Job Description:
Employer: DWS Group
Title: Real Estate Accounting Controller
Location: Chicago, IL
Job Code: #LI-LV2 #LI-02
About DWS:
Today, markets face a whole new set of pressures - but also a whole lot of opportunity too. Opportunity to innovate differently. Opportunity to invest responsibly. And opportunity to make change.
Join us at DWS, and you can be part of an industry-leading firm with a global presence. You can lead ambitious opportunities and shape the future of investing. You can support our clients, local communities, and the environment.
We're looking for creative thinkers and innovators to join us as the world continues to transform. As whole markets change, one thing remains clear; our people always work together to capture the opportunities of tomorrow. That's why we are 'Investors for a new now'.
As investors on behalf of our clients, it is our role to find investment solutions. Ensuring the best possible foundation for our clients' financial future. And in return, we'll give you the support and platform to develop new skills, make an impact and work alongside some of the industry's greatest thought leaders. This is your chance to achieve your goals and lead an extraordinary career.
This is your chance to invest in your future.
Read more about DWS and who we are here.
Team / Division Overview
This position is in the Fund Finance & Reporting group at RREEF Management, LLC, a real estate investment advisor, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of DWS. The Fund Finance & Reporting group oversees the out-sourced fund administration functions including property and fund accounting, client reporting and performance measurement for all RREEF advised direct real estate vehicles in the U.S. (approximately $36 billion assets under management).
The successful candidate will be responsible for the financial reporting and operational aspects for several real estate investment vehicles including overseeing the out-sourced fund administration function, ensuring timely and accurate completion of vehicle financial statements, liaising with third service providers and interfacing with current and potential investors on information requests. The position is in Chicago within the firm's Illiquid Asset Operations (IAO) group and offers a hybrid working environment.
Role Details
As a Real Estate Accounting Controller you will (be):
• Maintains strong cross-functional relationships, consistent communication and cooperation with the IAO and other groups at RREEF to support department and company initiatives
• Manage the review process for select real estate vehicles including monthly and quarterly accounting close packages, quarterly financial statements and footnotes, annual audit reports, and investor reporting related deliverables including distributions, tax withholding and redemption tracking
• Manage the process and relationships with third-party service providers including the Fund Administrator, auditors, and tax advisors.
• Review and approval of fund level invoice payments, and oversee and manage the annual fund level budgeting process
• Monitor transaction pipeline for assigned real estate products, assist Transactions team as needed, and manage the review of the accounting and tax reporting for the transaction
• Liaise with third party tax providers to manage the annual tax returns/1099s/K-1's reporting process as well as tax planning strategies.
• Monitor and assist with regulatory reporting and loan compliance requirements.
• Lead and complete ad hoc projects and tasks to improve efficiency and processes
• Responsible for managing assigned direct reports and delegating responsibilities and tasks
• Stay educated on real estate and accounting industry updates including new GAAP accounting literature and NCREIF PREA Reporting Standards
• Collaborate on deliverables and projects with other RREEF teams including Portfolio Management, CFO group, Asset Management, Transactions, Client Advisory Group, and Capital Markets We are looking for:
• Real estate accounting knowledge in both fair market value and historical cost method preferred
• Experience with real estate funds and separate accounts
• Four-year college degree required with a concentration in accounting or related business field
• Minimum 8 years' experience in public accounting and/or a real estate accounting position
• CPA strongly preferred
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Motivated, self-started with the ability to problem solve
• Strong attention to detail What we'll offer you:
At DWS we're serious about diversity, equity and creating an inclusive culture where colleagues can be themselves sand it's important to us that you enjoy coming to work - feeling healthy, happy and rewarded. At DWS, you'll have access to a range of benefits which you can choose from to create a personalized plan unique to your lifestyle. Whether you're interested in healthcare, company perks, or are thinking about your retirement plan, there's something for everyone.
Some of our core benefits:
• Competitive Salary and Matched 401K Savings Plan
• Generous Paid Time Away plus Bank Holidays
• Physical and Mental Health Well-Being benefits including (but not limited to) Health & Life Insurance Plans and the support of trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Family friendly benefits including generous parental leave packages (supporting all variations of family set-ups), to healthcare plans and travel insurance
• The opportunity to support our CSR strategy which is focused on combatting climate change & achieving greater social justice. You can make donations to our partnered organizations or take part in corporate volunteering opportunities in your local communities by providing on hand support. DWS' Hybrid Working model is designed to find the right balance between in-person collaboration and engagement in the office, which is core to our working culture, and working from home. Each business group varies on the split between time spent in the office and at home, but this will be discussed and made clear as part of your application and interview process. We will continue to review and evolve our working environments and methods to ensure that we are working in the best way possible for our people.
If you require any adjustments or changes to be made to the interview process for any reason including, or related to a disability or long-term health condition, then please contact your recruiter and let them know what assistance you may need. Examples of adjustments include providing a change to the format of the interview, or providing assistance when at the DWS office. This will not affect your application and your recruitment team will discuss options with you.
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Our values define the working environment we strive to create - diverse, supportive and welcoming of different views. We embrace a culture reflecting a variety of perspectives, insights and backgrounds to drive innovation. We build talented and diverse teams to drive business results and encourage our people to develop to their full potential. Talk to us about flexible work arrangements and other initiatives we offer.
We promote good working relationships and encourage high standards of conduct and work performance. We welcome applications from talented people from all cultures, countries, races, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, beliefs and generations and are committed to providing a working environment free from harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
Visit Inside Deutsche Bank to discover more about the culture of Deutsche Bank including Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Learning, Future of Work and more besides.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. Click these links to view the following notices: EEO is the Law poster and supplement ; Employee Rights and Responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act ; Employee Polygraph Protection Act and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision .
