Controller

Company: Clear Investment Group
Job Title: Controller
Department: Accounting
Location: Chicago, IL – IN OFFICE, not a remote position
Company Overview: Clear Investment Group is a leading investment management firm specializing in the acquisition and stabilization of distressed Class C workforce housing assets. Our mission is to provide affordable and quality housing while achieving strong financial returns for our investors. We leverage our expertise in property management, renovation, and financial oversight to turn around underperforming assets.
Job Overview: We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Controller to work with the CFO and the existing accounting team in overseeing the financial operations of the firm, Clear Opportunities Fund I, and ancillary businesses. The Controller will manage all accounting functions, ensure accurate financial reporting, and lead the month-end closing process. This role requires comprehensive knowledge of Yardi Voyager and strong variance analysis skills, along with the implementation of systems and processes around accounting functions.
Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Management:
   • Oversee day-to-day accounting operations (5+ staff), including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll.
   • Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in compliance with GAAP (Fund) and company policies.
   • Successfully onboard new firm assets.
2. Month-End Close Process:
   • Lead and manage the month-end close process, ensuring all financial transactions are recorded accurately and timely.
   • Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements.
   • Ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial data in Yardi Voyager.
3. Variance Analysis:
   • Conduct detailed variance analysis to compare actual performance against budget and prior periods.
   • Identify and explain significant variances, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.
   • Collaborate with property management teams to understand operational drivers behind financial performance.
4. Budgeting and Forecasting:
   • Assist in preparing annual budgets and periodic forecasts.
   • Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, providing regular updates to senior management.
5. Internal Controls and Compliance:
   • Develop, implement, and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
   • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and company policies.
6. System Utilization:
   • Optimize the use of Yardi Voyager for financial reporting and analysis.
   • Train and support staff in the effective use of the Yardi Voyager system in conjunction with the in-house Yardi expert.
7. Team Leadership:
   • Supervise and mentor accounting staff, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
   • Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
8. Compliance and Reporting:
   • Ensure company-wide compliance with all accounting procedures.
   • Lead the monthly GL close-out process to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
   • Manage and communicate company cash positions to senior leadership.
   • Prepare financial statements for management, including quarterly investor reports, individual property financial analyses, pro forma financials, and expense variances.
   • Oversee an accounting team of three, ensuring the accuracy of their work, including AP/AR, cash reconciliation, booking of management fees, and CAM reconciliation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in real estate or investment management.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in Yardi Voyager is essential and required.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work interdepartmentally and to work with employees with varying levels of capability/personality and effectively lead a team.
• A can-do attitude and one that sees this opportunity as more than just a job and wants to have a hand in growing the company; we are highly invested in employees that exhibit the traits of an ideal team player (humble, hungry, smart).

Benefits:

• Base Salary: $125K + based on experience
• Health and Dental
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Our culture is one of transparency and positivity, and we value learning across the organization. You will have the opportunity to lead and learn from the best, as we are a very flat organization. If you are motivated and a self-starter, the possibilities for mobility are endless! We believe that it is important to value our employees both on and off the field and offer a competitive salary with bonus potential, quality health plans (which we subsidize), and generous time off/holiday pay. We aren’t like the big firms and aren’t trying to emulate their culture either! We should fit you as well as you fit us.