Senior Accounting Associate II

JLL•Westmont, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward. Senior Associate Accountant II – JLL Location: Hybrid – Westmont, IL What this job involves: Join JLL's Client Accounting Services team in Westmont, IL, where you'll play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional financial management for complex, multi-property real estate portfolios. This position combines technical accounting expertise with strategic client relationship management, giving you the opportunity to independently drive financial reporting excellence while mentoring developing talent. As a Senior Associate Accountant II, you'll serve as the primary financial liaison between property management teams, clients, and global partners, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and service excellence across all accounting operations. This role offers significant growth potential for experienced real estate accountants ready to elevate their career in a dynamic, client-focused environment where your contributions directly impact business success.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited institution.
Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience specifically in real estate or property management environments.
Proven ability to adapt and maintain effectiveness across varying environments, tasks, responsibilities, and client types while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
Strong planning and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to establish action plans, manage complex workflows, meet competing deadlines, and evaluate results effectively.
Client-focused mindset with proven track record of establishing and maintaining effective client relationships, meeting stakeholder expectations, and earning trust through consistent service excellence.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, vlookups, complex formulas, financial modeling).
Hands-on experience with real estate specific accounting software, specifically Yardi and/or MRI systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience training, developing, guiding, or supervising junior accounting staff members.
Advanced knowledge of real estate accounting principles including CAM reconciliations, tenant recoveries, and lease accounting.
Familiarity with GAAP and real estate specific accounting standards and financial reporting requirements.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to identify discrepancies and implement corrective solutions independently.
Experience managing global client relationships or supporting international business operations.
Certification or progress toward CPA, CMA, or similar professional accounting credential.

Responsibilities

Independently manage end-to-end financial reporting for complex multi-property portfolios, including journal entries, financial statement preparation, variance analysis, and bank reconciliations, ensuring all deliverables meet client specifications and deadlines.
Lead monthly financial review calls with JLL Property Management teams and clients, taking ownership of client relationships and acting as the strategic accounting partner who proactively addresses concerns and aligns financial activities with broader business objectives.
Oversee property-level cash management operations including bank reconciliations, critical payment processing, cash receipt recording, JLL reimbursements, and fraud prevention protocols to maintain financial integrity across all accounts.
Prepare and deliver timely, accurate monthly financial statements with supporting work papers in reviewable form, ensuring compliance with client requirements and internal quality standards.
Support internal and external audit processes by coordinating requirements across departments, maintaining working knowledge of management and loan agreements, and ensuring audit readiness for assigned properties.
Mentor and guide junior team members by providing training, comprehensive financial report reviews, and quality assurance oversight that develops their technical skills and promotes team excellence.
Partner with property management on year-end reconciliation processes, including preparation, calculation, and review activities that ensure accurate annual financial close and compliance with all client agreements.