What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller - Private Equity position at Buckingham Search?
About the Company
A Chicago-based private equity firm investing proprietary capital on behalf of a family office. Free from pre-defined time horizons or investment hurdles, the firm focuses on long-term impact and value creation. The firm's ethos stems from the entrepreneurial spirit and expertise of its founder, who has a history of building and scaling successful companies across various industries.
About the Role
As the Controller, you will oversee and manage all accounting, financial reporting, bookkeeping, and finance functions to maintain the integrity of financial records for the family office, the firm, and its portfolio of investments. Ongoing responsibilities include addressing accounting issues, month-end procedures, compiling tax information, and preparing financial reports. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic, growth-oriented team in areas such as Accounting, Finance, Tax, Real Estate, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Public Securities, and Corporate Leadership.
Responsibilities
- Manage two individuals: a staff accountant and bookkeeper, while collaborating closely with the investment team and Family Office Principals.
- Oversee vendor relationships (banks, custodians, payroll, and tax service providers) to ensure high-quality service.
- Supervise accounts payable, including payment of approved invoices and maintaining documentation.
- Manage bookkeeping functions across all entities and principals using QuickBooks Enterprise Edition.
- Collaborate with consultants, brokers, and tax professionals for partnership, individual, and trust tax filings.
- Prepare monthly financial statements and supplementary reports, investigating variances and trends.
- Monitor and prepare quarterly or annual bank compliance support as required.
- Develop processes and dashboards to ensure stakeholders receive timely and relevant information.
- Oversee monthly property accounting for real estate investments and create regular reports for the investment team.
- Perform special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from a four-year college or university.
- 5–7 years of accounting experience.
- Experience in a closely held private company is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in technical accounting skills, including journal entries, balance sheet reconciliation, general ledger analysis, and cash/accrual basis accounting.
- Ability to analyze and compile financial reports to support business decisions.
- Self-motivated with excellent time management and multitasking skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks.
- Proven ability to manage external service providers such as tax firms, banks, and vendors.
- A passion for working in a high-growth business environment that values attention to detail and excellence.
Salary : $100,000 - $120,000
