issues affecting timeliness or accuracy to the VP of Accounting
• Assist with the annual property budgeting process by compiling and providing property-level actuals and supporting schedules
• Own an AP and close scorecard and participate in departmental EOS Level 10 meetings
• Follow and help maintain established internal controls within the AP and close processes, escalating any control gaps to the VP of Accounting
• Exhibit adaptability in managing workload fluctuations, including availability during high-volume reporting periods
• Other responsibilities as assigned
• Provide exceptional customer service and serve as an ambassador of the Fairlawn brand

Why should you work here?

• Competitive Pay. We are ready to invest in you!
• Additional monthly or quarterly incentive pay for meeting goals and supporting property performance
• 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
• 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

Who you are – We’d love to hear from you if you: 

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, required, CPA preferred
• Have 5+ years of accounting experience, with a strong AP and month-end close background
• Have 2+ years of people management experience
• Have experience in property management real estate
• Are proficient with relevant technology (e.g. Microsoft Office, AppFolio, Outlook) and can easily adapt to changing technology, including AI
• Demonstrate superior attention to detail, high energy and a positive attitude
• Have an ability to give and receive real-time feedback with a positive mindset
• Embody our core values: Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It and Always Improve

Some additional things you will need:

• Valid driver’s license and dependable vehicle.  Limited in-town usage of personal vehicle for errands, any out-of-County personal mileage reimbursed at the Federal rate
• This is a hands-on, in-office role. We offer generous paid time off and flexibility, and we also expect this manager to be present in the Champaign office during regular business hours so the team has consistent, day-to-day access to your guidance—particularly through AP, close, and tax deadlines
• Must be able to perform the physical functions of the position, not limited to: ability to sit for long periods of time at a computer

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with the requirements listed above. While meeting all qualifications is preferred, we understand that exceptional candidates may bring comparable experience and skills to the table including prior experience at Fairlawn. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are committed to considering all applicants [internal and external] and to identifying and selecting the most qualified applicant for the role. 

Depending on the role requirements, offers of employment may be contingent upon one or more of the following: employment history verification, criminal background check, motor vehicle record check, education verification, or credit check. 

Our company uses the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to run and help grow our business – the tools from EOS contribute to finding the right people and putting them in the right roles, effectively solving issues as they arise, and building a culture of accountability. In short, it gets everyone on the same page and working toward the same goals. If you have an ownership mindset and take pride in all the details, joining our team may be perfect for you!

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. 

Salary

$100,000 - $115,000 base + bonus