COMPANY SUMMARY:

The John Stewart Company is a full-service housing management, development and consulting organization that began in 1978 with a commitment to providing high quality service in the affordable housing sector. We work to enrich the lives of our residents and employees, while delivering our services cost‐effectively, efficiently and with the highest levels of professionalism, compassion, integrity and respect.

 

 

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Regional Accounting Director fills a variety of roles, reporting to the Vice President, Property Accounting.  The Regional Accounting Director oversees the preparation and review of monthly financial statements and reports for various properties owned and managed (approximately 100 properties), closely supervises a team of approximately 10-12 accountants, ensures the timely payment of property expenses, and works closely with the operations team to collect receivables and manage cash requirements. This position also assists with various corporate initiatives, including but not limited to banking relationships/administration and various filings to municipalities, including federal, state and local.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS

Supervision and training

• Oversee and supervise all staff accountants in providing day-to-day accounting operations for rental properties.
• Determine and assign workloads for staff accountants.
• Review the performance of staff accountants, accounting supervisors and A/P specialists.
• Oversee the completion and review of monthly financial reports, ensuring accuracy of financial information. Communicate any adjustments to appropriate staff accountants.
• Monitor and manage checks prepared by staff accountants and A/P specialists.
• Work closely with the A/P team on any required set up/administration of the Company’s procure to pay system.
• Review and approve various wires prepared by staff accountants and AP specialists.
• Closely monitor property cash balances.
• Work with the operations team on collection of property receivables.
• Oversee annual 1099 process.

 

Oversee external audit process for managed properties

• Coordinate with external auditors as to their needs and dates of their audits and gather information from staff accountants as needed.
• Assist with year-end review of fixed asset additions and depreciation schedules.
• Review audit reports for accuracy & monitor adjusting entries recommended by auditors for individual properties. Review for accurate entry in property financials. Manage relationships with property owners and other stakeholders.
• Interface with regional managers and attend monthly team meetings.
• Explain accounting procedures and financial statements to owners, developers, and other stakeholders. Attend meetings as requested.
• Create specialized reporting requested by specific management clients.

Manage new property integration into accounting systems

• Create interim accounting information for properties during marketing phase.
• For new properties, gather prior Management company information and complete new property set up in Yardi/MRI.
• Determine and assign workloads for Staff Accountants.
• Review reports after customizations for necessary modifications.

Other duties

• Prepare business tax license reports for all jurisdictions.
• Various other special projects/duties as assigned by the Vice President, Property Accounting.
• Coordinate and work with Sr. Accountant – Banking and various banks to set up new accounts, close old accounts, etc.
• Coordinate/hold monthly staff accounting department meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Business and Management Principles - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and management of personnel.
• Problem Sensitivity/ Deductive Reasoning/Analytical Skills — Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate option.
• Comprehension and Expression — Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in all forms.

• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail – Ability to maintain high degree of accuracy in both performing original work and reviewing the work of subordinates.

• Policies and Regulations — Knowledge of company polices, federal, state and local laws, government regulations and agency rules that pertain to properties managed.  Specific knowledge of affordable housing will be required.
• Understanding of GAAP -- strong knowledge in the requirements of GAAP accounting and the ability to identify and correct financial information to maintain these principles at all times. 
• Management of Personnel — Knowledge of best techniques to lead by example and supervise a team which at times has challenges.

 

EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated strong experience in managing financial information for real estate -- property management a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in problem identification, analysis, recommendation of options and development of logical and workable solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, Word, Outlook, etc. – a high degree of proficiency in Excel is required.

 

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required, with 6-8 years of related work experience. Strong background in accounting required.
• CPA preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Physical Environment/ Requirements

• This position deals with third parties such as property site personnel and property owners on a routine basis, with contact in various forms such as email, phone and in person.
• It is sometimes necessary to deal with third parties who are upset and / or demanding with the need to problem solve difficult situations.
• It is necessary to adapt to an ever-changing environment.

Salary Range: $125,000/Yr. - $145,000/Yr.

 Benefits for Employees who work 30+ hours/week -

• Medical, dental and vision care; preventative medical care paid at 100%.
• Vacation leave of up to ten days per year in the first year.
• Up to 72 hours of sick time per year.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Care and Dependent Care.
• Company paid Life AD&D Long Term Disability.
• Free, confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Commuter benefit program.
• Discounts for AT&T, ClassPass, and Weight Watchers.
• $100 annual Wellness Reimbursement.
• Matching 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan of up to 2% of your compensation (for any employee who works 20 hours or more per week).

 

Benefits for Employees who work less than 30 hours/week - 

• Free, confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Commuter benefit program.
• Discounts for AT&T, ClassPass, and Weight Watchers.
• $50 annual Wellness Reimbursement.
• Matching 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan of up to 2% of your compensation (for any employee who works 20 hours or more per week)

The John Stewart Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

The John Stewart Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative.

Effective January 1, 2020, the California Consumer Privacy Act requires businesses that meet certain minimum threshold requirements to provide a “notice at collection” to applicants for employment who reside in California.  The notice at collection describes the categories of personal information to be collected about these California applicants and the purposes for using that personal information.  Therefore, we have posted the Company’s “Notice At Collection For California Applicants” here.  Please review this Notice at your convenience.