Position Description – Senior Financial Director – Multifamily Portfolio

Company Overview:

Sherman Residential is an innovative, privately held real estate investment firm specializing in the management of top-tier multifamily apartments across the southern United States. Established in 1990, we have successfully acquired more than 27,000 apartments and overseen assets exceeding $3 billion. Our current portfolio features 16 Class A properties comprising 5,500 units across 7 states. We actively engage in both acquisition and disposition activities, having completed 8 deals in the past 12 months alone.

At Sherman Residential, we take a proactive approach to financial stability by fixing all of our debt, eliminating concerns over loan maturity or floating rate debt. This approach ensures a secure foundation for our operations and investments.

Last summer, we successfully raised Fund 15, securing over $260 million, marking our largest fund to date. This achievement underscores our strong investor confidence and further enhances our capability to pursue strategic growth opportunities and deliver superior returns.

Job Summary:

The Senior Financial Director role offers a unique opportunity to lead with a hands-on approach, actively participating in daily financial operations to ensure the company's seamless and efficient functioning. You will oversee critical financial functions including financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, and risk mitigation, playing a pivotal role in maintaining the organization's financial health and regulatory compliance. Developing and nurturing key relationships with financial partners and stakeholders will be essential, supporting the company's strategic financial objectives. Collaborating closely with Operations, you will align financial strategies with operational goals to drive long-term success. As a leader, you will foster a culture of innovation and high performance, mentoring and developing your team to maximize their potential. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills will be key in building trust and influencing individuals at all levels, ensuring cohesive financial leadership in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Wage Status: Exempt

Compensation: $150,000 annual based on experience and qualifications. Performance-Based Bonuses: Avg 20% bonus annually based on transactions and portfolio performance.

Location: This position will be based out of the corporate office in Northbrook, IL requiring in-office days on Monday – Friday when not traveling.

Primary Duties

• Hands-On Involvement: This role goes beyond oversight, requiring active participation in daily functions to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the company. The Senior Financial Director will work alongside the team to directly contribute to achieving business objectives, offering hands-on support as needed.
• Financial Oversight & Reporting: Ensure the timely and accurate completion of financial statements, audits, tax returns, and budgets. Manage and optimize cash flow and cash management processes while maintaining the organization’s overall financial health.
• Develop & Maintain Key Financial Relationships: Establish and nurture relationships with key financial partners, including lenders, investors, government agencies, bankers, attorneys, and accounting firms, ensuring these connections effectively support the company’s financial strategy and operations.
• Budgeting & Cash Management: Lead the budgeting process, collaborating with the Operations department to develop realistic, goal-aligned budgets. Oversee daily cash management to ensure the company’s financial flexibility and liquidity are preserved.
• Fund Audits & Tax Compliance: Oversee fund audits and ensure full compliance with financial reporting standards. Work closely with accounting teams and external auditors to guarantee the accurate and timely submission of tax returns.
• Insurance & Risk Management: Collaborate with insurance brokers to manage comprehensive coverage for business operations and property portfolios. Proactively identify and mitigate risks to protect company assets and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Legal & Contractual Oversight: Review and approve critical legal agreements, including loan documents, partnership contracts, and vendor agreements, ensuring that all terms are aligned with the company’s financial and operational interests.
• Asset Management Collaboration: Work closely with the Asset Management team to oversee the financial performance and operations of properties, ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term strategic goals.
• Cross Departmental Initiatives: Drive shared initiatives with operations leadership to strategize and execute software rollouts, streamline current processes, and implement efficiencies that enhance operational performance and financial outcomes.
• Investor Relations: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the company’s investor base. Engage in relationship building, fostering transparent communication and trust. Lead fundraising efforts and capital strategies to support future growth initiatives.
• Leadership & Team Development: Gain an in-depth understanding of each team member’s role within the accounting department and how their contributions drive the company’s success. Provide strategic leadership, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and high performance, while mentoring and developing staff to maximize their potential.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; MBA preferred; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Experience: 7+ years of experience in real estate accounting and finance, with a focus on multifamily real estate preferred.
• Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Hands-on leadership style with a "doer" mentality, actively participating in daily operations to ensure team and company success. Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence and build trust at all levels of the organization. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Familiarity with Yardi preferred, but not required.
• Personal Traits: Solution-oriented, with a passion for real estate, finance, investing, or private equity. Respect for others with the ability to be sensitive to the needs of fellow employees, residents and investors we serve. Ability to mentor and develop team members and work collaboratively and effectively with diverse groups both internally and externally. Willingness and desire to learn new skills and adapt to evolving industry practices. Show a commitment to communication, integrity, teamwork, respect, accountability, adaptability, passion, innovation, excellence, quality, and service.
• Additional Requirements: Ability to travel up to 10% of the time. Demonstrated success in driving financial performance and achieving strategic objectives. Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and risk management practices. Commitment to organizational goals and adherence to company policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Company Benefits

• Engaged and Supportive Leadership
• Collaborative Team Environment
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401K w/ Company Matching
• Monthly Cell Phone Allowance
• Employee Investment Opportunities
• Paid Time Off – Holidays, Floating Holidays, Vacation and Sick Time
• Employer Funded Training and Development Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discount Program
• Focus on Work/Life Balance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Summer Hours ½ Day Fridays
• On-Site Gym in Building