Property Accountant

SUMMARY:
Job Purpose:
To manage the financial operations and reporting for a dedicated property portfolio, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, accurate balance sheet management, and meticulous transaction processing. This role is pivotal in supporting the company’s property operations, tax planning, and strategic financial decision-making processes.

POSITION INFO:
Duties & Responsibilities:
Financial Reporting & Balance Sheet Management

• Financial Statements: Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual financial statements, including detailed income and expenditure reports for individual properties.
• Management Packs: Compile comprehensive monthly management packs consisting of income statements, balance sheets, and thorough variance analyses against budgets and prior periods.
• Year-End & Audit Prep: Draft year-end trial balances and balance sheets; liaise with external auditors and compile all necessary supporting documentation for year-end reviews.
• Subsidiary Tracking: Maintain, update, and monitor the financial records and activities of all subsidiary entities.

• Data Integrity: Maintain precise financial records using bookkeeping software and spreadsheets, routinely verifying accounting entries for accuracy and completeness.
• Reconciliations: Perform periodic reconciliations for all general ledger accounts, property-related accounts, and bank statements while monitoring property-level cash flows. Reconciliations of accounts for companies externally managed.
• Month-End Processing: Calculate and process monthly property accruals, depreciation, adjustments, and profit & loss statements. Prepare cost reports for projects, monthly disbursement accounts and supporting documents for joint ventures.
• Error Correction: Proactively identify, prevent, and rectify discrepancies in transaction postings and account balances.

• Transactional Flow: Process sales invoices, receipts, tenant returns, and financial adjustments smoothly.
• Debtors & Creditors: Oversee the collection of outstanding tenant debts, calculate applicable property taxes, and manage creditor payments.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Assist in compiling annual budgets and financial forecasts for property-derived income and expenditure.
• Documentation & Compliance: Ensure all historical accounting records and supporting documents are securely stored for audit readiness, remaining fully compliant with internal policies and external tax/regulatory requirements.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Completed SAIPA/SAICA articles, or actively working toward a professional accounting designation, is highly preferred.
• 3+ years of core accounting experience, with a strong preference for individuals from a property management or real estate environment.
• Proficient in property accounting software and financial statement drafting systems (e.g., MDA, MRI, Sage ACCPAC, Caseware or similar) alongside advanced MS Excel skills. Advanced Excel skills and strong attention to detail.

• Technical Accounting Knowledge: Deep understanding of accounting standards (specifically IFRS for SMEs) and South African tax laws.
• Analytical & Commercial Awareness: Ability to interpret complex financial data in context, provide meaningful commentary, and contribute to informed business decisions.
• Accuracy & Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for identifying financial discrepancies and a commitment to high-quality output.
• Organization & Diligence: Highly structured approach to workload with a proven track record of consistently meeting tight reporting deadlines.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present financial data clearly to stakeholders.
• Adaptability & Initiative: A fast learner who adapts well to change and proactively takes ownership of their portfolio.
• Integrity & Confidentiality: Maintains absolute discretion with sensitive financial information and works dependably under minimal supervision.

• financial stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills with good attention to detail.
• The ability to learn, adapt quickly, use initiative in proposing solutions to problems.
• Confidentiality.
• Integrity.