Vice President of Accounting

@ Fairlawn

Vice President of Accounting

Fairlawn is a vertically integrated firm specializing in real estate investment, management, and development, with operations in Chicago and Champaign, Illinois. With a portfolio of approximately 5,500 units and $700 million in assets, Fairlawn is expanding into additional Midwest markets.

Role Overview

As the Vice President of Accounting, you will be a key financial leader overseeing multi-entity accounting functions across residential, commercial, and student housing assets. Reporting directly to the CFO, you will guide accounting strategy and operations, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and scalability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead monthly and annual close processes and workpaper reviews.
• Drive transition to GAAP-compliant, accrual-based accounting.
• Establish and enforce firmwide accounting policies and internal controls.
• Manage multi-entity consolidations, intercompany eliminations, and cash management strategy.
• Oversee tax compliance, lender reporting, and financial statement preparation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally for budgeting and financial performance analysis.
• Mentor and develop a growing accounting team.

Why Work Here?

Enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, 401(k) match, paid time off, monthly events, wellness days, and quarterly off-site meetings. Experience a supportive environment with clear core values: Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It, and Always Improve.

Requirements

• CPA required with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Minimum 7 years experience in accounting with 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience in public accounting, preferably with Big 4 or regional firms.
• Real estate industry experience and strong knowledge of US GAAP.
• Proficiency with accounting systems, Excel, and FP&A software.
• Excellent communication skills and a hands-on, solution-oriented approach.
• Valid driver’s license, dependable transportation, and flexibility during peak seasons.

Key skills/competency

Vice President of Accounting, GAAP, Real Estate, Consolidations, Internal Controls, Tax Compliance, Audit, Leadership, FP&A, Strategic Financial Management