Accountant

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Accountant to join our awesome team here at Fairlawn! The ideal candidate will embody Fairlawn’s core values: Be Kind, Own It, Be Flexible, and Always Improve.

Do you have an ownership mindset and a passion for all things numbers? If so, our Accountant role may be perfect for you! Based in Champaign, Illinois, the Fairlawn team member will be responsible for supporting a broad range of corporate accounting activities to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information.  This role will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, while also providing mentorship to junior staff.  The Accountant will report to the Director of Accounting. 

What will you do? 

• Exemplify the core values of Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It, and Always Improve
• Coordinate and collaborate with external partners, including accounting firms, lenders, and 3rd party property managers
• Oversee loan activity throughout the portfolio, coordinating maintenance of loan module software and ensuring accurate balances and monthly postings; coordinate onboarding and offboarding of loans
• Coordinate and process construction and development draw requests, ensuring compliance with loan agreements and funding requirements 
• Collaborate with project managers, lenders, and external vendors to resolve discrepancies or delays in the draw process, ensuring timeliness and accuracy
• Participate in financial planning of construction and development projects to ensure alignment with budgets
• Process weekly bill payment for all property and corporate entities
• Support year-end closing processes and tax preparation effort
• Oversee assembly of lender reserve requests and support financial reporting to lenders 
• Maintain a strong understanding of intercompany transaction processing between corporate entities; set up recurring bills and journal entries to increase efficiency  
• Support all property and corporate accounting functions, ensuring compliance and efficiency
• Understand and participate in the lifecycle of accounts payable processing, including invoice review and coding, adherence to PO and work order approvals, and working with vendors to resolve issues as needed
• Participate in month-end closing procedures such as bank and loan reconciliations and income statement analysis
• Mentor junior team members, providing guidance and support on accounting best practices
• Handle escalated questions from the accounting team
• Review and ensure compliance with internal controls (proper approvals, documentation, account coding, payment terms, etc.) 
• Review, recommend and develop new processes and procedures to ensure maximum efficiency within the accounting department
• Enthusiastically participate in problem solving, contributing to a shared culture of teamwork 
• Assist the team with ad hoc tasks 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 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

Requirements

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

• Have a minimum of four years progressive accounting experience
• Have an Undergraduate degree preferably in Accounting, Business, Finance, Economics, or another relevant field [required]
• Have exposure to accrual-based accounting systems [strongly desired]
• Have experience in accounting for construction and development, with strong understanding of t