Real Estate Property Accountant (GAAP & Controls)

COPT Defense Properties; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

COPT Defense Properties is seeking a Staff Accountant to support the Portfolio Controller in maintaining GAAP-compliant books for our property portfolio. The role emphasizes internal controls, month-end close, journal entries, and variance analysis to ensure accurate financial statements.

You will partner with Property Management, assist with budgets and forecasts, monitor invoices and A/R, and contribute to SOX controls and due diligence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field is required.
• 1-3 years related accounting experience with strong performance necessary.
• Will consider college graduate with CDP internship experience.

Responsibilities

• Work with Portfolio Controller to maintain books and records for assigned properties.
• Perform assigned month-end close activities of assigned portfolio of properties.
• Propose and/or record monthly journal entries including rental revenue, CAM accrual and direct tenant billings; monthly operating expense contract accruals; and other operating expense accruals.
• Prepare required variance analysis comparing actual against budget and forecasts in current and prior periods.
• Prepare Balance Sheet account reconciliations for review by Portfolio Controller.
• Resolve outstanding items using judgement and discretion as appropriate.
• Ensure internal controls are being maintained.
• Participate in regular recurring meetings with Property Management teams to review financial results, discuss outstanding A/R and to update quarterly forecasts with Property Managers. Collaborate with and provide support to Property Management teams as needed.
• Work with Portfolio Controller to prepare and analyze budgets and forecasts
• Monitor and review purchase orders and pay invoices to ensure timely payment and recording as well as proper coding.
• Participate in the annual operating expense true-up process to ensure accurate billings or refunds to tenants in accordance with the lease requirements.
• Monitors tenant’s accounts for completeness and accuracy.
• Supports Accounts Receivable function in resolving questions/issues.
• Participates in the due diligence process for acquisitions, dispositions or financings which requires an intense effort in a compressed timeframe.
• Participates in maintaining the internal controls and policies of CDP.
• Communicate any deficiencies in controls to Supervisor.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Independent work

SOX knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Accounting software

Accounting systems

Job description

COPT Defense Properties is seeking a Staff Accountant to support the Portfolio Controller in maintaining GAAP-compliant books for our property portfolio. The role emphasizes internal controls, month-end close, journal entries, and variance analysis to ensure accurate financial statements.

You will partner with Property Management, assist with budgets and forecasts, monitor invoices and A/R, and contribute to SOX controls and due diligence.