Buckingham Search · 1 month ago
Director of Accounting - Real Estate
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
7+ years expBuckingham Search is a rapidly expanding real estate investment and operations firm seeking a Director of Accounting to lead all corporate and portfolio-level accounting functions. The role involves overseeing the accounting processes, ensuring compliance with GAAP standards, and managing a growing accounting team to support the company's significant growth.
EmploymentRecruitingStaffing Agency
Hiring Manager
Adam Carlson, CSP
Responsibilities
Oversee monthly and annual close across a large portfolio of operating, development, and investment entities
Review workpapers, journal entries, and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and consistency
Lead ongoing upgrades to controls, policies, and standardized procedures
Drive the transition to accrual accounting and elevate reporting to full GAAP standards
Produce consolidated financial statements and multi-entity eliminations
Manage audits, lender reporting, covenant compliance, and interactions with external partners
Oversee accounting for holding companies, management entities, and property-level operations
Support budgeting, reforecasting, and variance analysis with operations and asset management teams
Manage cash planning, intercompany activity, reserves, and treasury processes
Lead the evaluation and implementation of accounting systems and automation tools
Build scalable workflows across AP, AR, consolidations, and reporting
Identify KPIs and improve departmental efficiency and reporting quality
Manage and develop a growing accounting team across staff and senior-level roles
Set clear expectations, build accountability, and foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement
Be hands-on where needed—this is a roll-up-your-sleeves environment
Qualification
Required
CPA required
Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance
7+ years of progressive experience, including 3+ years managing a team
Real estate experience required (investment, development, or property management)
Deep knowledge of GAAP, consolidations, intercompany accounting, and multi-entity structures
Experience with audits, tax coordination, and complex reporting requirements
High ownership mentality, strong communication skills, and comfort operating in a fast-growing environment
Preferred
Public accounting background strongly preferred
Strong systems acumen; experience with Yardi, AppFolio, MRI, or similar is a plus
Experience with FP&A or reporting tools (Prophix, Vena, Datarails, etc.) a plus
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision & life insurance options
401(k) with company match
Generous PTO and paid holidays
Companywide events and team-building programs
Company
Buckingham Search
Buckingham Search is an independent recruiting agency that connects accounting, audit, tax, and HR professionals with companies.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Adam Carlson, CSP
Co-Founder and Partner
Laci Hernandez, CSC
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
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