Portfolio Accountant

Portfolio Accountant – LaSalle Investment Management

Location: Chicago, 4 days a week in-office

What this job involves:

Join LaSalle Investment Management, one of the world's leading real estate investment managers and the dedicated investment management platform of JLL, as a Portfolio Accountant supporting our Canadian real estate portfolios. In this dynamic role, you'll work closely with the Portfolio Controller to manage critical accounting and reporting processes using IFRS standards. This position offers a unique opportunity to blend traditional accounting excellence with cutting-edge AI-driven innovation, contributing directly to portfolio performance analysis and investor reporting for institutional clients. You'll play a key role in ensuring financial accuracy while helping transform our accounting operations through process automation and efficiency initiatives. If you're a detail-oriented accounting professional eager to grow your CPA credentials while working at the intersection of real estate investment management and emerging technology, this role provides an excellent foundation for career advancement within our global investment platform.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close activities for Canadian real estate portfolios utilizing IFRS, including reviewing financial statements from property managers and joint venture partners.
• Prepare and post journal entries, conduct financial analysis, and review NAV packs to ensure accuracy and completeness of portfolio accounting records.
• Coordinate with the cash management team to execute critical transactions including investor subscriptions and distributions, invoice payments, and quarterly fee processing.
• Calculate, analyze, and report investment performance returns and prepare quarterly financial analysis packages for internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and lead AI-driven process improvement initiatives to automate recurring tasks, streamline financial statement preparation, and enhance efficiency across the accounting cycle.
• Support year-end audit and tax requirements by preparing schedules, responding to auditor requests, and ensuring compliance with reporting standards.
• Collaborate with off-site managers, clients, and cross-functional teams to proactively identify issues, develop creative solutions, and deliver exceptional client service.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting from an accredited institution with 1-3 years of professional accounting experience, preferably in real estate or investment management.
• CPA designation strongly preferred; candidates must be committed to achieving CPA certification as a requirement for future career progression within the organization.
• Strong technical knowledge of accounting principles (IFRS experience preferred) with demonstrated ability to prepare and analyze complex financial statements and investment reporting.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of AI tools (professional or personal use), with demonstrated interest in applying technology to solve accounting challenges.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with real estate accounting, investment fund accounting, or familiarity with Net Asset Value (NAV) calculations and performance return methodologies.
• Prior exposure to financial reporting systems, property management software, or accounting platforms used in institutional real estate investment management.
• Demonstrated track record of identifying process inefficiencies and implementing solutions to improve accuracy, speed, or service quality.
• Experience collaborating with joint venture partners, external auditors, or other third-party stakeholders in a financial reporting capacity.
• Natural curiosity about emerging technologies with willingness to pilot and champion new AI tools as part of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and meeting tight deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain complex accounting concepts to non-financial stakeholders.

What LaSalle Investment Management Offers:

A comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' well-being and work-life balance, including health benefits (medical, dental, vision, mental health support and additional ancillary insurance plans), generous paid time-off including paid company holidays, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability, and additional care/wellness programs. Financial wellness is supported through a 401(k) plan with a company match, flexible spending accounts, and health savings account options. All benefits subject to hired employees meeting requirements for eligibility.