Explore Sr. Property Accountant Jobs and discover a pivotal career at the intersection of finance and real estate. A Senior Property Accountant is a specialized accounting professional responsible for the comprehensive financial management of real estate portfolios, which can include commercial office buildings, retail centers, residential apartment complexes, and industrial properties. This role is critical for ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting, supporting strategic asset management, and safeguarding the financial health of property investments. Professionals in these jobs typically manage the full accounting cycle for multiple properties or entities. Core responsibilities revolve around the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes. This involves preparing and posting journal entries, calculating accruals, and performing detailed balance sheet reconciliations, particularly for complex accounts like tenant security deposits, prepaid expenses, and inter-company transactions. A significant duty is the reconciliation of Common Area Maintenance (CAM) and other operating expense recoveries, ensuring charges to tenants are accurate and in compliance with lease agreements. Senior Property Accountants are also tasked with generating detailed financial statements and performance reports, providing essential analysis on variances, budget-to-actual performance, and cash flow to property managers and asset owners. Beyond routine closes, the role often includes oversight of accounts payable and receivable functions, reviewing and approving transactions for accuracy. They play a key liaison role, coordinating with external auditors and tax preparers to facilitate smooth audits and tax filings. Many positions involve assisting with cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and supporting due diligence for potential acquisitions or dispositions. In some organizations, Senior Property Accountants may also handle fund-level accounting, including capital calls, distributions, and investor reporting. The typical path to these jobs requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, coupled with several years of direct property accounting experience, often within commercial real estate. A strong, foundational understanding of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) is non-negotiable. Technical proficiency is highly valued, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel being essential and experience with industry-specific software like Yardi, MRI, or similar property management/accounting platforms being a major advantage. Successful candidates demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, robust analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. Excellent communication skills are vital for explaining financial data to non-financial stakeholders and collaborating effectively with property management teams. For those with the right expertise, Sr. Property Accountant jobs offer a stable, rewarding, and intellectually challenging career with clear pathways to leadership positions such as Accounting Manager or Controller within the dynamic real estate sector.
