Lease Auditor: Real Estate Finance & Compliance

Citizens; Johnston (RI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Citizens is seeking a Lease Auditor to perform lease abstraction and audits on CAM/Operating Expenses for the bank's real estate portfolio. The role requires independent and collaborative work, strong attention to detail, and interaction with legal, strategy, finance, and brokerage teams. Bachelor’s degree is required.

You will manage lease data, critical dates, and ensure timely payments, while supporting budget development and regulatory compliance across properties.

Qualifications

• Current Lease Administration, Property and Vendor Management experience highly desired.
• Knowledge of accounting including the treatment of real estate expenses under GAAP & FASB.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Detail oriented and results–oriented with a desire to learn and support new technologies and processes.
• Positive attitude and proven experience working as part of a greater team.
• Intermediate Excel skills.
• Experience changing the status quo and creating new, improved ways to get the job done.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain attention to detail with efficiency and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic real estate and finance initiatives across the Bank, including acquisitions, mergers, lease accounting changes, and other enterprise projects.
• Manage the administration of leased properties, ensuring compliance with lease agreements, internal policies, Sarbanes‑Oxley requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Partner with Finance and business stakeholders to develop annual budgets and forecasts for lease-related expenses, including additional rent and real estate taxes.
• Oversee lease-related financial obligations, ensuring accurate and timely payment of rent, real estate taxes, and other occupancy costs.
• Partner with third‑party vendors and municipalities to manage real estate tax payments, audits, reconciliations, and tax appeal activities.
• Maintain and administer lease management systems, ensuring the accuracy of lease data, financial transactions, critical dates, and contractual obligations.
• Coordinate the execution, abstraction, and ongoing management of lease documentation, while monitoring key dates and lease obligations.
• Analyze and reconcile landlord billings, operating expense reconciliations, and desktop audits to ensure charges align with lease terms and contractual obligations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and primary point of contact for lease administration matters, providing guidance to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Conduct research, resolve lease-related issues, and respond to inquiries from landlords, property managers, and business partners.

Skills

Lease administration

GAAP & FASB knowledge

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Excel skills

Process improvement

Pressure management

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Citizens is seeking a Lease Auditor to perform lease abstraction and audits on CAM/Operating Expenses for the bank's real estate portfolio. The role requires independent and collaborative work, strong attention to detail, and interaction with legal, strategy, finance, and brokerage teams. Bachelor’s degree is required.

You will manage lease data, critical dates, and ensure timely payments, while supporting budget development and regulatory compliance across properties.