Senior Accountant - Financial Reporting

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means being part of a community and striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together. Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets – New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles – provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, and our experience shows in our dedication to our residents and in how much we value each other as colleagues. That’s why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can Live Remarkably, and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to make their mark.

EQR is an S&P 500 real estate company headquartered in downtown Chicago and is in search of a resourceful, efficient, detail-oriented financial professional and team player to join our corporate Accounting team as a Sr. Accountant - Financial Reporting. In this role, you will report to the Financial Reporting Director and your primary responsibilities will include assisting with the financial reporting process, maintaining Sarbanes-Oxley 404 internal control documentation, conducting high-level risk assessments of documented controls, and helping refine EQR’s control environment. You may also participate in the stand-alone audit process performed by independent accounting firms, as well as audit engagements related to EQR’s joint venture agreements and 401K Plan. Each day is sure to be unique, challenging you to think on your feet and allowing you to regularly learn new things. Get ready to Enjoy the Ride!

• Experienced Accountant. To help you quickly transition into this position, you have at least 2 years of previous financial reporting experience under your belt, preferably from one of the “Big 4” public accounting firms.
• A Strong Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear and effective, helping you connect well with others. You know how to organize your communication in order to effectively get your message across and be understood.
• A Team Player. You are united with teammates in delivering on all commitments. 
• Organized and Enjoy Multitasking. You are organized, flexible, and able to juggle multiple tasks in order to meet deadlines consistently—even if they’re tight.  Above all, you have no problem adjusting to the changing priorities of the business and/or the financial reporting team.
• Motivated. You are resourceful, ask smart questions, challenge the status quo, and regularly seek to understand. You invest extra time and energy to accomplish goals. And when a special project arises, you volunteer!

• Assist in maintaining Sarbanes-Oxley 404 internal control documentation and answering internal/external auditor questions.
• Conduct high level risk assessments and department interviews to identify key controls and analyze control weaknesses and/or inefficiencies and recommend appropriate actions or improvements to management to ensure effective internal control over financial reporting.
• Involve with the preparation of process narratives and related documentation, requiring partnership with other departments across EQR as well as EQR’s internal audit team.
• Review and evaluate client IT environment including IT systems, processes, and controls in order to ensure compliance with prevailing regulatory laws and requirements.
• Assist in fielding auditor questions and gathering information as requested during EQR’s interim and year-end audit processes.
• Support the preparation and filing of EQR’s quarterly and annual financial statements, filings for press release, equity/debt offerings, and other reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Forms 10-Q, 10-K, 8-K, S-3, etc.
• Assists in the stand-alone audit process performed by independent accounting firms as well as audit engagements related to EQR’s joint venture agreements and 401K Plan
• May perform duties normally associated with a supervisory position, such as training Staff Accountants, etc.
• Perform other duties and participate in special projects, as necessary.

REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• 2+ years experience in financial reporting, including experience with GAAP, Sarbanes-Oxley, real estate accounting and SEC rules and regulations. 
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and have the ability to perform well under pressure in order to achieve the timely filing of SEC reports. 
• Some supervisory experience desired and “Big 4” public accounting experience preferred, but not required.