Senior Property Accountant

2 days ago

Chicago, IL, United States Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc. Full-time
JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you've got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you're looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

Senior Property Accountant

Location: Chicago, IL (5 days on-site)

What this job involves:

As a Senior Property Accountant within our Property Management team, you'll play a vital role in maintaining the financial health and accuracy of our diverse real estate portfolio. This position combines technical accounting expertise with strategic financial oversight, ensuring our properties operate with complete fiscal transparency and efficiency. You'll manage comprehensive accounting operations for assigned properties, from daily transaction processing to complex financial reporting and analysis. Working closely with property managers, clients, and internal stakeholders, you'll serve as a trusted financial advisor who transforms data into actionable insights. At JLL, we are collectively shaping a brighter way - for our clients, ourselves and our fellow employees, and in this role, your meticulous attention to detail and proactive problem-solving will directly contribute to our clients' success. We embrace more innovative ways of working, and you'll have the opportunity to streamline processes, implement best practices, and leverage technology to enhance financial operations across your portfolio.

What your day-to-day will look like:
  • Manage full-cycle accounting for an assigned portfolio of commercial properties, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, and monthly close procedures
  • Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for property owners and stakeholders in accordance with GAAP and client-specific requirements
  • Oversee tenant billing processes, including CAM reconciliations, lease abstract reviews, and recovery calculations to ensure proper revenue recognition
  • Analyze budget variances, identify trends, and provide detailed explanations and recommendations to property managers and clients to support informed decision-making
  • Coordinate and manage annual operating budget preparation and periodic forecasting processes in collaboration with property management teams
  • Review and process vendor invoices, resolve discrepancies, and maintain strong vendor relationships while ensuring compliance with lease terms and management agreements
  • Conduct regular balance sheet account reconciliations and resolve outstanding items to maintain clean, audit-ready financial records
  • Serve as the primary financial point of contact for property managers, responding to inquiries and providing guidance on accounting policies and procedures
  • Support year-end audit processes by preparing schedules, gathering documentation, and liaising with external auditors
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
  • Minimum of 4-6 years of accounting experience, with at least 2 years in commercial real estate or property management accounting
  • Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and their application to real estate operations
  • Advanced proficiency in property management accounting software (Yardi, MRI, or similar platforms) and Microsoft Excel
  • Demonstrated experience with CAM reconciliations, tenant billing, and lease administration from an accounting perspective
  • Excellent analytical skills with proven ability to interpret financial data and communicate insights clearly to non-financial stakeholders
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
  • Effective organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple properties and competing priorities simultaneously
Preferred qualifications:
  • CPA certification or active pursuit of CPA licensure
  • Experience with Yardi Voyager or other enterprise-level property management systems
  • Knowledge of real estate lease structures, including gross, modified gross, NNN, and percentage leases
  • Previous experience supporting property acquisitions, dispositions, or refinancing transactions
  • Familiarity with ARGUS Enterprise or similar cash flow modeling software
  • Experience working in a clie