Accounting Project & Reporting Manager

Inland Real Estate•Downers Grove, IL

About The Position

The Accounting Project & Reporting Manager is a management-level individual contributor on the Accounting & Finance team. The role combines technical accounting expertise with project leadership, driving strategic initiatives to improve accounting processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and support business growth. The manager leads accounting, reporting, systems, and process-improvement projects across multiple portfolios and partners with Accounting, Information Technology, property accounting teams, business stakeholders, and external vendors. The position also performs and reviews complex accounting activities, supports period-end financial reporting and audit requests, researches accounting issues, and recommends solutions to executive accounting leadership. It offers the opportunity to work on high-impact initiatives, collaborate with senior leadership, and help shape accounting operations through innovation and strategic project execution.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Progressive accounting experience with increasing responsibility.
Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Experience managing projects, process-improvement initiatives, or system implementations.
Ability to translate complex business requirements into actionable solutions.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments and influence stakeholders.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial systems.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

CPA designation.
Experience with ERP systems, financial reporting platforms, and accounting process automation.
Project management experience or formal project management training.
Experience in real estate, property management, or multi-entity accounting environments.

Responsibilities

Lead accounting, reporting, and process-improvement projects from planning through implementation.
Partner with internal stakeholders to identify business requirements and develop practical solutions.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to keep projects on schedule and within scope.
Track project milestones, risks, dependencies, and deliverables, and communicate progress to leadership.
Evaluate system enhancements and process improvements that drive efficiency and strengthen internal controls.
Perform and review complex accounting activities within assigned portfolios.
Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial reporting processes.
Assist with internal and external audit requests and compliance initiatives.
Serve as a liaison among Accounting, IT, property accounting teams, business partners, and external vendors.
Research accounting issues, analyze alternatives, and provide recommendations to executive accounting leadership.
Support the implementation of new systems, reporting tools, and accounting initiatives.