Property Accountant

Position: PROPERTY ACCOUNTANT

SUMMARY

Bear Real Estate Group is seeking a Property Accountant – LIHTC Portfolio to oversee all financial functions for a group of workforce housing communities operating under the Low‐Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. This role manages full‑cycle property accounting, ensures regulatory and investor compliance, and partners closely with property management, compliance, and asset management teams to maintain accurate financials and optimize property performance.

This position requires a deep understanding of LIHTC financial structures—including reserve requirements, partnership accounting, and compliance‑driven accounting nuances.

In addition to strong technical expertise, the Property Accountant – LIHTC Portfolio must embody our team‑oriented culture. We are looking for someone who is collaborative, dependable, and committed to supporting others. The ideal candidate approaches challenges with a solutions mindset, communicates with professionalism, and contributes positively to a fast‑paced, no‑drama work environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FULL‑CYCLE PROPERTY ACCOUNTING

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for assigned LIHTC properties (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow, supplemental schedules).
• Complete all general ledger functions including journal entries, accruals, amortizations, depreciation, and account reconciliations.
• Reconcile bank accounts, A/R, A/P, security deposits, reserve accounts, and intercompany transactions.
• Maintain detailed schedules including prepaid expenses, fixed assets, reserves, debt, and escrow balances.

COMPLIANCE, REGULATORY, AND INVESTOR REQUIREMENTS

• Ensure all accounting practices meet LIHTC regulatory standards and partnership/operating agreement requirements.
• Prepare supporting documents for annual financial audits and cost certifications.
• Assist with annual tax returns (Forms 1065, K‑1 distribution tracking) and coordinate with tax preparers.
• Maintain compliance reports for syndicators, investors, lenders, and state housing agencies, including surplus cash calculations.

BUDGETING, FORECASTING & VARIANCE ANALYSIS

• Participate in preparation of annual property budgets in collaboration with property management and asset management.
• Monitor actual performance vs. budget; prepare monthly variance reports with clear explanations and actionable insights.
• Track cash flow, operating reserves, replacement reserves, and capital expenditure budgets.

CROSS‑FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION

• Partner with the compliance team to ensure accuracy of tenant income certifications and rent roll data affecting financial reporting.
• Support development and asset management teams on new lease‑ups, rehab projects, and refinancing activities.
• Provide timely financial information to ownership groups, investors, and internal leadership.
• Serve as an accounting resource for property managers by interpreting financial results and improving onsite financial accuracy.

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT & SYSTEMS

• Recommend enhancements to accounting processes, workflows, and internal controls.
• Assist with system upgrades, transitions, or optimizations in Real Page, Yardi, or similar platforms.
• Develop property‑specific accounting best practices, especially around reserve tracking, layered funding, and LIHTC deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• 3–5 years of accounting experience, including at least 2 years in LIHTC or other affordable housing programs (HUD, RD, HOME, PBRA, etc.).
• Experience with real estate or property management accounting environments strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of GAAP, real estate accounting, and LIHTC‑specific financial requirements.
• Proficiency in Real Page, Yardi, MRI, or other integrated property management systems.
• Ability to interpret partnership agreements, regulatory filings, and lender requirements.
• Strong analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines, and support multiple stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.

WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT WORKING HERE

• Invest…