Description

Property accountants are in charge of handling property accounting tasks for their company. They are responsible for completing sound financial analysis and balance sheet account reconciliation. In addition, they prepare regular reports (usually monthly) based on organizational objectives.These accountants also conduct financial maintenance for a variety of properties, initiate payments for debts incurred by their organization, calculate monthly management fees, and assist management staff with annual budget activities. In all tasks, property accountants must keep accurate financial records and resolve any discrepancies as they arise. These accountants also help with special projects related to property financial incentives, as well as prepare tax forms and stay up to date on changes to relevant financial laws. Property accountants also handle currency in an accrual or cash basis. Generally, these accountants report their progress to the accounting manager or supervisor in their department.A bachelor's degree in accounting or a related discipline is needed for this position. In addition, previous experience in property management may be preferred. Property accountants must work well independently, but also work well with other accountants in a team setting. They should also possess strong organizational skills, pay close attention to detail, and have excellent interpersonal skills to communicate with other departments about property financial matters. They must also be able to multitask and be proficient with specialized accounting software and basic computer software.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Property Accountant with 3-6 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Prepare and analyze financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
  • Perform month-end and year-end closing procedures, including reconciling accounts, reviewing accruals, and preparing journal entries.
  • Manage the accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, including processing invoices, reconciling vendor statements, and collecting rent payments.
  • Assist in budgeting and forecasting processes, providing financial insights and recommendations to support decision-making and optimize property performance.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Property Accountant, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficient knowledge of property accounting principles and practices, including lease administration, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in performing financial analysis, reconciliations, and preparing financial statements for multiple properties.
  • Excellent computer skills, especially in using property management software and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with property managers, clients, and stakeholders, and the ability to explain complex financial information in a clear and concise manner.

Essential Skills For Property Accountant

1

Accounting Fundamentals

2

Accounting Terminology

Career Prospects

The role of Property Accountant is crucial for effective financial management in the Australian real estate industry. With 3-6 years of experience, professionals can explore various alternative roles. Here are four options to consider:

  • Senior Financial Accountant: A role with increased responsibilities in financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, and overseeing the general ledger.
  • Real Estate Asset Manager: A position focused on optimizing the performance of real estate assets, including lease management, property valuation, and investment analysis.
  • Financial Controller: A role that involves overseeing the financial operations of an organization, including financial planning, budgeting, and implementing internal controls.
  • Portfolio Analyst: A position focused on analyzing investment portfolios, assessing risk and performance, and providing recommendations for portfolio optimization.

How to Learn

The role of Property Accountant is expected to experience steady growth in the Australian market. According to a 10-year analysis, the demand for property accountants is projected to increase due to the expanding real estate industry. This growth is attributed to the rising number of property transactions and increased regulatory compliance requirements. As a result, there will be a significant number of employment opportunities available in the future. With the support of Google's latest data points, it is evident that this position will continue to be in high demand, making it a promising career choice in the Australian market.