Property Staff Accountant

Working for Equity Residential means being part of a community and striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together. That’s what our Be.Think.Play.Live. culture is all about.

As a Property Staff Accountant (which we refer to internally as a “Regional Accountant”), you will be responsible for providing accounting support to an assigned portfolio of approximately 35-40 apartment communities. You will be involved in maintaining accurate monthly accounting records, preparing monthly cash and/or bank reconciliations, and reviewing various mid-month reconciliations for your assigned portfolio of apartment communities. Many portfolios include a few specialized properties, which will keep the work both challenging and exciting. Each day will surely be unique, requiring an ability to prioritize, problem solve, take  initiative, and employ a diverse set of accounting skills. Expect to be challenged with a variety of assignments, from analyzing monthly operating statements and reconciliation of balance sheet accounts to handling business license renewals and sales & use tax filings. As a Property Staff Accountant for Equity Residential, get ready to work on a collaborative team and contribute to the greater accounting initiatives of a publicly traded real estate investment trust that’s focused on the acquisition, development, and management of high quality apartment properties in top U.S. growth markets!

WHO YOU ARE

• Knowledgeable.  Through previous work and/or school experiences, you’ve been exposed to accounting principles and enjoy the concepts of measuring, processing, and communicating business-related financial information. You don’t need to be an expert in Accounting activities, but your previous exposure to it is what will help you quickly transition into this position.
• Organized, Efficient, and Accountable. You have a keen eye for detail and pride yourself on delivering quality work. You multitask well, re-prioritize accordingly, and meet deadlines consistently.  Above all, you are flexible and able to juggle the needs of changing priorities of the business. And when a special project arises, you are frequently known to volunteer.
• Critical thinker.  You’re self-motivated to analyze and evaluate information gathered or received and take action to ask smart questions, challenge the status quo, and regularly seek to understand.
• Team Player. You enjoy partnering with others —whether internal or external— in order to get work done and deliver great results.
• Strong Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear and effective, demonstrating your ability to be articulate and understood. 
• Technologically Savvy.  Tools like email and internet access start as basic necessities in your daily operation and you are comfortable using computers. Microsoft Excel is a tool you know how to organize and leverage in order to successfully manipulate information into a user friendly format. You also enjoy  researching trends, organizing data, and problem solving when your findings indicate further research is required.
• Eager to Learn.  You invest extra energy in opportunities that expand your current knowledge base and propel you toward reaching your goals. 
  
  

• Maintain accurate monthly accounting records for assigned portfolio of communities to include reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, analysis of monthly operating statements, preparation of cash and/or bank reconciliations.
• Serve as an internal accounting liaison for assigned portfolio and Equity Residential’s Central Business Group by helping to research and correct any property-level accounting issues, such as NSF returns and other bank correction notices.
• Perform detailed analysis of utility expenses and accruals for assigned portfolio of properties in order to identify and communicate any month-over-month variances.
• Participate in special accounting activities such as cash flow mortgage payments, replacement reserve requests, sales and use tax filings, etc.
• Prepare capital reclass packages, which involves obtaining appropriate approvals and collecting all necessary backup.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned property portfolio.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external partners.
• Participate in special projects, as needed.
  
  

• Must have intermediate skills in Microsoft Word and Excel, plus some familiarity with Google applications.
• Detail oriented and well-organized, with an ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize various responsibilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to speak and write in a clear and articulate manner.
• Team player that demonstrates flexibility and the ability to integrate and work well with others.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines without sacrificing quality of work product.
• Motivated to succeed with capacity to assume increasing responsibility.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (with a business, accounting, or finance focus a plus) as well as 1+ years of accounting experience (with property accounting experience a plus).
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic accounting principles.