Accountant - Property

Equity Lifestyle Properties - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Real Estate

About the position

The Accountant - Property position at Equity LifeStyle Properties involves managing a team of accountants to oversee the financial statements for a portfolio of properties. This role requires significant interaction with property managers and the financial planning and analysis team, focusing on the timely completion of financial processes and ensuring accuracy in reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the timely completion of the monthly close process for a portfolio of properties.
• Review and ensure the accuracy of the portfolio's monthly financial statements.
• Manage the daily activities of your team, including active direction of team members' career development.
• Prepare monthly income statement analyses comparing actual to budget/forecast and the previous year, including explanations for variances for senior management.
• Review balance sheet account reconciliations, including complex cash accounts.
• Prepare quarterly and annual schedules to support the financial statements required for public reporting.
• Assist external auditors during the quarterly review and annual audit processes.
• Recommend potential changes and improvements to existing policies and procedures.
• Evaluate system processes across the company and lead projects to streamline and improve the monthly close process, including software implementation and integration projects.
• Support key customers, including property managers and members of the financial planning and analysis team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• Certified Public Accountant designation preferred.
• 4+ years of accounting experience, preferably in the real estate and/or property industries.
• Strong analytical skills and a working knowledge of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize based on company needs.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure, drive projects to completion and meet deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• High level of comfort working with senior executives.
• Exceptional communications and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and relevant accounting software.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching