Property Accountant, Chicago

The Company

 

Do you aim high? Are you genuinely helpful? Are you looking for a place where you can make a difference, receive ongoing support and training, and build a rewarding, long-lasting career? Then you may be a good fit for FirstService Residential, North America’s foremost property management firm. We’re all about our associates, and as we continue to grow, we’re looking for even more quality people who share our dedication to doing what’s right, improving residents’ quality of life, building great relationships and truly making a difference for their clients, their colleagues and themselves. Is that you? If so, we think you should get to know us.

 

Job Responsibilities

 

The Property Accountant performs functions to prepare accurate and timely monthly financial statements for assigned properties and associations guided by precedent and working within the limits of established policies.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

 

The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by positions in this job classification. Not all duties assigned to every position are included, nor is it expected that all positions will be assigned every duty.

 

• Prepare and deliver Financial Statement packages for an assigned portfolio of Condominium and/or Homeowner Associations following the quality standards as instructed by Management. Verify correctness of information prior to submission.
• Prepare Balance Sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules. Analyze the Balance Sheet and Income Statement accounts for accuracy.
• Prepare and post journal entries to the General Ledger. Review periodic reports of general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and correct errors prior to close of accounting period.
• Review and analyze transactions from Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payable to ensure they have been accurately coded and recorded. Work with AP and AR to investigate, resolve and/or report on discrepancies.
• Research, analyze, identify and explain any variances or unexplained items on the Income Statement and changes on the Balance Sheet.
• Prepare additional financial reports to be included in the Financial Package as requested by client.
• Assist independent CPA firms in their audit and review of associations on a yearend, turnover, and/or periodic audit/review.
• Analyze and post end-of-year audit adjusting entries.
• Prepare annual budget worksheets as needed for clients
• Provide assistance and guidance to Property Management by answering questions regarding monthly Financial Statements and other related matters.
• May provide guidance, direction and input to lower level Accountants.
• Additional assignments and duties – as may be assigned from time to time.

 

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

 

• Practice and adhere to FirstService Residential Global Service Standards.
• Conduct business at all times with the highest standards of personal, professional and ethical conduct.
• Perform or assist with any operations as required to maintain workflow and to meet schedules. Notify supervision of unusual equipment or operating problems and the need for additional material and supplies.
• May participate in any variety of meetings and work groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements, policies, and regulatory guidelines.
• Ensure all safety precautions are followed while performing the work.
• Follow all policies and Standard Operating Procedures as instructed by Management.
• Perform any range of special projects, tasks and other related duties as assigned.

 

Supervisory Responsibility None

 

Education & Experience

 

• BS/BA Degree in Accounting or equivalent experience
• Two to three years’ experience in property management, real estate, or residential management preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategies and build business plans
• Strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have strong proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office, (Outlook, Word, Excel and VBA, PowerPoint etc.)

 

Knowledge, Skills & Proficiencies

 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

 

• Interact effectively with others, communicating clearly, and understanding, meeting the needs of others.
• Excellent organization, planning, motivation and interpersonal skills.
• Critical thinking, complex problem solving, judgment, and decision making ability.
• Must have a strong work ethic and be detail-oriented with excellent multitasking skills.
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines and work well under pressure.
• Ability to work with sensitive or confidential information.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently and be self-driven.

 

Tools & Equipment Used

 

• Computer (MS Office, FSR Connect, Jenark Accounting Software)
• Telephone/Cell Phone
• Copy/Scanner/Fax Machine

 

Physical Requirements / Working Environment

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

 

• Exposure to numerous interruptions and surrounding conversations.
• Able to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Able to use hands and arms for calculating, typing, grasping, pulling, etc.
• Able to perform tasks requiring eye-hand contact.
• Able to squat, kneel, stoop to floor level and walk.
• Able to speak clearly and make self understood.
• Able to see objects closely to print; read instructions and recognize numerals.
• Able to distinguish colors.
• Able to hear background noises.
• Able to concentrate without interruptions.
• Able to follow instructions and handle occasional stress on the job.
• Occasionally reaches at or above the shoulder height.

 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Hours over and above normal office hours will occur, including evenings, holidays, and some weekends. Schedule is subject to change based on business needs.

 

Travel

 

None

 

Disclaimer The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This is not an all inclusive job description; therefore, management has the right to assign or reassign schedules, duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.