Accounting Manager

Fairlawn • Champaign, IL

6h • $100,000 - $115,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, required, CPA preferred
• 5+ years of accounting experience, with a strong AP and month-end close background
• 2+ years of people management experience
• Experience in property management real estate
• 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
• 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
• 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

Nice To Haves

• CPA preferred
• Comparable experience and skills to the requirements listed above
• Prior experience at Fairlawn

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• Additional monthly or quarterly incentive pay for meeting goals and supporting property performance
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Employee sponsored benefits including Short Term Disability, Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, Flexible Spending, and H.S.A. Accounts
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Match
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holiday Pay
• Company events to promote team cohesion
• Wellness Days
• Quarterly off-site meetings with your manager

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager