Staff Accountant - Operations

Job Summary

The Staff Accountant – Operations is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting cash management activities, performing account reconciliations, managing payroll-related processes and accounting functions, and assisting with month-end and year-end close processes. This role plays a key part in ensuring accurate financial reporting for operating properties and supporting audits and external reporting requirements.

Essential Duties

General Accounting and Cash Management

• Perform general accounting and cash management duties as assigned.
• Reconcile cash accounts and performs bank reconciliations.
• Process journal entries as needed and ensure accurate general ledger postings.
• Maintain a strong understanding of site-level accounting and its impact on the general ledger.
• Understand property KPI’s and performance to such metrics.
• Understand connection between resident ledger entries and effects on the general ledger.

Financial Close and Reporting

• Ensure accurate recording of invoices and expenses related to operating properties as part of month-end reporting.
• Prepare and maintain accounting schedules and reconciliations including prepaid expenses, fixed assets, insurance, real estates taxes and accrued expenses.
• Assist Controller in analysis and preparation of monthly financial statements.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities.

Payroll and Benefits Accounting

• Perform weekly and bi-weekly payroll processing, including administration and maintenance of employee data in 3rd party payroll systems.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and secure documentation of employee files and payroll support data.
• Compile payroll reports and prepare journal entries related to payroll charges.
• Prepare and process monthly payroll chargebacks to properties.
• Prepare and process invoices related to employee benefits with proper allocation to each property.
• Minimal processing of employee records as part of onboarding & offboarding.

Audit and Compliance Support

• Assist the Controller with responding to information requests from external accountants, financial institutions, and agencies.
• Assist Controller, CFO and COO in gathering documentation and reconciliations for annual reviews, financial audits, and workers comp audits.
• Maintain a high level of working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in private or public accounting. 
• Consideration may be given to recent graduates with relevant internship experience.
• Prior experience in real estate or property management accounting a plus.

Required Competencies and Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and accounting software with ability to navigate systems efficiently.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with strategic thinking ability.
• Detail oriented with high level of accountability, accuracy, and efficiency, especially when multitasking.
• Ethical conduct, integrity, and professionalism. 
• Solid understanding of financial accounting principles and GAAP.
• Technical aptitude with desire to improve processes and drive efficiencies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, organizational, time management and math skills.
• Able to work with confidential information and keep private.
• Adaptability through periods of change and growth.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Work Environment

The work environment is typical for an employee performing the essential functions of this job. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Climbing, bending, stooping, crouching, and lifting of items up to 15 lbs. may be required. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Occasional overtime may be required.