Director of Property Accounting

(Job ID: 1899)

Greater Los Angeles, California

Direct Hire

Real Estate

Overview

As the Director of Property Accounting, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape of our retail real estate portfolio. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic team while ensuring financial accuracy and compliance across multiple properties. You will thrive in a collaborative environment that values innovation and integrity, allowing you to contribute to strategic financial goals and advance your career in a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and development.

Responsibilities

Oversee the preparation and review of financial statements for a diverse portfolio of retail properties, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Manage month-end and year-end closing processes, driving timely and precise financial reporting.
Develop and analyze budgets, forecasts, and variance reports to inform strategic decision-making.
Lead the preparation and review of Common Area Maintenance (CAM) reconciliations, estimations, and budgets.
Maintain comprehensive support for property balance sheet and income statement accounts, enhancing financial integrity.
Collaborate with tenants to address billing and collections issues, fostering strong relationships and effective communication.
Generate rent increase notifications and manage tenant data within accounting and budgeting systems.

Qualifications

Must-Have:
Minimum of 7 years of experience in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Proficiency in accounting software and financial management systems.
Advanced knowledge of MS Excel and familiarity with CAM reconciliation processes.
Strong understanding of real estate accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.
Nice-to-Have:
Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or NetSuite.
Knowledge of revenue recognition principles and ASC-742.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Accounting Management — Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Accounting Manager do day-to-day?
An Accounting Manager oversees the monthly close process, manages a team of staff and senior accountants, ensures financial statements comply with GAAP, and serves as the primary liaison with external auditors. They typically own specific areas of the general ledger, review journal entries, and drive process improvements across the accounting function. At many companies, this role is the bridge between hands-on accounting work and strategic financial leadership.
What qualifications do employers look for in an Accounting Manager?
Most employers require a CPA credential, 5–8 years of progressive accounting experience (ideally starting in public accounting at a Big 4 or regional firm), strong GAAP knowledge, ERP proficiency (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle), and demonstrated team leadership. Industry-specific experience—such as manufacturing, real estate, or financial services—often differentiates candidates at this level.
What is the typical career path from Accounting Manager?
Accounting Managers typically advance to Assistant Controller or Controller within 2–4 years. High performers with strategic orientation and cross-functional exposure may progress to Director of Accounting or VP of Finance. The key differentiator at this stage is moving from technical execution to business partnership—communicating financial results to non-finance stakeholders and driving decisions beyond the close process.
How is an Accounting Manager different from a Controller?
An Accounting Manager usually owns a portion of the accounting function—managing a team, overseeing specific ledger areas, and executing the monthly close. A Controller owns the entire accounting function, sets policy, manages the external audit relationship, and reports to the CFO or CEO. Controllers carry broader strategic responsibility and are accountable for the accuracy and completeness of all financial reporting.
Why are Accounting Management roles hard to fill?
The strongest Accounting Managers combine technical rigor from public accounting with team leadership and industry depth gained in corporate roles. This combination is relatively rare, and these professionals are almost never actively job searching. They are typically well-compensated, embedded in their organizations, and only open to a move when approached with a clearly articulated opportunity that represents meaningful career progression.

Director of Property Accounting — Greater Los Angeles, California | Pacific Executive Search

Director of Property Accounting

Overview

Responsibilities

Qualifications

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Accounting Management — Frequently Asked Questions

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