Fund Accounting Lead

The Equus Group; Illinois; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Equus Group is seeking a Fund Accounting Lead in Chicago to own end-to-end fund accounting, NAV accuracy, and financial reporting across multiple vehicles. You will serve as the primary link between senior management, portfolio operations, and external auditors, driving control standards and operational excellence.

Ideal candidates have 6–8+ years in fund accounting within private equity or alternative investments, a CPA or progress toward one, and strong knowledge of US GAAP and fund

Qualifications

• 6–8+ years of fund accounting experience in Private Equity, Alternative Investment Management, Asset Management, or Public Accounting (Big 4 / regional firm with fund clients).
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. CPA certification is strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP (specifically investment company accounting), waterfall/carry mechanics, and complex fund structures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee internal fund accounting, NAV calculations, general ledger maintenance, and cash management across multiple fund vehicles.
• Lead the preparation and review of quarterly and annual financial statements in accordance with US GAAP. Manage relationship and workflow with external auditors and tax advisors.
• Oversee capital calls, distributions, partner capital statements, and investor reporting processes.
• Partner closely with third-party fund administrators, custodians, and external service providers to ensure operational accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with portfolio managers and deal teams on fund structuring, onboarding new investment vehicles, and process automation/system enhancements.

Skills

Fund accounting

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Independence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA certification preferred

Tools

Investran

eFront

Yardi

Geneva

Excel (advanced)

Job description

Our client, a top-tier investment management firm in Chicago, is seeking a Fund Accounting Lead to join their finance team.

Operating at the intersection of leadership and fund execution, this role offers complete, end-to-end oversight across complex investment vehicles and financial reporting. Serving as the primary conduit between senior executives, portfolio operations, and third-party administrators, this position is built for a sharp, high-ownership finance professional ready to drive operational excellence on a top-tier platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee internal fund accounting, Net Asset Value (NAV) calculations, general ledger maintenance, and cash management across multiple fund vehicles.
• Lead the preparation and review of quarterly and annual financial statements in accordance with US GAAP. Manage relationship and workflow with external auditors and tax advisors.
• Oversee capital calls, distributions, partner capital statements, and investor reporting processes.
• Partner closely with third-party fund administrators, custodians, and external service providers to ensure operational accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with portfolio managers and deal teams on fund structuring, onboarding new investment vehicles, and process automation/system enhancements.

Qualifications & Background

• 6–8+ years of fund accounting experience within Private Equity, Alternative Investment Management, Asset Management, or Public Accounting (Big 4 / regional firm with fund clients).
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. CPA certification is strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP (specifically investment company accounting), waterfall/carry mechanics, and complex fund structures.
• Familiarity with fund accounting platforms (e.g., Investran, eFront, Yardi, Geneva, or similar systems) and advanced Excel proficiency.
• Excellent analytical capabilities, strong written/verbal communication, and the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment.

The Equus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.