Job Details

Description

Who We Are

Core Spaces (Core) is more than a real estate company, it’s a people company. Where building relationships is just as important as building properties. From researchers and architects to designers and operators, Core is made up of risk takers and dreamers who are on a mission to invent the future of living. Our six cultural values guide us every day and we strive to live them in everything we do: PUSH (Invent Better Places to Live), GRIT (We Got This), LIFT (Help Each Other Win), SHINE (Bring Your Full Self), UPHOLD (Never Break Trust), GROW (Always Get Better). Everything Core does stems from this culture of collaboration and innovation, and the drive to constantly improve the resident experience. This unique approach has led to creating spaces and services that are redefining the way people live.

What We Do

Founded in 2010, Core is a vertically integrated company, focused on acquiring, developing, and managing across the student housing and build-to-rent (“BTR”) sectors. Its residential communities feature world-class amenities, progressive design, and hospitality-driven client service. In its award-winning student portfolio, Core currently owns and/or manages over 45,000 beds – and has a pipeline of over 49,000 beds in various stages of development. Core's BTR division currently has approximately 4,000 homes under development and in its pipeline in high growth metros across the country. * For more information, visit www.corespaces.com.

*Portfolio and pipeline numbers as of Q2 2025

Benefits That Matter

• A culture that provides you with a sense of belonging
• Hybrid or remote work options may vary by role to support work-life balance
• Competitive pay that values your contributions
• Incentives designed to reward your achievements
• Paid unlimited PTO to disconnect or celebrate life milestones
• Paid 15 holidays, including your birthday, to disconnect and celebrate
• Paid Parental Leave that begins after 90 days
• Paid volunteer time off to give back to your community
• Monthly workshop weeks; fewer meetings & more collaboration
• Robust health plan options that begin within at least 30 days of your employment
• Monthly phone reimbursement
• Wellness allowance and perks, including a yearly subscription to a meditation app
• An environment that provides you a voice to share your perspectives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for access to confidential support services
• Company retirement options including 401(k) + matching & Roth account option

Position Overview:

Core Spaces is seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President, Fund Controller to join our real estate accounting team in Chicago, IL. The ideal candidate will bring 15+ years of experience across accounting and finance in the real estate sector, ideally with a strong background in fund management and development or construction accounting.

This leadership role will oversee financial reporting and accounting for real estate investment funds, including both closed-end and open-end structures, while collaborating closely with our fund administrators and internal partners.

This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and is best suited for candidates who thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

What You Will Do:

• Lead all aspects of fund-level accounting and financial reporting for multiple Student Housing and Build-to-Rent (BTR) real estate funds, including closed- and open-ended vehicles
• Ensure timely and accurate calculation of NAV, performance metrics, waterfalls, management fees, and carried interest, partnering with Tax, Valuations, and FP&A
• Participate in fund structuring discussions and assist with onboarding new funds and investment vehicles
• Review fund governing documents, offering documents, subscription documents, side letters, and investment management agreements to ensure proper application of fund terms
• Provide insights and support for investor reporting and respond to inquiries and due diligence requests
• Manage activities and relationships with external auditors to ensure timely and accurate delivery of fund audits and Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUPs)
• Partner with the Asset Management and Investment teams to assist in forecasting investment entity/fund capital calls and distributions
• Collaborate with Wealth Management, Institutional Capital Raising, and FP&A teams to forecast asset management fees, deemed contributions, and capital raising costs
• Assist the Fund Investment team with preparing quarterly/annual financial statements, including transaction details, investment schedules, and other documentation and calculations
• Assess current fund accounting operations, offer recommendations for improvement, and implement new processes
• Maintain knowledge of new technical accounting developments, regulatory changes, and internal management requirements
• Evaluate, enhance, and implement accounting systems and internal controls
• Identify and implement process improvements, efficiencies, and automation opportunities using enhanced reporting and technology
• Develop and mentor the fund accounting team, identifying training needs, career paths, and providing ongoing coaching
• Assist the CFO and other departments with special projects or as directed
• Support senior management in implementing strategic departmental and corporate initiatives
• Occasional travel may be necessary as needed
• Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned by management
• Must be able to complete all physical requirements of this role with or without a reasonable accommodation

Ideally, you'll have:

• 15+ years of experience, mix of public accounting and industry experience fund accounting/investment accounting/real estate accounting is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field. Certified Public Accountant preferred
• Strong leadership with proven ability to build, manage, and retain high-performing teams rooted in accountability, collaboration and positive, inclusive culture
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, while analyzing financial data and preparing financial reporting
• Detail oriented and ability to problem solve
• Organization and project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience interacting with internal/external stakeholders (partners, investors, management, tax professionals, etc.)
• Ability to work effectively as a team in a complex, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Proficiency with accounting/consolidation/reporting software or ERP (Yardi)

You'll crush it if you have experience with

• Previous experience with real estate funds, particularly student housing or Build-to-Rent (BTR)
• Hands-on expertise with Yardi, MRI, NetSuite, or similar ERP/fund accounting systems
• A deep understanding of waterfall modeling, management fee structures, and carried interest calculations
• A proven track record of building and leading high-performing accounting teams
• Comfort navigating complex fund structures and investor reporting in a fast-growth environment
• Experience implementing or optimizing fund accounting procedures and internal controls
• Familiarity with partnership tax matters and collaboration with tax advisors
• Passion for mentoring and developing talent as the company scales
• The ability to translate technical financial data into actionable insights for executives and stakeholders

Organizational Structure

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Direct Reports: Director/Associate Director(s), Fund Accounting & Reporting and Manager(s), Fund Accounting & Reporting

Disclaimer: Please note that job responsibilities, reporting lines, and duties outlined in this job description are subject to change to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Core Spaces celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, which creates a sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are and the community they represent.

Base salary range: $215,000 - $230,000 annually, with total compensation package up to $287,500 annually. Final salary range will depend on experience, skills, qualifications, and location.

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we could pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contracts, and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.