Real Estate Accountant

Work Arrangement: hybrid – 3 days per week in the office; schedule to be determined by the office.

Occupational Summary

The Financial Analyst II - Real Estate manages the financial activities related to the leased real estate portfolio of Duke University and Duke University Health System. The role includes accurate financial reporting, supporting property management teams, and handling tasks such as rent collection, reviewing operating expense reconciliations, and coordinating with vendors. This person consistently delivers high-quality client service and maintains a culture of excellence.

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Accounting
  • Prepare and maintain monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for leased properties.
  • Collaborate with Finance teams to ensure accuracy of general ledger transactions, including journal entries and accruals.
  • Ensure expenses are coded correctly using appropriate building codes, fund codes, and GL accounts.
  • Support month-end and year-end close processes and participate in financial audits.
• Accounts Payable & Receivable
  • Process invoices, check requests, and wire payments in accordance with established procedures.
  • Manage rent collections and tenant billbacks, ensuring accurate billing and receipt of rental income.
  • Track and resolve discrepancies in receivables and payables.
  • Support financial aspects of acquisitions and dispositions for seamless property transitions.
• Budgeting & Expense Management
  • Assist in preparing the departmental annual budget and participate in periodic financial reviews.
  • Monitor operating expenses (OPEX) and investigate variances.
  • Evaluate adjustments related to taxes, insurance, and operating expenses for financial accuracy and lease compliance.
• Property & Lease Accounting
  • Maintain financial records for leases, update rent schedules, track tenant activity, and record billable expenses.
  • Ensure accurate billing of rent and recoveries, conduct reconciliations, and review annual operating expense reconciliation statements.
• Vendor & Contract Management
  • Maintain vendor records, including initial setup and payment details.
  • Manage landlord and vendor onboarding through PaymentWorks.
  • Coordinate with procurement and risk management teams to ensure compliance with documentation such as insurance certificates (COIs) and service agreements.
• Compliance & Reporting
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, lease agreements, and accounting standards.
  • Maintain thorough documentation to support audits and internal controls.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: Four years of experience in financial management, cost accounting, or a field directly related to the specialized area of assignment. 2–5 years of preferred experience in accounting, preferably in real estate or property management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with finance software platforms such as SAP and familiarity with real estate accounting systems (e.g., MRI or similar).
• Knowledge of property management, lease administration, and operations.

Working Relationships

• Internal clients and departmental partners (e.g., Facilities, Risk, Legal).
• Property managers and landlords.
• Vendors and external service providers.