Senior Client Accountant

Four dynamic, integrated companies make up the Transwestern enterprise, giving us the perspective to think broadly, deeply and creatively about commercial real estate. Clients and investors rely on us for expertise that spans institutional and opportunistic investment, development, hospitality, and brokerage and asset services. Our award-winning, collaborative culture empowers team members with resources and independence to work across boundaries in pursuit of innovative solutions, reinforcing a reputation for service excellence that translates to measurable results. Through offices nationwide and alliance partners around the globe, we positively impact the built environment and our communities while fostering a work climate that champions career vitality for all. Learn more at transwestern.com and @Transwestern.

Part of the Transwestern companies, Transwestern Real Estate Services (TRS) strives to add value for investors, owners, and occupiers across all commercial property types. Fueled by a holistic perspective of the real estate life cycle, agility and creativity are hallmarks of our approach, while vast national resources and sound market intelligence underpin customized recommendations and property solutions.


Transwestern is built on a common purpose - Empowering Good People to do Extraordinary Things Together. We are committed to the hiring of smart, passionate, hard-working people who understand the benefits of both collaboration and independence.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Client Accountant is responsible for accounting duties for assigned Properties that includes, but is not limited to, preparing financial reports, entering accrual and cash journal entries, reviewing operating statements and variance reports, preparing escalation and payable reviews, as well as performing reconciliations. Ensures accuracy, consistency and adherence to the Management/Leasing Agreements and SOC1 controls. The Senior Client Accountant also utilizes assigned real estate accounting software (e.g., MRI, Yardi) to perform client accounting required tasks.

In addition, the Senior Client Accountant also works with property management to ensure that all reporting deadlines are met, e.g., monthly operating reports, annual budgets, escalation settlements, etc., and that all property owner policies and procedures are consistently and accurately followed. The Senior Client Accountant would be responsible for one or more complex properties. The position does not manage or supervise but may assist in training and/or coaching.

It is also the responsibility of the Senior Client Accountant to deliver the Transwestern Experience when interacting and communicating with tenants, owners, vendors and fellow team members.

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Note: incumbents may, or may not, be responsible for any combination of essential position functions shown here. Functions could vary by team, location or need.

• Review all tenant billings and adjustments according to information provided by the Property Manager (PM). Submit Commercial Management (CM) batches for review and posting.
  
• Review and post cash receipt batches entered by Client Accounting Associate. Maintain property cash balances.
  

• Review and approve all large accounts payable disbursement items (e.g., Weekly A/P batches). Submit weekly Open A/P report for weekly check-run processing.
  
• Review and/or prepare bank reconciliations each month for all bank accounts assigned.
  
• Review the monthly posting of the Rent Roll by property management. Ensure that changes from the prior month Rent Roll are reasonable, e.g., current month move-in's or move-out's, rent steps, etc.
  
• Review aged delinquency report for any adjustments, credits that need to be applied to open charges, and ensure that cash receipts have been properly applied to each tenants' account.
  
• Review and revise all supporting schedules with monthly charges as required by the Owner. Ensure sub ledgers and supporting schedules tie to the general ledger.
  
• Review the general ledger and income statement for any additional adjusting entries. Contact the PM to confirm the entries then book the entries.
  
• Review financial statements and all monthly reports confirming that all supporting schedules tie to the financial reports. Submit monthly financial report package to the accounting manager for review.
  
• Monitor property bank account cash balances. 1) Check bank account web site for balance, for ACH deposits, for bank fees, and to ensure sufficient funds are available for current AP batch; 2) Transfer funds as necessary between property cash accounts to cover check-runs. 3) Request owner funding if necessary or typical for property. 4) Prepare documentation and paperwork for voids and stop payment on stale-dated checks that have not been presented for payment; submit paperwork to accounting manager for processing.
  
• Assist in review of prior year CAM, real estate tax escalation reconciliations and answering questions from Auditors as needed.
  
• Prepare calculation for owner distribution based on owner requirements and time schedule. Initiate monthly owner distribution as set forth in the Property Management Agreement.
  
• Prepare monthly rent-up reports to send to the property manager for review. Post rent-ups after the property manager sends approvals. Make corrections/adjustments on tenant ledger as directed.
  
• Ensure timely payment of mortgages and property taxes.
  
• Calculate the monthly Management Fee and/or Incentive Management Fee due Transwestern, including all required documents for backup.
  
• Maintain scanned copies of monthly reporting packages, bank statements and reconciliations. Load all required documents into OneSpace.
  
• Communicate effectively with clients, internal and external auditors, tax preparers and team members as required.
  
• Calculate and file sales tax.
  
• As appropriate, close accounts payable, commercial management modules and general ledger modules each month.
  
• Perform or assume additional client accounting duties as assigned.
  

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor's degree with emphasis in accounting, finance or related field preferred.
  

• A minimum of 4+ years of recent fee-based property management accounting experience.
  
• Working knowledge of financial terms and principles including knowledge of current accounting methods (cash and basic accruals). Ability to apply generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
  
• Working knowledge of the budget reporting requirements of each Owner and participate/assist in the preparation of the annual budget with members of property management.
  
• Working knowledge of the escalation and operating expense budgeting and settlement process, including the calculation of "gross-ups", and participate/assist in the preparation of the actual settlement schedules.
  
• Applicable experience in real estate accounting software packages, preferably with MRI and/or Yardi.
  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe.
  
• Demonstrate strong analytical capabilities with a high attention to detail.
  
• Ability to handle multiple projects, changing priorities and demanding, time-sensitive, work load(s).
  
• Ability to receive general work supervision/be self-managed/work independently.
  
• Ability to provide efficient, timely, reliable and courteous service to internal and external customers.
  
• Ability to keep information and internal communications confidential.
  
• Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% or more of the time/constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery (ex. a calculator, copy machine, computer printer) or, by request, be provided reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of the position.
  

WORK SHIFT:

LOCATION:
Houston, TX

ABOUT US

Transwestern's Guiding Principles are woven into the fabric of our firm and underscore the value of each individual team member. We embrace inclusion - not only as the right thing to do, but as a reflection of who we are. It is our responsibility and heartfelt desire to create an environment that elevates the human spirit and brings out the best in everyone.

Different backgrounds, life experiences and cultures shape our individual perspectives and ultimately generate the best results for our clients. Strategic human capital planning combined with development initiatives foster a work environment that celebrates uniqueness and champions the achievements attained through collaboration.

Please note that all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification. In addition, your employment with Transwestern is subject to successfully passing a drug screen check prior to your starting with the Company along with satisfactory references.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have your story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you may become a part of the Transwestern story.