Manager - Valuation & Litigation, Real Estate

Cohen & Co Advisory; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Cohen & Co Advisory in Chicago is seeking a Manager to join their valuation team, focusing on real estate appraisal. The role involves conducting various analyses, ensuring compliance, and preparing appraisal reports while collaborating with other departments.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in real estate appraisal, is a licensed appraiser, and is pursuing the MAI designation. The position offers a hybrid work environment with significant opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of combined real estate appraisal and/or public accounting experience.
• Licensed real estate appraiser in at least one state.
• Active progress toward MAI designation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cost, sales comparison, and income approach analyses.
• Prepare appraisal reports with quality assurance.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders in assurance and tax.
• Participate in business development activities.

Skills

Real estate appraisal

Cost and income approaches to value

Market analysis

Compliance with industry standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or Urban Planning

Job description

What You’ll Do

Cohen & Co's Valuation & Litigation practice is growing, and we're looking for a Manager to add to our real estate appraisal team! The practice is expanding, the work is varied, and there's real room to help shape where we go next. You'll get exposure to a wide range of commercial property types and engagements and have a real say in how the team and processes evolve as we scale. Beyond the work, you'll be part of a team that's genuinely invested in each other and want to see you grow in your career. If you're a real estate appraiser looking for a place where your expertise is valued and your ideas are heard, we'd love to hear from you!

Valuation & Analysis

• Complete cost, sales comparison, and income approach analyses to value commercial real estate properties across the U.S. (and select international engagements)
• Apply strong working knowledge of the three approaches to value across a variety of commercial property types
• Conduct site inspections and analyze property conditions, market trends, and comparable sales to support defensible conclusions
• Stay current on local zoning, economic indicators, and market dynamics impacting commercial property values

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare appraisal reports with limited review needed from senior leaders, owning quality, accuracy, and compliance with industry standards and regulations
• Ensure all deliverables align with USPAP and Appraisal Institute standards
• Maintain thorough documentation and supporting exhibits to back valuation conclusions
• Deliver clear, well‑organized written reports tailored to client and engagement needs

Quality Review & Data Validation

• Review and test third‑party appraisals for existing clients to support both assurance and tax engagements
• Verify the validity of data used in appraisals, including property details, market trends, and comparable sales
• Identify inconsistencies or risk areas in external appraisal reports and recommend adjustments
• Apply quality control procedures to minimize risk and uphold accuracy across engagements

Collaboration & Practice Growth

• Collaborate regularly with key stakeholders across our assurance and tax departments
• Support the continued growth of a newer, expanding practice with direct access to valuation leadership
• Participate in business development activities, both internally and externally
• Contribute ideas to help shape processes, tools, and strategy as the team scales

Who You Are

Required

• Bachelor's degree required (preferred: Finance, Economics, or Urban Planning)
• 5+ years of combined real estate appraisal and/or public accounting experience
• Licensed real estate appraiser in at least one state (home state preferred)
• Active progress toward the MAI designation, ideally at least 50% through Appraisal Institute coursework
• Strong working knowledge of the cost, sales comparison, and income approaches to value
• Ability to easily transition between projects and engagements
• Team player with a desire for continuous learning and an entrepreneurial spirit

Preferred

• MAI designation in progress or near completion
• Experience valuing a variety of commercial property types across multiple U.S. markets
• Big 4 or middle market background

Locations

• Akron, OH; Baltimore, MD; Buffalo, NY; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Deer Park, IL; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Milwaukee, WI; New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; St. Clair Shores, MI; Troy, MI; Westchester, NY; Youngstown, OH
• Hybrid work environment

Compensation

Estimated Base Range: $100,000 – $140,000

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity of thought and background to build an inclusive and energized culture and better meet the needs of our clients.