Position Overview
The Senior Property Accountant is responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial reporting functions for a portfolio of owned, managed, and joint-ventured residential properties. This role serves as a senior member of the Accounting team, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting while supporting operational and strategic business objectives.
The Senior Property Accountant partners closely with Property Management, Development, Asset Management, Operations, and executive leadership to deliver timely financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and analytical support. In addition to managing day-to-day accounting responsibilities, this position provides leadership, mentorship, and guidance to Property Accountants, helping develop talent and create opportunities for career growth within the Accounting department.
This role is designed as a key step in the Accounting career path, providing opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in strategic initiatives, and prepare for advancement into Accounting Manager or Controller-level positions.
This is an on-site position based at the Corporate Office in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & General Accounting
- Prepare and review monthly financial statements for an assigned portfolio of residential properties.
- Oversee the monthly close process to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
- Prepare monthly journal entries, accruals, and adjusting entries.
- Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts and supporting schedules.
- Perform monthly bank reconciliations for operating, reserve, escrow, and security deposit accounts.
- Prepare detailed balance sheet reconciliations and account analyses.
- Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), IRS regulations, company policies, and internal controls.
- Research and resolve accounting discrepancies and variances.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis
- Assist in the preparation of annual operating budgets and periodic financial forecasts.
- Analyze budget-to-actual variances and provide meaningful explanations to management.
- Prepare financial reports and supporting schedules for executive leadership.
- Identify financial trends and recommend operational improvements.
- Support capital planning and long-term financial analysis.
Property Accounting Operations
- Prepare workpapers supporting:
- Monthly financial statements
- Annual operating budgets
- External audits
- Tax return preparation
- Review property financial activity to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Ensure accounting transactions are recorded in accordance with company policies and established procedures.
- Support new property acquisitions, dispositions, refinances, and ownership transitions from an accounting perspective.
Leadership & Team Development
- Provide day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and technical support to Property Accountants and other Accounting staff.
- Review work prepared by junior accounting team members for accuracy and completeness.
- Assist with onboarding and training new Accounting employees.
- Promote best practices, consistency, and continuous improvement throughout the Accounting department.
- Support succession planning by helping develop future accounting leaders.
- Foster a collaborative team environment focused on accountability, learning, and professional development.
Process Improvement & Internal Controls
- Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting efficiencies, and internal controls.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to increase accuracy and reduce reporting timelines.
- Assist with the development and documentation of accounting policies and procedures.
- Participate in system enhancements and process automation initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with company financial controls and audit requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Property Management, Operations, Asset Management, Development, and executive leadership to resolve financial matters.
- Respond to accounting questions from internal departments and external stakeholders.
- Assist with lender reporting, ownership reporting, and financial requests.
- Participate in special projects and company-wide initiatives.
Reporting & Communication
- Prepare financial analyses and management reports for senior leadership.
- Present financial information clearly and accurately to management.
- Maintain organized financial documentation and accounting records.
- Communicate proactively regarding deadlines, risks, and financial issues.
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform other accounting and finance-related duties as assigned based on business needs.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
- CPA designation or progress toward CPA certification preferred but not required.
Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive accounting experience required.
- Previous experience in real estate, property management, or multifamily housing accounting strongly required.
- Experience supervising or mentoring accounting staff preferred.
- Experience preparing financial statements, budgets, audits, and account reconciliations required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of:
- Property accounting
- General ledger accounting
- Financial statement preparation
- Budgeting and forecasting
- GAAP
- Internal controls
- Knowledge of multifamily and commercial real estate accounting required.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Proficiency in Yardi, Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Work Schedule & Availability
- Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
- Ability to work additional hours as necessary to meet month-end close, audit deadlines, budgeting cycles, and other business requirements.
- Occasional travel to company properties or other business locations may be required.
Career Growth & Advancement
KRE is committed to investing in the professional development of its Accounting team. The Senior Property Accountant role is intended to provide expanded leadership responsibilities, cross-functional exposure, and strategic project experience to prepare high-performing employees for future advancement opportunities.
Employees are encouraged to participate in leadership development opportunities, process improvement initiatives, cross-departmental projects, and ongoing professional education to support long-term career growth.
Essential Functions
- Prepare and review monthly financial statements and supporting schedules.
- Manage monthly close activities for an assigned property portfolio.
- Maintain accurate accounting records and general ledger accounts.
- Analyze financial results and provide recommendations.
- Mentor and support junior accounting staff.
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting, audits, and tax preparation.
- Collaborate with internal departments and external partners.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, GAAP, and regulatory requirements.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
- Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, and reach.
- Ability to review financial reports and accounting documentation.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
- Ability to use standard office equipment including computers, printers, copiers, and telephones.
Work Environment
- Office-based environment located at the Corporate Office in Jersey City, New Jersey.
- Fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
- Frequent interaction with Property Management teams, executive leadership, external auditors, lenders, ownership groups, and other business partners.
- Collaborative team environment emphasizing continuous improvement, professional development, and operational excellence.
About The KRE Group
The KRE Group is a family-owned real estate investment and management company dedicated to building high-quality living and workspaces across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Since 1979, KRE has specialized in real estate investment, development, and property management. KRE has leveraged its exceptional base of human and physical capital to expand intelligently and take advantage of emerging economic and cultural trends.
The KRE Group conducts background checks and motor vehicle record (MVR) checks, where applicable, as a condition of employment.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. The KRE Group is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas at this time.
The KRE Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Property Accountant: 5 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
