Job Description

As Regional Accountant you will be responsible for providing accounting support to an assigned portfolio of apartment communities. You will be involved in preparing and reviewing monthly property operating statements, monthly cash and/or bank reconciliations, and various mid-month reconciliations for your assigned portfolio. Many portfolios include a few specialized properties, which will keep the work both challenging and exciting. Expect to be challenged with a variety of assignments, from preparing monthly operating statements and reconciliation of balance sheet accounts.

As a Regional Accountant for Equity Residential, get ready to work on a collaborative team and contribute to the greater accounting initiatives of a publicly traded real estate investment trust that’s focused on the acquisition, development, and management of high quality apartment properties in top U.S. growth markets.

A focus on Sales and Use Tax ensures company compliance with multi-state tax regulations by preparing, filing, and reconciling sales and use tax returns. The accountant researches tax laws, manages tax audits, handles exemptions, and reviews vendor invoices for tax accruals. Key responsibilities include tax planning, registration, and resolving notices from taxing authorities.

WHO YOU ARE

• Knowledgeable. Through previous work and/or school experiences, you’ve been exposed to accounting principles and enjoy the concepts of measuring, processing, and communicating business-related financial information.
• Organized, Efficient, and Accountable. You have a keen eye for detail and pride yourself on delivering quality work. You multitask well, re-prioritize accordingly, and meet deadlines consistently. Above all, you are flexible and able to juggle the needs of changing priorities of the business. And when a special project arises, you are frequently known to volunteer.
• A Critical Thinker. You’re self-motivated to analyze and evaluate information gathered or received and take action to ask smart questions, challenge the status quo, and regularly seek to understand.
• A Team Player. You enjoy partnering with others —whether internal or external— in order to get work done and deliver great results.
• A Strong Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear and effective, demonstrating your ability to be articulate and understood.
• Technologically Savvy. Tools like email and internet access start as basic necessities in your daily operation and you are comfortable using computers. Microsoft Excel is a tool you know how to organize and leverage in order to successfully manipulate information into a user friendly format. You also enjoy researching trends, organizing data, and problem solving when your findings indicate further research is required.
• Eager to Learn. You invest extra energy in opportunities that expand your current knowledge base and propel you toward reaching your goals.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Sales and Use Tax Reporting

• Compliance & Filing: Prepare and file monthly, quarterly, and annual state and local sales and use tax returns across multiple jurisdictions.
• Reconciliation & Reporting: Reconcile sales and use tax general ledger accounts to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Audit Support: Manage and support sales tax audits by gathering data and defending tax positions.
• Tax Research: Research, interpret, and implement changes in state and local tax regulations.
• Exemption Management: Manage and identify taxable/non-taxable transactions.
• Vendor Review: Analyze accounts payable invoices to determine correct use tax, if applicable.
• Registering for tax permits in new jurisdictions.
• Responding to tax notices and inquiries from authorities.
• Implementing process improvements for tax compliance.
• Prepare monthly accounting records for assigned portfolio of apartment communities, including monthly appropriating statements, reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, preparing cash/and or bank reconciliations, and reviewing property transmissions.
• Maintain supporting documentation, accounts, and records to support proper reporting procedures of tax and indirect returns.
• Maintain accurate accounting files for month-end and mid-month reconciliations.
• Conduct appropriate research and analyze large sets of data as needed in order to propose and implement improvements in system and process efficiency.
• Prepare capital reclass packages, which involves obtaining appropriate approvals and collecting all necessary backup.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external partners.
• Participate in special projects, as needed.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (with a business, accounting, or finance focus a plus) as well as 1+ years of accounting experience and demonstrated knowledge of basic accounting principles.
• Experience filing for various states and/or general knowledge of state law is preferred.
• Must have intermediate skills in Microsoft Word and Excel, plus some familiarity with Google applications.
• Detail oriented and well-organized, with an ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize various responsibilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to speak and write in a clear and articulate manner.
• Team player that demonstrates flexibility and the ability to integrate and work well with others.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines without sacrificing quality of work product.
• Motivated to succeed with the capacity to assume increasing responsibility.

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means living our purpose: creating communities where people thrive. It means striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together.

Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets – New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, and Denver – provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, as evidenced by our employee engagement scores and customer loyalty ratings. That’s why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can Live Remarkably, and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Equity Rewards

When you join Equity Residential, you won’t be treated as simply another employee — you will be considered a partner in our shared success. As such, we are committed to investing in your personal success through a benefits program that supports your Total Wellbeing.

We recognize that everyone has different needs outside of work. That’s why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique benefits options to employees, like a comprehensive wellness program, pet insurance, new parent benefits, and paid time off for community service projects. In addition to your next job, you can also find your next home with us! Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees. The amount of the discount offered is determined based on the market, ranging upwards from 20%. Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

Equity Values

At Equity Residential, like our residents, our employees come from everywhere. A richly diverse work environment captures top talent, cultivates the best ideas, and creates the widest possible platform for success. By focusing on inclusion, these differences are harnessed to create value — in ideas, business practices, relationships, and employee engagement. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees can thrive.

All aspects of the employment process are merit-based. Every Equity employee is expected to maintain a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Equity Residential does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity/expression, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship status, military (including uniformed service member or protected veteran) status, marital status, genetic characteristic or information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law. Equity Residential also prohibits retaliation against individuals who report harassment or discrimination, or participate in investigations into such conduct.