Laura Gerdes
Area of Focus
Real estate Audit
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Lauren Gerdes

Real Estate Senior Analyst, Senior Manager

About Lauren

Lauren Gerdes is senior manager of assurance services and real estate senior analyst for RSM US LLP, with over 10 years of experience delivering industry-specific insights to help clients stay at the forefront of change. 

Since the start of Lauren’s RSM career, real estate has been her passion and focus. She guides clients across the country through constantly evolving challenges, technology trends and new ventures. As a member of the national real estate practice, she provides a wide range of assurance and attest services to privately held companies in all sectors of the industry.  


Experience

Lauren is experienced working with private equity investment advisors and funds holding various equity and debt positions in domestic and international real estate. She is adept at navigating complex accounting and operational matters surrounding acquisitions, valuations and structures, including qualified opportunity zone funds, real estate investment trusts and open-ended funds. 

Lauren was selected as a senior analyst in RSM’s cutting-edge Industry Eminence Program, which positions its senior analysts to understand, forecast and communicate economic, business and technology trends shaping the industries RSM serves. These senior analysts advise clients on conditions influencing middle market leaders. Lauren’s focus is on the real estate industry. Lauren is also active in RSM’s employee network group STAR, which advocates for women in the workplace with a focus on stewardship, teamwork, advancement and retention opportunities.

Away from the office, Lauren devotes time to volunteer activities with the National Society of Multiple Sclerosis, Young Professionals Board (Illinois Chapter). She loves tackling outdoor challenges, including mountain hiking with her Australian Shepherd, competing in triathlons and even swimming with whale sharks in Mexico. Her latest passion is training in Krav Maga—a self-defense practice used by the Israeli military. 


Professional affiliations and designations

  • Certified public accountant, Illinois and Colorado 
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants

Education

  • Master of Science, accounting, University of Illinois Chicago
  • Bachelor of Science, accounting, University of Illinois Chicago
Laura Gerdes
Area of Focus
Real estate Audit
Connect