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Accounting Specialist

Fairlawn
Champaign, IL
Description

Are you highly motivated with an ownership mindset and a passion for all things numbers? If so, our Accounting Specialist 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 Accounting Specialist 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.

Fairlawn is a vertically integrated firm specializing in real estate investment, management, and development. Based in Chicago and Champaign, Illinois, we have a more than 10-year track record in value-add projects, development, student housing, and build-to-rent communities. With a portfolio of approximately 5,700 units and $850 million in assets under management, Fairlawn has established a strong presence across Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. We are actively expanding into additional Midwest markets.

What will you do?

  • Exemplify the core values of Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It, and Always Improve
  • Code, enter, process/post, and review invoices in a timely manner
  • Verify approval on invoices and check requests
  • Research vendor statements, resolve vendor and/or invoice issues, and respond to inquiries from internal and external vendors
  • Participate in month-end closing procedures such as bank and loan reconciliations and income statement review
  • Assist with work order review, billing, and payment
  • Post and scan corporate deposits
  • Maintain corporate credit card platform and process monthly credit card billings
  • Upload, code, and pay utility bills
  • Participate in lender reserve draw package assembly
  • Vendor relations including new vendor setup, resolving issues, and ensuring vendor compliance with certificate of insurance requirements
  • 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!
  • Additional monthly or quarterly incentive pay for meeting goals and supporting property performance
  • 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
  • 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:

  • Experience working in AppFolio for property management is a plus
  • Proficiency with relevant technology (e.g. Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) and ability to adapt to changing technology
  • Can work overtime as needed during high demand times and capacity shortages
  • Demonstrate superior attention to detail, high energy and a positive attitude
  • Have an ability to give and receive real-time feedback with a positive mindset
  • Ability to work both independently and to work closely with alongside your other team members
  • Availability to work 4 days in the office with optional 1 day remote each week
  • Have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
  • Ethical and professional conduct and integrity beyond reproach
  • Embody our core values: Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It and Always Improve

Accounting Specialist

  • Two years of accounting experience in a fast-paced office environment is desired

Senior Accounting Specialist

  • Five years of accounting experience in a fast-paced office environment is desired
  • Experience in Real Estate accounting is a plus
  • A college degree in Accounting or a relevant field, or relevant coursework is a plus

Some Additional Things You Will Need

  • Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation
  • 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 of time 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. 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.

Depending on the role requirements, offers of employment may be contingent upon one or more of the following: employment history verification, criminal background check, motor vehicle record check, education verification, or credit check.

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.
Posted 2026-02-12

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