Senior Accountant - Real Estate

The Senior Accountant will be responsible for managing the accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, preparing and posting journal entries, reconciling accounts, and ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting for the real estate operations.

The role involves overseeing daily financial transactions, handling property-related income and expenses, managing tenant accounts, preparing VAT and tax returns, assisting with budget preparation, and providing financial insights to support the real estate team and management.

The Senior Accountant will ensure that all financial processes are carried out in compliance with applicable accounting standards, real estate industry regulations, and company policies.

Job Accountabilities

Journal Entries & General Ledger (GL) Management

• Prepare and post detailed journal entries to the general ledger, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded in compliance with IFRS and GAAP.
• Oversee the reconciliation of ledger accounts to ensure proper matching of income and expenses with relevant entries.

Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable Management

• Manage the accounts payable process, including supplier invoices, payments for utilities (DEWA, Etisalat), administrative costs (fuel, penalties), and other operational expenses.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of tenant rent receivables, refunds, and related payments.
• Monitor and resolve discrepancies in tenant accounts, ensuring accounts are reconciled and payments are correctly applied.

Income & Expense Management

• Oversee the recording and management of real estate-related income and expenses, ensuring proper allocation of payments and receipts.
• Reconcile tenant accounts, including income and expenses, and provide assistance in day-to-day financial operations related to real estate management.

Tax & Compliance

• Assist in preparing VAT returns and corporate tax filings, ensuring compliance with local tax regulations.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of required documentation for VAT and corporate tax submissions.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly financial statements, budgets, and management information system (MIS) reports for real estate operations.
• Provide analysis on financial data, identifying trends, discrepancies, and areas for improvement.
• Prepare reports for senior management, highlighting key financial metrics and performance indicators.

ERP & Software Systems Management

• Oversee the reconciliation of accounts and ensure the accurate entry of financial data into the company's ERP system.
• Utilize property management software to manage tenant billing, payments, and financial data efficiently.
• Ensure all financial data is accurately entered and maintained within accounting software systems, such as Oracle.
• Follow up with vendors to ensure timely payments and collections, maintaining a positive relationship with suppliers and service providers.
• Manage tenant communications related to payments, resolving any discrepancies or issues promptly and professionally.
• Oversee the handling of receipts and outgoing checks, including obtaining signatures, distributing checks, and ensuring proper documentation.
• Ensure all payments are made on time and accurately recorded in the financial system.

Operational Schedules & Budgeting

• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets, including forecasted income and expenses for real estate operations.
• Maintain schedules for financial operations, ensuring the proper documentation and tracking of expenses and revenues.
• Collaborate with the real estate team to ensure budget accuracy and financial transparency.

Confidentiality & Data Security

• Ensure the confidentiality and security of financial data, following company protocols for handling sensitive information.
• Adhere to ethical accounting practices and ensure compliance with internal controls and auditing requirements.

Any other ad hoc administrative duty as requested by the Line Manager or Management staff.

Qualifications & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, or CMA are preferred.
• Additional training or certification in real estate accounting is an advantage.

Experience

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in accounting, with at least 3 years in a senior accounting or real estate accounting role.
• Prior experience in the real estate industry is essential, with a deep understanding of property accounting, tenant billing, and real estate-specific financial practices.
• Proven experience in VAT, corporate tax, and financial reporting is required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of IFRS and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Proficient in property management software and accounting software (e.g., Oracle, SAP).
• Strong proficiency in Excel and data analysis, with the ability to manage large sets of financial data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with internal teams and external vendors/clients.
• Solid understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting processes in real estate.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.