Accounting Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About Terra West Management Services

At Terra West, we don’t just manage communities—we help them thrive. With over 40 years of expertise in community association management, we partner with HOA Boards to deliver excellence in operations, compliance, and community care. Our culture is rooted in respect, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to service. We believe people come first—our clients, our residents, and our team.

Our Core Focus

We exist to empower community leaders and enrich neighborhoods to Inspire Community by providing proactive guidance, professional management, and exceptional customer service. Every action we take is aimed at fostering vibrant, well-run communities where people feel heard, supported, and proud to live.

Our Core Values – We I.N.S.P.I.R.E. Excellence

• Integrity – We do what’s right, even when no one is looking.
• Nurture – We invest in people, relationships, and growth.
• Service – We exceed expectations with every interaction.
• Passion – We bring energy and purpose to all we do.
• Innovation – We embrace change and lead with forward-thinking solutions.
• Resilience – We stay strong, adaptable, and solution-focused in every challenge.
• Empathy – We listen, understand, and lead with compassion.

At Terra West, you’re not just taking a job—you’re joining a values-driven team that’s redefining excellence in community management.

Accounting Manager

Position Summary

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing specialized accounting functions supporting community associations, financial integrity, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation. Reporting to the Director of Accounting, this role provides leadership in financial oversight, audit readiness, homeowner accounting—including accounts receivable, escrow, and recovery—general ledger and accounts payable accuracy, budgeting support, and internal control compliance. The Accounting Manager also serves as a support resource for treasury, banking, and HOA transition activities while partnering with Community Association Managers (CAMs), Boards of Directors, and executive leadership.

Essential Responsibilities

1. Financial Oversight & Audit

• Perform ongoing review of association financial statements, general ledger activity, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Conduct spot audits and analytical reviews to ensure financial accuracy and compliance with company policies and accounting standards.
• Identify accounting discrepancies, unusual trends, or compliance issues and coordinate corrective actions.
• Support annual external audits, reviews, compilations, and tax preparation.
• Ensure timely resolution of audit findings and implementation of corrective measures.

2. Homeowner Accounting (AR, Escrow & Recovery)

• Oversee homeowner accounts receivable, including assessment billing, payment posting, account adjustments, reconciliations, and aging review.
• Monitor homeowner delinquency reporting and coordinate with CAMs and collection partners on past-due assessments, payment plans, and homeowner account inquiries.
• Oversee escrow and resale/transfer processing, ensuring accurate setup of new homeowner accounts, assessment prorations, and closing disbursements.
• Reconcile escrow balances and ensure timely, accurate application of funds received from title companies and closing agents.
• Manage recovery of bad debt, charge-offs, liens, and amounts referred to attorneys or collection agencies, ensuring accurate tracking and posting of recovered funds.
• Ensure homeowner ledgers, assessments, and recovery activity are properly documented, supported, and reconciled to the general ledger.

3. Board & CAM Financial Support

• Serve as primary accounting resource for Community Association Managers, Board members, and internal leadership on financial matters.
• Review and explain financial statements, reserve activity, cash flow, budget variances, and balance sheet items.
• Assist in responding to escalated accounting inquiries, financial concerns, and special requests.
• Participate in board meetings, financial presentations, and strategic financial discussions as needed.

4. General Ledger Support in HOA Budget Process

• Support General Ledger team during annual operating and reserve budget preparation.
• Review historical financial data, expense trends, reserve contributions, and contract changes to support budget recommendations.
• Analyze budget-to-actual variances and provide recommendations for improved forecasting accuracy.
• Assist CAMs and Boards in understanding budget assumptions and financial impacts.

5. HOA Transition Support

• Support the Client Success Manager with the accounting aspects of new association onboarding and developer transitions, including review of historical financial records, bank accounts, and reserve balances.
• Assist with accurate setup of the chart of accounts and assessment structures, and flag transition-related accounting risks or deficiencies for escalation.

6. Treasury Support

• Provide accounting support to the Client Success Manager on treasury activities, including monitoring association cash positions, reserve funds, and liquidity, and tracking CDs and other approved investment instruments.
• Assist in preparing investment and cash-position information for Boards and executive leadership in accordance with governing documents and company policy.

7. Banking Administration Support

• Support the Client Success Manager in bank account openings, closures, signer updates, online banking access, ACH/wire authorization, and fraud prevention controls.
• Maintain banking documentation, resolutions, signature cards, and compliance records.
• Coordinate with financial institutions regarding treasury services, account maintenance, and exception handling.
• Ensure timely resolution of banking discrepancies, returned items, and unauthorized transactions.

8. Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and monitor internal accounting controls across AP, AR, GL, cash management, and financial reporting processes.
• Evaluate operational risks, segregation of duties, fraud exposure, and compliance gaps.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to strengthen accountability and efficiency.
• Document policies, procedures, and workflow controls.
• Support management with risk assessments, corrective action plans, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• 3+ years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial controls, homeowner accounting (accounts receivable, escrow, and collections/recovery), and audit procedures.
• HOA/community management accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting systems such as Vantaca.
• Experience working with banks, auditors, and reserve specialists preferred.

Preferred Certifications

• CPA

WORK POSTURE REQUIREMENTS DESCRIPTION
N/A
RARELY
OCCASIONALLY
FREQUENTLY
CONSTANTLY Sitting

x Standing

x
Walking

x
Driving
x

Bending (from waist)

x
Crouching (squat)

x

Kneeling

x

Crawling
x

Climbing (stairs)
x

Climbing (ladder)
x

Twisting
x

Reaching

x

Writs Motion

x

CARRYING REQUIREMENTS ITEM
DESCRIPTION Items Carried:
Files / Board books Distance:
50 steps Times per day:
5 Maximum Weight:
5 pounds MOVING/LIFTING REQUIREMENTS ITEM
DESCRIPTION Items Moved/Lifted:
Paper files Times Per Day:
5 Maximum Weight:
3 pounds MOVING/LIFTING LEVELS/HEIGHTS LEVEL
FREQUENCY Floor:
Occasionally Knee:
Rarely Waist:
Occasionally Chest:
Occasionally Overhead:
Occasionally PUSH PUL REQUIREMENTS ITEM
FREQUENCY Furniture:
Frequently Shampooer:
None Vacuum:
None Utility Cart:
None ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Condition
Yes
No Inside/Outside

x Hot/cold Temperatures

x Wet

x Noise

x Power Equipment

x Traffic Hazards

x Chemical Hazards

x Heights

x Dust

x Close Quarters

x Fumes/Odors

x