VP & CAO

With a culture of recognition and reputation for excellence, ELS is the ideal organization in which to develop a long and successful career!

ELS is hiring for the position of VP & CAO in Chicago, Illinois.

Reporting to the CFO, the CAO will be the leader of the accounting function. This position will oversee accounting operations, financial reporting and technical accounting, and revenue accounting.

A successful candidate will leverage an outstanding technical accounting and process automation background, strong business acumen, and overall leadership skills to direct the functions within the accounting group. This position will lead a team of 40+team members who fulfill day to day accounting responsibilities and respond to the changing demands of a dynamic business.

• Lead all areas of accounting, from the transactional to the highly technical. Payroll/Benefits accounting, accounts payable, technical accounting, revenue accounting, consolidations, operational accounting, and internal controls.
• Drive to achieve the highest level possible of innovation in all matters related to accounting. Be a thought leader and real champion as we continue to optimize and automate accounting-related processes, entries and transactions.
• Serve as the key business partner for all accounting-related matters to entire organization, including key department stakeholders, business partners, and executive team.
• Own SEC filings, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, as well as earnings releases and quarterly financial supplements. Work closely with the law department on other filings and related matters (Proxy, 8-Ks, etc.).
• In partnership with FP&A and others, ensure the preparation and analysis of all financial reports meet the organization's needs. This includes reporting for management, , Board of Directors, external auditors investors and governmental agencies.
• Advise management of potential changes in accounting regulations or practices that may impact operations and reporting. Stay abreast of US GAAP, IFRS, and SEC developments, including participation in outreach with regulators and industry peers.
• You will set the tone at the top for the overall control environment to ensure we meet the standards of a publicly traded company.
• Serve as the executive accounting sponsor and primary contact for cross-functional teams, such as new company initiatives, M&A, strategic finance projects, systems improvements and optimizations and other projects as they arise. In the spirit of partnership, provide accounting advice and guidance in support of the business meeting their objectives.
• Build and maintain a successful accounting organization including the development of future leaders, optimization of the team's structure, and succession planning.

• 15+ years of experience in accounting with several of those years in a leadership role at a public real estate company or REIT.
• Bring a track record of leadership across multiple disciplines. Part player, part coach you are comfortable digging in and being hands-on when necessary while simultaneously mentoring, developing, supporting the team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of interacting with all levels of team members from staff to executive leadership to boards of directors.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting or a related field. CPA (active/inactive) required.