Staff Accountant - Corporate Accounting

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), 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. Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets – New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles – provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, and our experience shows in our dedication to our residents and in how much we value each other as colleagues. That’s why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can Live Remarkably, and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to make their mark.

Under the direction of the Corporate Accounting Manager, the Staff Accountant will be responsible for providing accounting support for the Equity Residential Corporate Accounting function.  The Staff Accountant is responsible for processing cash receipts, accounts payable, preparing monthly financial statements, and administering various financial projects within Equity Residential.  The Staff Accountant prepares quarterly and annual work papers in accordance with GAAP and EQR standards.  Each day is sure to be unique, challenging you to think on your feet and allowing you to regularly learn new things. 

• A Strong Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear and effective, helping you connect well with others.
• A Team Player. You are united with teammates in delivering the best experience to current and prospective residents.  
• Organized. You are flexible and able to juggle appointments and personal interactions with teammates and customers smoothly.  
• Creative. You are an idea person and like coming up with smart solutions to new challenges.
• Caring. You put yourself in others’ shoes and strive for positive outcomes.  
• Motivated. You invest extra energy to reach your goals.
• Solution-Oriented. You follow through on commitments, co-workers and business partners know that they matter.  

• Prepare and distribute monthly financial statements by ledger.  Prepares necessary quarterly reports at quarter end.
• Prepare certain work papers needed to support certain balances included in Equity’s financial statements.
• Record any monthly/quarterly entries which are necessary to adjust the property detail to a GAAP basis.
• Record cash transactions for Corporate Accounting which includes journal entries for cash deposits, wire transfers, and Corporate pcard transactions.
• Assist in the preparation of budgets.  Budget to actual reviews done quarterly with variance research and analysis.
• Reconcile various intercompany accounts and follows up with appropriate parties to clear any balances.
• Responsible for preparing ancillary income journal entries and reconciling the associated liability accounts on a monthly basis.
• Prepare special audit work papers, bank confirmations, etc., as well as general auditor assistance in fielding questions and gathering supporting work papers and schedules quarterly.
• Assist in compiling financial information on Equity to be provided to inside parties.

• The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in accounting.
• 0-1 year applicable general accounting experience.
• Must possess good verbal and written communication skills and have the ability to perform under pressure to achieve the timely filing of SEC reports.
• Computer literacy required - Intermediate Excel skills required, Google Apps, and previous experience working in accounting systems is strongly preferred.
• CPA status is encouraged, but not required.   

We recognize that everyone has different needs outside of work. That’s why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique options to employees, like adoption benefits and paid time off for community service projects. To learn more, view our Total Wellbeing page here.