What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Accounting position at Chamberlin + Associates | Real Estate Management?
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Accounting is a senior leader and working operator who owns the financial integrity of Chamberlin Associates across a portfolio of approximately 100 properties and 13,000 units. This person doesn't manage from a distance, they are in the numbers, leading the accounting team, and sitting at the table with ownership and the COO on performance, strategy, and growth. They hold the department to an exacting standard, build the systems that support scale, and translate complex financial data into clear, confident reporting that ownership can act on. This is a role for someone who leads by doing and earns credibility by being right.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY
• Full oversight of accounting and financial operations across a multi-entity multifamily portfolio of approximately 100 properties and 13,000 units.
• Direct leadership and development of the accounting team, including AP Specialists, AR Specialists, and Property Accountants.
• Ownership reporting, investor packages, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis across the portfolio.
• Strategic financial partnership with the COO and ownership on acquisitions, capital planning, and long-term growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Reporting & Ownership Communication
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting across all entities with accuracy and on-time delivery as non-negotiables.
• Prepare and review investor reporting packages, capital account summaries, and distribution documentation.
• Monitor and report NOI performance across the portfolio, identifying variances and driving corrective action in partnership with operations.
• Manage lender reporting requirements and ensure compliance with all financial covenants and obligations.
Accounting Operations & Controls
• Lead all accounting functions across a multi-entity structure, including GL management, AP aging, vendor tracking, and statement reconciliations.
• Establish and continuously improve internal controls, financial processes, and reporting standards that support scale.
• Oversee cash flow management and distribution processing across the portfolio.
• Coordinate with CPAs, auditors, lenders, and third-party financial partners as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all real estate accounting regulations and financial reporting obligations.
Budgeting & Financial Planning
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process across all properties in partnership with regional and site-level leadership.
• Conduct variance analysis against budget and prior periods, delivering clear findings and actionable recommendations to the COO and ownership.
• Partner with the COO on acquisitions, due diligence, and long-term capital planning.
• Provide financial modeling and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making.
Team Leadership & Development
• Directly manage, coach, and develop the accounting team (including AP Specialists, AR Specialists, and Property Accountants) with a player-coach approach that maintains hands-on accountability alongside leadership.
• Set clear performance standards, provide regular feedback, and build a high-performance team culture within the department.
• Identify skill gaps and develop training and development pathways in partnership with the Director of People & Systems.
• Foster a department culture defined by accuracy, ownership, and continuous improvement.
Systems & Technology
• Serve as the functional owner of AppFolio and related financial systems, ensuring proper configuration, utilization, and reporting accuracy.
• Identify and implement technology and process improvements that increase efficiency and reporting quality across the accounting function.
• Partner with operations and systems leadership on integrations, reporting tools, and workflow improvements that affect financial data.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
• 5 years of progressive experience in accounting or finance leadership, with demonstrated responsibility for full-cycle financial operations.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Leadership experience at the Controller, Director, or equivalent level with direct team management accountability.
• Strong command of NOI, balance sheets, general ledger, budgeting, distributions, and multi-entity accounting structures.
• Experience coordinating with CPAs, lenders, auditors, and third-party financial partners.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to ownership and non-finance stakeholders.
Preferred
• Experience in multifamily or property management accounting. Direct familiarity with the operational and reporting demands of a third-party management environment strongly preferred.
• CPA designation or active candidacy.
• Proficiency with AppFolio or comparable property management accounting software.
• Experience supporting acquisitions, due diligence, or capital planning at the portfolio level.