PROPERTY ACCOUNTANT
Why Merus?
Merus brings more than 130 years of commercial real estate experience to the construction, development, ownership, and management of a diverse portfolio of assets across a growing footprint in the eastern U.S.
We’re all owners here. That shared ownership shapes how we work, make decisions, and support one another. Every team member is expected to take responsibility, follow through, and contribute to the success of our projects, partners, and company.
We were named a Deloitte U.S. Best Managed Company, recognizing how private companies are run across strategy, execution, culture, and financial discipline. That same standard shows up in how teams are supported, decisions are made, and the business continues to scale.
Learn more about our culture at www.merus1894.com.
Summary Of Responsibilities
Merus is expanding its finance and accounting team with a new Property Accountant role. In this position, you will support the accounting and asset management teams by ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting for a large portfolio of assets managed by the company.
This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, motivated professional looking to grow their accounting career within a dynamic and collaborative environment. You are organized and analytical, and you thrive on accuracy and efficiency. You’ll assist with full-cycle accounting processes, financial reporting, and variance analysis, while gaining exposure to real estate operations and asset management.
At Merus, you’ll be part of a high-performing, employee-owned team where your contributions are valued, your growth is supported, and your work directly impacts the success of the business.
Essential Job Functions
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for multiple properties in accordance with the applicable accounting basis (GAAP, Tax) and company policies.
- Demonstrate ultimate ownership of all financial aspects of assigned assets throughout their lifecycle, including acquisition, development, operations, disposition, and entity closure.
- Maintain property-level general ledgers, including recording journal entries, accruals, and adjustments as necessary.
- Prepare and review balance sheets, income statements, and cash flows to ensure accuracy, and provide variance analysis for multiple assets.
- Prepare annual operating budgets and forecasts for assigned properties through close collaboration with the asset management team.
- Review monthly financial reporting and cash flow forecasts against the annual budget, and present financial highlights and variance analysis to the leadership team.
- Monitor tenant accounts receivable and accounts payable for accuracy and timeliness. Ensure all transactions are recorded correctly.
- Analyze property financial performance, perform variance analysis against budget/forecast, and provide explanations for variances.
- Support year-end GAAP audits for select legal entities.
- Perform CAM (Common Area Maintenance) reconciliations, ensuring that expenses are accurately allocated to tenants and reconciled against lease agreements.
- Maintain timely and accurate reconciliations (bank and balance sheet reconciliations).
- Assist in preparing documentation and analysis for property tax appeals, ensuring compliance with local tax regulations and optimizing property tax expenses.
- Calculate and process fee expenses (development fees, asset management fees, management fees, etc.) for the respective recipient(s).
- Perform accounting and related reporting for industrial equity fund(s) on a quarterly basis.
- Assist with accounting for Merus’s Development segment, as needed.
Essential Competencies
- Nimble Learning - Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder.
- Action Oriented - Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Demonstrates Self-Awareness - Using a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.
- Self-Development - Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
- Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
- Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
Position Requirements
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret financial data and identify variances or issues.
- Adaptable to changing processes, systems, and business needs.
- Demonstrated accountability, ownership, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Commitment to continuous learning and contributing to a positive, team-oriented culture.
Qualifications And Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- 1–2 years of accounting experience preferred; property or real estate experience a plus.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with strong Excel skills required.
- Experience with Yardi or similar accounting software is valued.
- Foundational understanding of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP).
- Proven ability to use technology to improve process and task efficiency.
- Demonstrated initiative to learn, grow, and broaden accounting and industry knowledge.
Safety Hazard of the Job
Normal safety hazards associated with office work, and with occasional observational visits to construction sites.
Physical Demands
Low physical effort required to sit, stand at files, bend, stoop, lift, and walk. Maximum unassisted lift is 35 lbs. Average lift is less than 10 lbs. Requires ability to use a keyboard and monitor. Also requires the ability to communicate verbally, both in person and on the telephone. May require some travel by car.
Environmental Requirements
Average inside office environment. Average office noise levels. No personal protective equipment is required. Ambient temperature is between 68F and 76F.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and other management as required. This job description is not a contract or offer for employment, and either you or Merus may terminate employment at any time for any reason.
