Staff Accountant

GJL Partners; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

GJL Partners is seeking a Staff Accountant in Santa Monica, CA to support accounting and financial reporting for a portfolio of commercial retail properties. The role covers AP, AR, tenant billing, reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close, with strong emphasis on accuracy and compliance.

Prior CRE/accounting experience and Yardi proficiency are highly valued. The ideal candidate will bring 2-5+ years of accounting experience, a relevant bachelor's degree, and the ability to manage

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
• 2-5+ years of accounting experience.
• Experience in commercial real estate, property management, or related accounting preferred.
• Knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger processes.
• Familiarity with CAM reconciliations and tenant billing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end close for assigned properties.
• Prepare and post journal entries with supporting documentation.
• Prepare balance sheet and GL reconciliations.
• Assist with bank reconciliations and cash activity.
• Process and review AP, including coding, approvals, and payments.
• Manage AR activities, including tenant billing and cash applications.
• Review AP/AR aging and resolve outstanding items.
• Maintain tenant ledgers and assist with billing discrepancies.
• Assist with CAM, operating expenses, property tax, insurance, and other tenant billings.
• Review property-level income/expenses for accuracy and variances.
• Collaborate with property management and internal teams on accounting matters.
• Maintain accounting records across multiple properties and entities.
• Assist with monthly financial reporting packages and year-end audits.

Skills

Yardi experience

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

Yardi

Job description

Location: Santa Monica, CA

Work Arrangement: 5 Days In-Office

Position Overview

A commercial real estate organization is seeking a Staff Accountant to join its accounting team in Santa Monica. This position will support the accounting and financial reporting for a portfolio focused primarily on commercial retail properties.

The Staff Accountant will have exposure to a broad range of property accounting responsibilities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, tenant billing, account reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close.

The ideal candidate will have prior accounting experience within commercial real estate, property management, or a related industry. Yardi experience is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes for assigned commercial properties.
• Prepare and post journal entries and maintain supporting documentation.
• Prepare balance sheet and general ledger account reconciliations.
• Assist with bank reconciliations and cash activity.
• Process and review accounts payable, including invoice coding, approvals, and payment processing.
• Manage accounts receivable activities, including tenant billing, cash applications, and monitoring outstanding balances.
• Review AP and AR aging reports and research outstanding or unusual items.
• Maintain accurate tenant ledgers and assist with resolving billing discrepancies.
• Assist with CAM, operating expense, property tax, insurance, and other tenant billings and reconciliations.
• Review property-level income and expenses for accuracy and investigate variances.
• Work closely with property management and other internal teams regarding accounting matters.
• Maintain accurate accounting records across multiple properties and legal entities.
• Assist with preparation of monthly financial reporting packages.
• Support annual audits and provide requested schedules and documentation.
• Assist with budgeting, reporting, and other accounting projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred.
• 2-5+ years of accounting experience.
• Prior experience within commercial real estate, property management, or real estate accounting preferred.
• Experience with retail properties is a plus.
• Yardi experience strongly preferred.
• Understanding of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger accounting.
• Experience with journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end close.
• Familiarity with commercial leases, tenant billing, and CAM reconciliations is a plus.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple properties, deadlines, and priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has a strong accounting foundation and wants to continue developing within commercial real estate accounting. This person should be comfortable handling AP and AR responsibilities while also taking ownership of broader Staff Accountant duties such as journal entries, reconciliations, month-end close, and property-level financial reporting.

Candidates with experience working for a commercial real estate owner/operator or property management company and prior exposure to Yardi and retail properties will be particularly well suited for the position.

Compensation & Schedule

Location: Santa Monica, CA