Senior Accountant, Financial Reporting

Equity Residential 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 a team player to join our corporate Accounting team as a Senior Accountant - Financial Reporting. In this role, you will report to the Financial Reporting Director and your primary responsibilities will include, in conjunction with accounting team leadership, ensuring that the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) financial reporting requirements of Equity Residential are met timely and with complete accuracy. The Senior Accountant will oversee and review the work of Staff Accountant(s) in completing these tasks, in addition to completing tasks on his/her own. Additionally, the Senior Accountant may be responsible for various special projects and tasks.

• An Experienced Accountant. To help you quickly transition into this position, you have at least 3 years of previous financial reporting experience under your belt, preferably from 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.

• Prepare quarterly and annual SEC filings such as 10-Q and 10-K, including drafting footnote disclosures, Management Discussion & Analysis, completing GAAP checklists, preparing support tie-out packages, and researching technical guidance as needed.
• Prepare and review various footnotes and related disclosures and ensure supporting documentation is sufficiently prepared and maintained for public filings.
• Use a formal process for appropriate data gathering, consolidation, and analysis of financial data relative to the preparation of required regulatory filings.
• Take ownership of identifying opportunities and developing and proposing solutions to improve and streamline processes.
• Oversee and review the work of Staff Accountant(s) in completing these tasks, in addition to completing your own.
• Assist in implementation of new accounting standards
• Work with external auditors during the annual audit process quarterly reviews.
• Conduct review of the XBRL tagging process for quarterly and year end SEC filings.
• Work closely with other accountants at corporate and property, investor relations, FP&A, tax, legal, and treasury departments.
• Demonstrate a high level of detail-orientation with excellent analytical and written, and verbal communication skills.
• May perform duties normally associated with a supervisory position such as training, delegation, and the capability to oversee the work of others and effectively motivate staff.
• Consistently organize and prioritize workload while working simultaneously on numerous projects and tasks and remaining conscientious of deadlines.
• Perform other duties and participate in special projects, as necessary.

REQUIREMENTS 

• A Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance and 3-5 years applicable accounting experience is required.
• Must be detail oriented with excellent analytical and written/verbal communication skills.
• Must have strong delegation skills and the capability to oversee the work of others and effectively motivate staff.
• Must be able to organize, prioritize workload and work on numerous projects/tasks at one time, and be conscientious of deadlines.
• Computer literacy required - Intermediate Excel skills required, Google Apps, and previous experience working in accounting systems or with XBRL or Donnelley-Active Disclosure strongly  preferred.
• 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 public accounting experience preferred, but not required.
• CPA status is preferred and encouraged, but not required.

We recognize everyone has different needs outside of work. That’s why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique benefits options to employees, like pet insurance and paid time off for community service projects. To learn more, view our Total Wellbeing page here.