PROPERTY ACCOUNTANT

Bear Property Management • Pleasant Prairie, WI

15d

About The Position

Bear Real Estate Group [https://bearreg.com/] is seeking a Property Accountant 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.

Requirements

• 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.).
• Solid understanding of GAAP, real estate accounting, and LIHTC-specific financial requirements.
• Proficiency in RealPage, Yardi, MRI, or other integrated property management systems.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, financial modeling).
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with real estate or property management accounting environments strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• Invest in Your Future: 401(k) with company match, plus annual merit-based increases
• Prioritize Your Health: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Long-Term Disability, and FSA and HSA options.
• Recharge and Renew: Generous paid time off and 8+ paid holidays.
• Voluntary Benefits: Short Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity.
• Keep Growing: Ongoing education, leadership training, and advancement opportunities across all departments.
• Celebrate Together: Annual employee appreciation events, team outings, and company-wide recognition programs.
• Make an Impact: Contribute to meaningful projects that shape neighborhoods and improve lives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees