Description:
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 5,500 units and $700 million in assets under management, Fairlawn has established a strong presence across Illinois and Indianapolis. We are actively expanding into additional Midwest markets.
As the Vice President of Accounting, you will serve as a key financial leader guiding the firm’s accounting strategy and operations across a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, and student housing assets. Based in either Champaign or Chicago, Illinois, this high-impact position is responsible for overseeing the company’s multi-entity accounting functions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and scalability while driving continuous improvement. You will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer and play an integral role in delivering timely financial insights that support executive decision-making and the growth of our business.

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.
  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.

• Exemplify and promote the firm’s core values: Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It, and Always Improve
• Lead and manage the monthly and annual close process across all operating, investment, and development entities, including oversight of monthly workpaper preparation and review
• Drive the firm’s transition from cash to accrual-based, GAAP-compliant accounting, improving long-term financial visibility and reporting quality
• Establish and enforce firmwide accounting policies, internal controls, and scalable processes that support growth, consistency, and regulatory compliance
• Oversee all aspects of corporate accounting, including holding company books, management company financials, overhead allocations, and cost-sharing across entities
• Manage multi-entity consolidations and intercompany eliminations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and audit readiness
• Direct the firm’s cash management strategy, including reserve policies, intercompany loans, credit lines, and treasury operations
• Produce timely and accurate GAAP-compliant financial statements, internal dashboards, and investor reporting packages
• Own lender financial reporting and compliance, and play an active role in supporting refinancing, covenant tracking, and due diligence
• Oversee tax compliance and coordination with external partners, including preparation and filing of corporate returns, property-level filings, and investor K-1s
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, asset management, and development teams to support budgeting, reforecasting, and financial performance analysis
• Identify, implement, and optimize accounting systems and automation tools to improve accuracy, efficiency, and scalability
• Define and monitor department KPIs related to close timelines, reporting accuracy, team productivity, and cash forecasting
• Deliver actionable financial insights to executive leadership, supporting strategic decision-making and risk management
• Lead, mentor, and develop a growing accounting team, including staff and senior accountants, ensuring clarity of expectations, continuous learning, and individual accountability
• Foster a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous improvement within the accounting function
• Pivot, roll up your sleeves and jump in where needed!