Manager - Valuation & Litigation, Real Estate

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

Job summary

Cohen & Co is seeking a Manager for its Valuation & Litigation practice to join the real estate appraisal team in Chicago, IL. You will engage in diverse engagements and help shape processes as the team scales.

This role offers exposure to various property types across the U.S., collaboration with leadership, and a growth-focused environment with a hybrid work model. Candidates should have a strong background in real estate appraisal and licensure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required (Finance, Economics, or Urban Planning preferred).
• 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 cost, sales comparison, and income approaches to value.
• Ability to transition between projects and engagements.
• Team player with an entrepreneurial spirit and desire for continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Complete cost, sales comparison, and income approach analyses for value of commercial real estate across the U.S. and select international engagements.
• Apply understanding of the three approaches to value across various property types.
• Conduct site inspections and analyze market trends and comps to support defensible conclusions.
• Ensure deliverables comply with USPAP and Appraisal Institute standards.

Skills

Real estate appraisal

Public accounting

MAI in progress

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Economics/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

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

Estimated Base Range

• $100,000 - $140,000
• Base compensation offered to candidates is determined based on factors such as candidate's relevant skillset, experience, licensure, and certifications, as well as job responsibilities, geography, market considerations, and organizational needs. We also offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that allows each employee to design a package that best suits their needs and goes beyond standard options, including time off outside of your standard PTO to recharge and give back to the community, annual discretionary merit increases and bonuses, talent development resources to tap into growth opportunities.

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.