Director, Product Management

Job Details Job Location: IL Chicago Corp Office CCLLC - Chicago, IL Position Type: Full Time Salary Range: Undisclosed Job Category: Information TechnologyDescription

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, managing, and lending 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 38,600 beds – and has a pipeline of over 43,000 beds in various stages of development. Core's BTR division currently has over 3,000 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 May 2024

Benefits That Matter

• A culture that provides you with a sense of belonging
• Hybrid and remote work options to promote work-life balance
• Competitive pay that values your contributions
• Annual incentive to reward your achievements
• Paid unlimited PTO to disconnect or celebrate life milestones
• Paid 16 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

The Product Manager for Finance and Accounting will be responsible for leading projects that drive process improvements, system enhancements, and the overall operational efficiency of the finance and accounting functions. This role will ensure that finance applications and processes support the strategic priorities of the Finance Leadership team and align with overall business objectives. Collaborating with Finance, Accounting, and IT stakeholders, the Product Manager will manage initiatives across financial systems, including platforms such as Yardi, Pigment, and other finance modules. The position requires a high level of influence and a focus on project planning, execution, change management, and cross-functional communication to ensure the successful adoption and optimization of systems and processes.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of financial processes, accounting principles, and systems, coupled with excellent project management skills. They will be instrumental in identifying and implementing process improvements.

What You Will Do

• Lead and manage cross-functional finance and accounting projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with business goals and timelines.
• Collaborate with Finance and IT stakeholders to assess system functionality, gather business requirements, and design innovative solutions for financial systems (e.g., Yardi, Pigment).
• Drive process improvements and automation within the ERP system and other financial tools, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness.
• Serve as a key contributor in the budgeting and forecasting implementation, working closely with FP&A and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate and optimize end-to-end processes in collaboration with finance and accounting teams, leveraging technology and best practices.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including project plans, timelines, user guides, process flows, key milestones and change management materials.
• Implement and enhance management reporting using financial systems and tools (e.g., Power BI, Big Query) to support critical decision-making processes such as cash flow forecasting and corporate results reporting.
• Facilitate communication and teamwork across departments to ensure smooth project execution and integration of financial systems.
• Participate in financial data governance initiatives to improve alignment, consistency, and data structure across systems.
• Manage relationships with external vendors or system providers as needed to optimize tools and processes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and internal policies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring all initiatives are delivered on time and within scope.
• Provide training and support to end-users, ensuring successful adoption and usage of new systems and processes.
• Occasional travel may be necessary as needed to support project delivery.
• 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

• 7+ years of relevant experience managing projects within finance or accounting environments.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or Information Systems (with a focus on financial systems).
• Proven experience with financial systems, particularly Yardi and other ERP platforms (e.g., Pigment), with 5+ years in implementation or system management.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and process improvement methodologies.
• Ability to think strategically about systems and data, with a keen attention to detail and strong data analytics background.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects involving finance, accounting, asset management, and IT; managing project stakeholders and influencing outcomes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with external vendors and system providers.
• Proficiency in SQL, custom reporting, and data management is a plus.
• Knowledge of real estate fund structures, REITs, and experience with full-cycle accounting in Yardi is highly desirable.
  

You'll crush it if you have experience with

• CPA, PMP, or a Master’s degree is a plus.
• Specialized experience in Yardi software and related modules, including system security, administration, financial reporting, job costing, and investment management.
• Knowledge of compliance and risk management within financial systems is highly desirable.
• Experience working in real estate or property management sectors.
• Tech-savvy, with the ability to thrive in a highly integrated technology environment.

Organizational Structure

Reports to: Managing Director, Data Strategy

Direct Reports: N/A

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.

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