Accounting Manager – Real Estate Development

Location: Chicago, IL

Position Overview

A leading privately held real estate investment and development firm is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to join its Chicago development accounting team. This individual will oversee accounting and financial reporting for multiple development projects, manage day-to-day accounting operations, and partner closely with construction, development, finance, tax, and legal teams.

The Accounting Manager will play a key role in ensuring accurate project financials, overseeing construction-related accounting activities, strengthening internal controls, and supporting the firm's continued growth.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting and financial reporting for multiple real estate development projects

• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation

• Review and approve contractor payment applications, including G702/G703 documentation

• Oversee vendor payments, contract processing, and construction accounting workflows through Textura

• Manage reconciliation of project costs in e-Builder to the general ledger

• Review project invoices, change orders, commitments, accruals, and cost allocations

• Oversee project funding requests, construction draws, and disbursements through title companies

• Prepare and review monthly financial statements, project reporting packages, and supporting workpapers

• Monitor development budgets, project profitability, cash flow, and budget-to-actual variances

• Partner with development and construction teams to ensure accurate tracking of project costs and financial performance

• Support consolidated financial reporting, forecasting, annual audits, and tax reporting

• Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls

• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes and improve reporting efficiency

• Supervise, mentor, and develop junior accounting staff while ensuring timely completion of deliverables

• Collaborate with senior leadership on financial analysis and strategic initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred

• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within real estate development, construction, or real estate investment

• Prior experience supervising or managing accounting professionals preferred

• Strong understanding of GAAP, general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and month-end close processes

• Experience with development accounting, construction draws, project cost tracking, and budget management

• Familiarity with contractor payment applications, including G702/G703

• Advanced Excel skills, including financial analysis and reporting

• Experience with JD Edwards, Textura, e-Builder, HFM, Hubble, or similar accounting and project management systems is a plus

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across development, construction, and finance teams

• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize deadlines, and operate in a fast-paced environment

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in real estate development or construction accounting, with experience overseeing multiple projects, managing accounting staff, and partnering with development teams. This individual should be comfortable operating in a hands-on management capacity while providing financial oversight, improving accounting processes, and supporting senior leadership.