Accountant

A Real Estate Accountant (sometimes called a Property Accountant) is a specialized financial professional who manages the books for property owners, developers, or investment firms. Unlike general accountants, they deal with industry-specific tasks like Common Area Maintenance (CAM) reconciliations, lease administration, and property-level tax structures.

Below is a standard job description you can use or adapt.

Job SummaryThe Real Estate Accountant is responsible for the day-to-day financial operations of a portfolio of properties. This includes maintaining the general ledger, managing accounts payable and receivable (rent collection), preparing monthly financial statements, and ensuring compliance with property-specific tax and lease requirements.

• Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting & General LedgerPrepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for individual properties and consolidated portfolios.
• Perform month-end close processes, including journal entries and bank reconciliations.
• Manage fixed assets, including depreciation and amortization schedules for buildings and improvements.
• Property-Specific OperationsCAM Reconciliations: Perform annual "true-ups" for Common Area Maintenance, insurance, and tax recoveries from tenants.
• Rent Roll Management: Review lease agreements to ensure accurate billing of rent, late fees, and escalations.
• Development & Construction: Track capital expenditures (CapEx) and manage construction draws for new developments or renovations.
• Compliance & BudgetingAssist in the preparation of annual operating budgets and cash flow forecasts.
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax professionals for year-end filings and property tax assessments.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and industry-specific standards like ASC 842 (Lease Accounting).