Controller

Oliver James Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid healthcare

Job summary

Oliver James Group in Chicago is seeking a Controller to lead month-end close, financial reporting, and fund accounting across real estate funds and corporate entities.

This role offers high autonomy, exposure to private equity structures, and a path to build scalable accounting processes while managing a growing team in a downtown office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required.
• 8+ years of experience in real estate funds or private equity.
• Knowledge of U.S. GAAP, partnership accounting, and investment company reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close for funds and corporate entities.
• Prepare and review financial statements, capital account statements, and investor reporting.
• Manage fund accounting including capital calls, distributions, waterfalls, and fee calculations.
• Direct corporate accounting: GL, budgeting, consolidations, and intercompany activity.
• Coordinate audits, tax filings, and valuation processes with external partners.
• Maintain internal controls and improve accounting systems and workflows.
• Lead and develop the accounting team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA

Tools

Yardi

MRI

Job description

Our client, a boutique real estate firm, is seeking a Controller to join their growing team. This role offers high autonomy and exposure across fund accounting, management company, and corporate finance. The position is in office 4 days per week in Downtown Chicago, with competitive compensation and benefits, including 100% employer-paid healthcare.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close for funds and corporate entities
• Prepare and review financial statements, capital account statements, and investor reporting
• Manage fund accounting, including capital calls, distributions, waterfalls, and fee calculations
• Direct corporate accounting: GL, budgeting, consolidations, and intercompany activity
• Coordinate audits, tax filings, and valuation processes with external partners
• Maintain internal controls and improve accounting systems and workflows
• Lead and develop the accounting team

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required
• 8+ years of experience, including real estate funds and/or private equity
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, partnership accounting, and investment company reporting
• Experience with property-level accounting systems (e.g., Yardi, MRI) and fund administration tools
• Excellent leadership, communication, and attention to detail