Controller

Atlas Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A real estate investment firm in Chicago seeks a Senior Fund Controller to manage financial operations and compliance for residential debt funds. The ideal candidate has 7+ years of fund accounting experience, preferably with real estate private equity or credit funds. Responsibilities include oversighting accounting, preparing financial reports, and ensuring regulatory compliance, all integral to maintaining strong investor relations and optimizing fund operations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in fund accounting, with at least 3 years in a controller or fund finance leadership role.
• Experience with real estate private equity or private credit funds – residential mortgage/debt exposure strongly preferred.
• CPA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting and financial reporting for multiple residential debt funds.
• Prepare and review quarterly and annual financial statements according to GAAP.
• Manage fund waterfalls, promote calculations, and carried interest tracking.

Skills

Fund accounting

Real estate private equity

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Deadline-driven

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

Base pay range

$200,000.00/yr - $250,000.00/yr

Reports To: CFO

Company Overview

My client is a real estate investment firm focused on originating and managing residential debt investments, including bridge loans, construction loans, and permanent financing solutions. Our portfolios span across multiple geographies and loan structures, offering investors strong risk-adjusted returns. They are seeking a Senior Fund Controller to manage the financial operations, reporting, and compliance for our residential debt funds.

Position Summary

The Senior Fund Controller will lead all fund-level accounting, reporting, and operational finance for a growing portfolio of residential debt investment vehicles. This role is ideal for someone with a deep understanding of real estate private equity or credit fund structures and fund accounting best practices. You’ll work closely with senior leadership, fund administrators, auditors, and investors.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting and financial reporting for multiple residential debt funds (open- and closed-end)
• Prepare and review quarterly and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and fund governing documents
• Maintain accurate books and records, including journal entries, capital accounts, accruals, and intercompany activity
• Manage fund waterfalls, promote calculations, and carried interest tracking
• Coordinate and review NAV calculations and capital call/distribution notices

Investor Relations & Compliance

• Support investor reporting processes including capital account statements, performance metrics, and ad hoc data requests
• Ensure compliance with fund documents, SEC/IRS requirements, and applicable regulatory frameworks
• Assist with audits, tax returns (including K-1 coordination), and investor due diligence
• Collaborate with legal and operations teams on fund structuring, side letters, and new fund launches

Operations & Process Optimization

• Interface with third-party fund administrators and custodians; review their outputs for accuracy
• Monitor loan performance, income recognition, and cash flows from underlying debt assets
• Improve reporting workflows, internal controls, and technology tools to enhance fund operations
• Track investment-level data such as principal paydowns, interest collections, and impairments

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA preferred)
• 7+ years of experience in fund accounting, with at least 3 years in a controller or fund finance leadership role
• Experience with real estate private equity or private credit funds – residential mortgage/debt exposure strongly preferred
• Deep understanding of fund structures (LP/GP), capital account maintenance, and debt investment modeling
• Strong communication and organizational skills; detail-oriented and deadline-driven

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Accounting/Auditing