The Opportunity

Blue Owl is seeking an accomplished and strategic Chief Accounting Officer to lead the accounting and financial reporting function for its publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), listed on the New York Stock Exchange. This is a unique opportunity to join a rapidly growing organization and play a critical role in strengthening the Company's accounting infrastructure, reporting capabilities, and control environment.

The ideal candidate will bring deep technical accounting expertise, extensive public REIT experience, and a proven ability to build scalable processes and high-performing teams. As a key member of the finance leadership team, the CAO will partner closely with executive management and the Board of Directors to ensure best-in-class financial reporting, compliance, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting

• Lead all month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Serve as the Company's technical accounting expert, with particular emphasis on GAAP and historical cost accounting for real estate transactions and investments.
• Evaluate and determine accounting treatment for complex transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, leases, financing arrangements, development activities, and segment reporting.
• Review and assess real estate investment structures, partnership agreements, debt documents, development agreements, and purchase and sale agreements to determine financial reporting implications.
• Oversee third-party service providers and ensure compliance with reporting requirements, budgets, and deadlines.
• Prepare and present financial analyses and reports for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Partner closely with investment, asset management, and operations teams regarding acquisitions, dispositions, and ongoing portfolio activity.

SEC Reporting & Compliance

• Own the Company's SEC reporting process, ensuring timely and accurate preparation and filing of Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and other required disclosures.
• Oversee the preparation of quarterly earnings releases and supplemental investor reporting packages.
• Monitor emerging SEC regulations, accounting pronouncements, and disclosure requirements, assessing their impact on the Company.
• Coordinate with external auditors, legal counsel, and other advisors on reporting and disclosure matters.

Internal Controls & SOX Compliance

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR).
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements and oversee testing, documentation, and remediation efforts.
• Continuously evaluate accounting processes and recommend enhancements to improve efficiency, scalability, and control effectiveness.

Audit & Tax Oversight

• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and manage all audit-related activities.
• Coordinate audit planning, inquiries, and deliverables to ensure timely completion of quarterly and annual audits.
• Oversee third-party REIT compliance testing and monitor adherence to REIT qualification requirements.
• Partner with tax advisors on REIT taxable income calculations, distribution requirements, and tax return preparation.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting organization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Oversee hiring, performance management, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively across asset management, investments, investor relations, legal, and other business functions.

Strategic & Ad Hoc Projects

• Support strategic transactions, acquisitions, financings, and other corporate initiatives.
• Deliver timely analysis and reporting for executive leadership and investment teams.
• Effectively manage competing priorities and deadlines within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 12+ years of progressive accounting and financial reporting experience, including significant real estate accounting exposure.
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP and historical cost accounting principles as they apply to real estate investments and operations.
• Deep understanding of SEC reporting requirements, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy statements, and transaction-related filings.
• Demonstrated experience leading SOX compliance programs and maintaining effective internal controls over financial reporting.
• Strong understanding of leases, debt agreements, partnership structures, development agreements, and real estate transaction documentation.
• Proven track record of building, leading, and developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple competing deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial reporting systems, including Workiva or comparable platforms.

Preferred Experience

• Current or prior Chief Accounting Officer, Deputy CAO, Controller, or equivalent leadership experience within a publicly traded REIT.
• Big Four public accounting background strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting high-growth, institutional real estate organizations.

Leadership Competencies

Lead by Example

Demonstrates accountability, sound judgment, and a strong sense of urgency. Combines disciplined execution with a practical, solutions-oriented approach and bias toward action.

Strategic Business Acumen

Possesses a strong understanding of industry dynamics, market trends, and emerging best practices. Connects accounting and reporting decisions to broader business objectives.

Vision & Influence

Effectively communicates organizational goals and priorities while inspiring confidence, engagement, and alignment across teams.

Team Development & Motivation

Creates an environment where individuals are challenged, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Integrity & Ethics

Maintains the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and ethical conduct in all interactions and decision-making.

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.

Benefits for this role include Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k), Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, Family Planning Support, Paid Time Off, and Leave of Absences. All such benefits are subject to the terms/conditions of the Company's benefits plans and policies.

The base annual salary range for this Chicago based position will be $250,000 to $300,000. Actual salary offered will be based on the candidate's skill, experience, and qualification for the role. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus, based on factors such as individual and team performance.