Property Accountant

Kuester Real Estate Services

Location: Fort Mill, SC 29708

Job description:

The Property Accountant will play a key role in supporting the financial operations of Kuester Real Estate Services. This individual will be responsible for day-to-day accounting functions, with a strong focus on accounts payable processing, CAM reconciliations, monthly reporting, and both investor- and property-level distributions. The role also includes assisting the Controller with higher-level financial tasks, audits, and coordination with outside CPA firms for tax return preparation. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and familiar with the unique accounting requirements of real estate property management and development.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable (AP):

• Process vendor invoices and payments accurately and timely using AvidPay and other payment platforms.
• Review and reconcile vendor statements, resolve discrepancies, and maintain vendor records.
• Ensure proper coding of invoices to properties, GL accounts, and cost centers

Property Accounting:

• Prepare and review monthly financials for assigned properties, including accruals and variance analysis.
• Perform Common Area Maintenance (CAM) reconciliations for commercial properties, ensuring compliance with lease agreements.
• Reconcile tenant charges and bill-backs such as utilities, insurance, and tax reimbursements.
• Assist in preparing annual budgets and forecasts for properties.

Reporting & Distributions:

• Prepare and distribute monthly reporting packages to management, owners, and investors.
• Develop and maintain property-level and portfolio-level budgeting models to track performance against projections.
• Prepare cash flow reports and forecasts to ensure adequate liquidity for operations, debt service, and distributions.
• Calculate and process monthly and quarterly investor distributions in accordance with ownership agreements.
• Manage property-level distributions, including owner draws, preferred returns, and waterfall calculations.
• Maintain accurate records of distribution schedules, investor contributions, and returns.

General Ledger (GL):

• Record journal entries, bank reconciliations, and intercompany transactions.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Assist with preparation of quarterly and annual financial reports.

Tax Coordination & Compliance:

• Work directly with outside CPA firms to provide supporting documentation for annual tax returns.
• Coordinate tax schedules, ownership details, and property-level financials for timely filing.
• Ensure accounting records align with tax reporting requirements.

Assisting the Controller:

• Provide direct support to the Controller in preparing consolidated reports, investor communications, and lender packages.
• Assist in monitoring cash flow, loan compliance, and corporate reporting.
• Support internal and external audits, ensuring timely delivery of requested schedules and reconciliations.
• Collaborate with the Controller on special projects, system improvements, and process standardization.

Process Improvement:

• Maintain proper documentation and support for audits and internal reviews.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 3 years of accounting experience, preferably in real estate, property management, or development.
• Experience with AvidPay or similar AP automation/payment systems.
• Strong understanding of CAM reconciliations, tenant billing, monthly reporting, investor/property distributions, and tax preparation support.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software (experience with Rent Manager is a plus).
• Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of commercial and multifamily property accounting.
• Ability to analyze lease terms for financial implications.
• Experience preparing investor reports or lender compliance packages.
• Prior experience supporting CPA firms during tax season.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Health insurance options with employer contributions.
• Paid time off and company-recognized holidays.
• Opportunities for growth within a dynamic and expanding real estate firm.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Education: Bachelor's (Required)

Experience: Accounting: 3 years (Required)