Tax Manager

Job Description

Company Description

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Chicago, GEM Realty Capital (“GEM”) is an integrated real estate investment firm with $6 billion of assets under management. GEM invests in publicly traded real estate securities through GEM Realty Securities and in private-market real estate assets through GEM Realty Properties. GEM strives to provide exceptional real estate investment solutions and returns for our investors; to promote development, creativity, and opportunity among our team; and to have a meaningful positive impact in our communities.

Overview

We are seeking to add a highly motivated, intellectually curious Tax Manager to join the tax group. In this role, you will engage directly with GEM’s Tax Director, and assume a wide range of responsibility, including overseeing tax compliance, REIT compliance, and tax projections. You will be joining a dynamic and collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development, including interaction with internal and external stakeholders. Strong communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, and taking initiative while multitasking high-priority projects are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead the tax compliance process with external tax preparers for Funds/Limited Partners/Inside Entities and ensure accuracy and completeness of all tax filings
• Review extensions, returns, and K-1s for Funds/Limited Partners/Inside Entities
• Communicate with the financial reporting group to ensure the accuracy of tax filings
• Ensure REIT compliance through due diligence, including quarterly and annual testing
• Review quarterly tax projections, including UBTI, and estimated payments
• Review Fund/Entity/Limited Partner Federal, state, and local tax withholding calculations
• Decipher tax obligations as outlined in legal agreements and confirm alignment with subsequent tax reporting
• Support tax due diligence projects, such as tax structuring of acquisitions and dispositions
• Manage tax-related Limited Partner requests, including state waivers and ERISA support
• Collaborate with securities traders to minimize tax exposure
• Manage Federal/State/Local audit and notice responses
• Monitor new tax legislation and evaluate its impact throughout the firm
• Aid transfer pricing studies and other ad-hoc projects where necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, including strong academic performance
• CPA or CPA (non-active)
• 5+ years of experience in public accounting and/or in the real estate private equity sector
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to effectively articulate tax concepts and related concerns to non-tax professionals
• Ability to proactively manage deadlines
• High intellectual curiosity and a voracious desire to learn
• Experience with REITs and private equity fund structures

Benefits & Commitments

• Competitive salary, bonus, fully paid primary/secondary caregiver leave and PTO
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, short term/long term disability and life insurance
• 401K and HSA with company matching contributions
• Firmwide commitment to:
  • Charitable giving and community impact through multiple individual and organized service opportunities 
  • Diversity and Inclusion through the active engagement of a D&I Strategist to deepen our firm’s D&I capacity and maximize opportunities for growth and education
  • ESG through the active engagement of an ESG Consultant to further initiatives that strengthen our positive impact, enhance value and support GEM’s fiduciary responsibilities

GEM values a diverse workforce and encourages all applicants, including women, people of color, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign born residents and veterans, to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, disability, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, age, religion, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status or any protected category by local, state or federal laws.