Property Accountant

Summit Properties•South Burlington, VT

About The Position

Summit Properties is seeking an analytical, detail-oriented Property Accountant to join its accounting team in South Burlington, Vermont. The role owns full-cycle accounting for an assigned portfolio of residential properties and serves as the primary accounting partner to the Community Managers responsible for those properties. It maintains accurate books, completes timely month-end close, prepares financial reports and reconciliations, supports annual budgets and audits, and helps site teams understand and address accounting needs. The position calls for strong accounting knowledge, sound judgment, consistent follow-through, clear communication, and the ability to manage multiple entities and recurring deadlines while investigating discrepancies through resolution. Summit Properties provides development, leasing, and property management services for affordable and market-rate apartment communities across Vermont, New Hampshire, and upstate New York. Founded in 2004, the company manages nearly 1,400 apartments, including family, workforce, and senior housing. Its mission is to provide vibrant, well-maintained, affordable housing that residents, owners, and communities can be proud of. Summit describes its workplace as collaborative and supportive, with meaningful work, opportunities for professional growth, and an emphasis on communication, integrity, respect, employee well-being, and work-life support.

Requirements

At least two years of accounting experience.
Working knowledge of general ledger accounting, balance sheet reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and month-end close.
Experience using accounting or financial management software.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Strong accounting knowledge, sound judgment, consistent follow-through, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to accounting and non-accounting colleagues.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field; equivalent accounting experience will be considered.
Property accounting experience.
Yardi Voyager experience.

Responsibilities

Own the monthly accounting cycle for an assigned portfolio, from transaction review through completed financial statements.
Prepare and post journal entries, accruals, reclassifications, and other month-end entries.
Reconcile bank accounts, replacement reserves, escrows, accounts receivable, accounts payable, equity, and other balance sheet accounts.
Review general ledger activity for accuracy, completeness, and appropriate coding; research and correct discrepancies.
Maintain supporting schedules for fixed assets, debt, reserves, and other property-specific accounts.
Prepare and review management fees, mortgage payments, real estate tax payments, and other recurring property obligations.
Partner with Community Managers to address accounting needs, research discrepancies, obtain required information, and provide ongoing support.
Review property invoices, payment activity, deposits, tenant charges, rent schedules, and other accounts receivable activity for accuracy and completeness.
Research delinquency balances, resident ledger issues, security deposits, and other routine accounting questions.
Monitor property cash positions and identify upcoming cash needs, funding concerns, or unusual activity.
Prepare monthly financial packages and balance sheet reconciliations within established close deadlines.
Review budget-to-actual results and investigate material variances or unusual trends.
Prepare applicable financial reporting for lenders, owners, and agencies.
Provide explanations and supporting details for financial results requiring additional review.
Build annual property operating budgets in partnership with Community Managers and Property Management leadership.
Assist with financial projections and reforecasts as requested.
Prepare year-end audit workpapers and supporting schedules for assigned properties.
Coordinate audit requests, research auditor questions, provide supporting documentation, and record approved audit adjustments.
Assist with tax workpapers and other year-end reporting while keeping routine property accounting responsibilities on track.

Benefits

Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
Medical insurance with a significant employer contribution.
Dental and vision insurance.
Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid parental leave.
Wellness days and work-life support resources.
Summit Thrive Benefit, providing reimbursement for eligible activities, experiences, and hobbies that support employee well-being and personal growth.
A welcoming and collaborative team environment.
Opportunities to learn, develop, and grow within the organization.