Accountant

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Accountant to join our awesome team here at Fairlawn! The ideal candidate will embody Fairlawn’s core values: Be Kind, Own It, Be Flexible, and Always Improve.

Do you have an ownership mindset and a passion for all things numbers? If so, our Accountant role may be perfect for you! Based in Champaign, Illinois, the Fairlawn team member will be responsible for supporting a broad range of corporate accounting activities to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information.  This role will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, while also providing mentorship to junior staff.  The Accountant will report to the Director of Accounting. 

What will you do? 

• Exemplify the core values of Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It, and Always Improve
• Coordinate and collaborate with external partners, including accounting firms, lenders, and 3rd party property managers
• Oversee loan activity throughout the portfolio, coordinating maintenance of loan module software and ensuring accurate balances and monthly postings; coordinate onboarding and offboarding of loans
• Coordinate and process construction and development draw requests, ensuring compliance with loan agreements and funding requirements 
• Collaborate with project managers, lenders, and external vendors to resolve discrepancies or delays in the draw process, ensuring timeliness and accuracy
• Participate in financial planning of construction and development projects to ensure alignment with budgets
• Process weekly bill payment for all property and corporate entities
• Support year-end closing processes and tax preparation effort
• Oversee assembly of lender reserve requests and support financial reporting to lenders 
• Maintain a strong understanding of intercompany transaction processing between corporate entities; set up recurring bills and journal entries to increase efficiency  
• Support all property and corporate accounting functions, ensuring compliance and efficiency
• Understand and participate in the lifecycle of accounts payable processing, including invoice review and coding, adherence to PO and work order approvals, and working with vendors to resolve issues as needed
• Participate in month-end closing procedures such as bank and loan reconciliations and income statement analysis
• Mentor junior team members, providing guidance and support on accounting best practices
• Handle escalated questions from the accounting team
• Review and ensure compliance with internal controls (proper approvals, documentation, account coding, payment terms, etc.) 
• Review, recommend and develop new processes and procedures to ensure maximum efficiency within the accounting department
• Enthusiastically participate in problem solving, contributing to a shared culture of teamwork 
• Assist the team with ad hoc tasks and special projects as assigned
• Learn and ensure compliance with all Fair Housing Laws including local, state, and federal housing regulations (We provide training)
• Pivot, roll up your sleeves and jump in where needed!

Why should you work here?

• Competitive Pay. We are ready to invest in you!
• 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
• Monthly 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

Requirements

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

• Have a minimum of four years progressive accounting experience
• Have an Undergraduate degree preferably in Accounting, Business, Finance, Economics, or another relevant field [required]
• Have exposure to accrual-based accounting systems [strongly desired]
• Have experience in accounting for construction and development, with strong understanding of the construction draw processes, related loan administration, and project coordination
• Have prior experience in Real Estate accounting and /or public accounting [a plus]
• Have proficiency with relevant technology (e.g. Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) and ability to adapt to changing technology.  Experience in AppFolio, Yardi, or other property management software a plus
• Can work overtime as needed during high demand times and capacity shortages 
• Demonstrate superior attention to detail, high energy and a positive attitude
• Have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Have an ability to give and receive real-time feedback with a positive mindset
• Can work 4 days in the office with optional 1 day remote each week
• Can work independently and can work closely with other team members 
• Have ethical and professional conduct and integrity beyond reproach 
• 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 transportation
• Availability to work longer hours and weekends during department and company peak seasons
• Must be able to complete the physical functions of the position, not limited to the ability to sit for long periods of time at a computer and extensive keyboarding

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 5,700 units and $800 million in assets under management, Fairlawn has established a strong presence across Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. We are actively expanding into additional Midwest markets. 

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. 

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.