Staff Accountant
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $65,000 - $85,000
Reports To: Controller, Chief Financial Officer, or Principal/Owner
Position Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Staff Accountant to join our growing real estate organization. This position is responsible for supporting the day-to-day accounting operations of a portfolio of commercial real estate assets, development projects, and affiliated business entities. The Staff Accountant will assist with financial reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, budgeting support, tenant billing, and month-end close activities.
The ideal candidate possesses strong accounting fundamentals, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced real estate environment. Experience with commercial real estate, construction accounting, property management systems, and financial reporting is highly preferred.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
General Accounting
- Prepare and post journal entries.
- Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
- Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts.
- Reconcile bank accounts, credit card accounts, and balance sheet accounts.
- Review accounting transactions for accuracy and proper coding.
- Assist with preparation of financial statements and supporting schedules.
- Monitor and reconcile intercompany transactions.
Accounts Payable
- Review vendor invoices for accuracy and coding.
- Process accounts payable and prepare payment runs.
- Track vendor contracts, W-9s, insurance certificates, and compliance documentation.
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies.
- Assist with construction draw tracking and contractor payments.
Accounts Receivable & Tenant Accounting
- Generate tenant invoices, rent charges, CAM reconciliations, and reimbursements.
- Monitor tenant receivables and aging reports.
- Assist with collection efforts and tenant account reconciliations.
- Track security deposits and lease-related accounting adjustments.
- Maintain accurate rent rolls and billing records.
Property & Real Estate Accounting
- Record and reconcile real estate operating expenses.
- Assist with annual budget preparation and variance analysis.
- Track capital expenditures and tenant improvement costs.
- Support property-level financial reporting.
- Maintain fixed asset schedules and depreciation records.
- Assist with property acquisition, disposition, and refinancing accounting activities.
Construction & Development Accounting
- Track project costs against approved budgets.
- Process construction-related invoices and pay applications.
- Prepare draw request support documentation.
- Monitor construction retainage and reimbursement schedules.
- Assist with lender reporting requirements.
Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare monthly financial reporting packages.
- Assist with annual audits, tax preparation, and lender reporting.
- Compile supporting schedules for CPA review.
- Ensure compliance with company accounting policies and procedures.
- Support special projects and financial analyses as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
Experience
- 3-5 years of accounting experience is preferred.
- Real estate, property management, construction, or development accounting experience strongly preferred.
- Public accounting experience is a plus.
Technical Skills
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including:
- Pivot Tables
- VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP
- Financial reporting schedules
- Data analysis functions
- Experience with accounting software such as:
- AppFolio
- QuickBooks
- Yardi
- MRI
- Sage
- Other real estate accounting systems
- Proficient with Microsoft 365 applications.
Knowledge and Abilities
- Understanding of GAAP accounting principles.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple entities and projects simultaneously.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with a small team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with commercial real estate accounting.
- Experience with construction or project cost accounting.
- Experience preparing lender reporting packages.
- CPA candidate or intent to pursue CPA certification.
- Prior experience with tenant billing and lease administration support.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to occasionally lift files and office materials up to 25 pounds.
