Senior Accountant - The Alden Network

Title:Senior Accountant

Reports to:  Senior Director of Operations of Alden Realty Services, Inc.

About us: Alden Realty Services, Inc. (ARS) is a property management company for affordable independent living communities throughout the Chicagoland area. Since 1990, ARS has co-developed and continues to manage 15 properties that provide housing to over 1,000 seniors. We are seeking a full-time Senior Accountant to join the ARS Finance team.

Overall Job Responsibilities: 

• Ensures the integrity of accounting information by recording, verifying, consolidating, and entering transactions/journal entries.
• Prepares and records asset, liability, revenue, and expense entries by compiling and analyzing account information.
• Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations
• Maintains general ledger by transferring subsidiary accounts, preparing a trial balance, and reconciling entries.
• Summarizes financial status by collecting information and preparing balance sheets, profit and loss statements with analysis, and other documents.
• Assists with the payroll process.
• Completes external audit by analyzing and scheduling general ledger accounts and timely providing information for auditors.
• Comply with legal requirements.
• Secures financial information.
• Protects organization’s value by keeping information confidential.
• Trains and supervises accountants and accounts payable/receivable associates as needed.
• Assists with the receivables (check auditing/posting/depositing, electronically and at the bank) and payables (invoice review, posting, approval, check cutting) processes as needed.

·     Financial Reporting: Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in compliance with regulatory requirements and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Prepare financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, budget comparison reports and cash flow statements, and communicate financial results to stakeholders.

·     Cash Management: Assist with the management of the company's cash flow, liquidity, and capital structure. Assist with banking relationships and optimize working capital.

·     Financial Controls: Adhere to internal controls to safeguard assets, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and prevent fraud and financial misstatements. Conduct periodic audits and reviews to assess the effectiveness of internal controls.

·     Tax Planning and Compliance: Coordinate with tax advisors and oversee the preparation and filing of tax returns. Participate in the annual audits including the consolidation process of all related entities.

·     Financial Systems and Processes: Assist with the evaluation and optimization of financial systems, processes, and workflows to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

·        Other:Performs other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications and Competency Requirements:

Experience and Education

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a similar major is required
• A master’s in accounting or MBA is preferred
• Certified public accountants strongly preferred

·       A minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting/finance

·       Previous Multi-Family Real Estate or Property/Investment Management experience preferred

·       Thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·       Knowledge of accounting practices associated with non-profits and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits preferred

Computer Skills

·       Proficient in computer systems related to payroll, general ledger, budgeting, and general office functions

·       Proficiency with applications including Yardi, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook highly preferred

Additional Attributes

·       Ability to focus on the tasks and details relevant to the position and the organization, while also switching quickly between tasks

·       Ability to identify and resolve issues related to accounts payable/receivable

·       Ability to exercise excellent independent judgment and take ownership of decisions

·       Ability to think on a broad, systems-level relative to the scope of the position

·       Ability to work independently and self-manage to achieve goals while being a strong team player

·       Ability to organize, meet deadlines, and delegate appropriately

·       Ability to cope with and embrace change, risk, and uncertainty

·       Ability to develop strong relationships within a collaborative setting that values diverse opinions; enthusiasm for helping drive change as ARS becomes a more data-driven organization

Work Schedule and Location: Monday to Friday, in-person at the corporate office. (4200 W. Peterson Ave. Suite 140 Chicago IL 60646).

Other: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.