We are seeking a highly motivated Staff Accountant to join our awesome team here at Fairlawn!

Are you highly motivated with an ownership mindset and a passion for all things numbers? If so, our Staff Accountant role may be perfect for you! Based in Champaign, Illinois, this Fairlawn team member will be responsible for supporting the accounting functions of the company. The Staff Accountant will report to the Director of Accounting.  The ideal candidate will embody Fairlawn’s core values: Be Kind, Own It, Be Flexible, and Always Improve.

What will you do?

• Exemplify the core values of Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It, and Always Improve
• Own the accrual-basis accounting lifecycle for your assigned portfolio of properties
• Month-end close process including accrual entries, bank reconciliations, work paper package assembly, and financial statement analysis and reconciliation
• Successfully manage the Accounts Payable process from invoice entry to final payment 
• Vendor relations including new vendor setup, resolving issues, and ensuring vendor compliance with certificate of insurance requirements
• Monthly budget variance reporting 
• Lender financial reporting and reserve draw package assembly 
• Year-end assembly of work paper packages for tax return preparation
• Ability to coach and mentor junior team members through training and process improvement
• Develop and provide feedback on current department procedures and make recommendations for process improvements
• Review and ensure compliance with internal controls (proper approvals, documentation, account coding, payment terms, etc.) 
• Meet departmental expectations/deadlines and perform other duties and special projects as assigned 
• Learn and ensure compliance with all Fair Housing Laws including local, state, and federal housing regulations (We provide training)
• Pivot, roll up your sleeves, and jump in where needed!

Why should you work here?

• Competitive Pay. We are ready to invest in you!
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance - Starting on First Day of Employment - to access care for positive health outcomes and your overall wellbeing
• Employee-sponsored benefits including Short Term Disability, Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, Flexible Spending, and H.S.A. Accounts to avoid costly medical expenses due to gaps and ensure that all your medical needs are met
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Match to invest in your future wealth and retirement   
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holiday Pay to help you reset and come back rejuvenated and refreshed
• Monthly company events to promote team cohesion 
• Wellness Days to focus on being your best self. We want you to have time to disconnect and recharge in a way that works for you
• The opportunity to work for a growing organization where you are valued and can have a direct impact 
• Quarterly off-site meetings with your manager to celebrate wins, issue solve and ensure you are set up for success. Plus, the process is rewarding, and the results are great for your career

Who you are – We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• An undergraduate degree in Accounting is strongly desired
• Three years of experience working in accrual-based accounting systems is strongly desired
• Prior experience in Real Estate accounting and/or public accounting is a plus  
• Proficiency with relevant technology (e.g. Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) and ability to adapt to changing technology.  Experience in AppFolio, Yardi, or other property management software is a plus.
• Have the ability to work overtime as needed during high-demand times and capacity shortages.
• Demonstrate superior attention to detail, high energy, and a positive attitude
• Have the ability to give and receive real-time feedback with a positive mindset
• Ability to work independently and also to work closely with other team members 
• Availability to work 4 days in the office with an optional 1 day remote each week
• Ethical and professional conduct and integrity beyond reproach 
• Embody our core values: Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It, and Always Improve

Some additional things you will need:

• Valid driver’s license
• Availability to work longer hours and weekends during department and company peak seasons
• Must be able to complete the physical functions of the position, not limited to the ability to sit for long periods at a computer and extensive keyboarding.

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with the requirements listed above. While meeting all qualifications is preferred, we understand that exceptional candidates may bring comparable experience and skills to the table including prior experience at Fairlawn Real Estate. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are committed to considering all applicants [internal and external] and to identifying and selecting the most qualified applicant for the role. 

Supervisor Responsibilities: No 

Fairlawn Real Estate is a fast-growing real estate firm managing approximately 5,000 units throughout Central Illinois and Indianapolis. Our company uses the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to run and help grow our business – the tools from EOS contribute to finding the right people and putting them in the right roles, effectively solving issues as they arise, and building a culture of accountability. In short, it gets everyone on the same page and working toward the same goals. If you have an ownership mindset and take pride in all the details, joining our team may be perfect for you!

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

INDMP