Account Specialist

City

Seattle

State

Washington

Job Location

PNW 194 Expo

Position Type

Regular

JOB SUMMARY:

Associate is responsible for all accounting operations of the community. Accountable for posting payments, processing Deposit Accounting forms, completion of Final Deposit Accounting, vendor invoice management and other administrative and customer service duties as required. Responsibilities of the Community Account Specialist include the following duties in compliance with all company policies and processes.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Management of all assigned delinquency.
• Initiate timely and effective communication with the residents.
• Maintain the highest level of customer service for residents, vendors, and corporate departments.
• Research resident accounts and balances and promptly make corrections.
• Report on trends, causes of delinquency, and provide resolution insights.
• Implement provided initiatives to reduce delinquency and provide consistent feedback.
• Ensure systems are kept up to date and accurate for reporting purposes.
• Ability to support legal proceedings for unpaid rent, including the unlawful detainer, small claims, and eviction processes.
• Understand and remain attune to local, state, and national legal requirements.
• Assist with other ad hoc requests and reports as needed.
• Embody all Essex Values; act with integrity, care about what matters, lead at every level, do right with urgency, seek fairness.
• Conduct site visits to apartments to locate and communicate with residents regarding overdue rent payments. Utilize effective communication skills to engage with residents in a professional and empathetic manner, addressing concerns and negotiating payment arrangements to facilitate the collection of rent or return of possession of the apartment.
• Ensures compliance of company money management and accounts receivable policies and procedures
• Completes accounting responsibilities including revenue management, collections, and timely processing of Deposit Accounting and Accounting Month End.
• Resolve conflicts with residents regarding rent increases and lease violations, escalating to management when appropriate.
• Compliance with company standards as defined in the Human Resources Policy Manual, Operations Playbook and applicable laws, e.g., Fair Housing, Landlord Tenant, Local Building Codes, OSHA, and EEOC.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent is required. 
• 1 to 2 years of Customer Service or Account Receivable/Payable experience.
• 2 years direct or 3 years related experience.
• Accounting background is preferred.
• Knowledge of budgets and financial statements and ability to work within budgeted guidelines.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Valid driver license and automobile insurance.
• Ability to read and write English; speak English and understand spoken English.
• Proficient understanding of the Microsoft suite, property management software strongly preferred.

WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES:

• Work is primarily conducted in an office setting. Requires sitting at a desk or workstation for extended periods. Involves the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.
• Operates in a fast-paced work setting. Requires the ability to multitask and adapt quickly to changing priorities. May involve tight deadlines and high-energy work situations.
• Involves frequent interaction with clients or customers. Requires effective communication skills and a professional demeanor. Work environment may include client offices, meeting rooms, or other external locations.
• This role demands availability for five days each week, with the potential for including weekends in the schedule as necessary.
• Minimal travel may be required for occasional meetings, training, or conferences.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Ability to comprehend and interpret instructions, short correspondence, and ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, co-workers, and/or supervisor.
• Ability to understand and carry out general instructions in standard situations. Ability to solve problems in standard situations. Requires basic analytical skills.
• Decisions made with general understanding of procedures and company policies to achieve set results and deadlines. Errors in judgment may cause short-term impact to co-workers and supervisor.

All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our Sunday property operations office closures, 10 paid holidays, and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%.

Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose-driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career.

The salary range for this position is $22.60 - $31.73 per hour. New hires generally start between $22.60 - $27.40 per hour. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs.

This role is also eligible to participate in Essex’s discretionary Annual Bonus program that is commensurate with the level of the position.