Job Detail

Job Description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable real estate organisation in Nairobi, is seeking to recruit an experienced Accountant – Real Estate to manage and oversee financial accounting activities relating to the organisation's property portfolio.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, monitoring rental and other property-related income, managing property expenses, preparing financial reports, performing reconciliations and supporting financial planning and decision-making.

The role requires a commercially aware and detail-oriented accounting professional with strong experience in real estate, property management, rental accounting or a related environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Property Accounting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting records for the organisation's property portfolio.
• Manage accounting for rental income, service charges, deposits, property expenses and other property-related transactions.
• Maintain individual property and tenant accounts and ensure accurate allocation of income and expenses.
• Monitor rental collections and outstanding tenant balances.
• Prepare and maintain rent schedules, tenant statements and property financial records.
• Monitor security deposits and ensure appropriate accounting and reconciliation.
• Track property-related expenditure, including repairs, maintenance, utilities, rates, insurance and other operating costs.
• Analyse property income and expenditure and identify variances or unusual transactions.

2. Accounts Receivable & Payable

• Monitor tenant receivables and follow up on outstanding rental balances.
• Prepare tenant statements and ageing reports.
• Process and review invoices, payments and receipts relating to properties.
• Manage accounts payable for suppliers, contractors and service providers.
• Verify supporting documentation before processing payments.
• Reconcile supplier and tenant accounts and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain accurate records of all receipts, payments and outstanding balances.

3. Bank & Account Reconciliations

• Perform regular bank reconciliations for property and corporate accounts.
• Reconcile tenant, supplier and general ledger accounts.
• Investigate and resolve unreconciled items and discrepancies.
• Ensure all transactions are accurately captured and properly supported.
• Maintain appropriate accounting schedules and supporting documentation.

4. Financial Reporting

• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports for management.
• Prepare property-level income and expenditure reports.
• Prepare profit and loss statements, balance sheet schedules and cash flow information.
• Prepare rental collection and arrears reports.
• Analyse actual performance against budgets and prior periods.
• Provide management with financial insights and recommendations to improve property profitability and cash flow.

5. Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Assist in preparing annual budgets for individual properties and the organisation.
• Monitor property expenditure against approved budgets.
• Analyse budget variances and provide explanations and recommendations.
• Assist management with cash-flow forecasting and financial planning.
• Support investment and property management decisions through relevant financial analysis.

6. Tax & Statutory Compliance

• Ensure accurate and timely accounting records are maintained for tax and statutory reporting purposes.
• Assist with preparation and submission of applicable tax returns and statutory filings.
• Ensure proper treatment and documentation of VAT and other applicable taxes.
• Maintain appropriate records to support tax compliance and audits.
• Liaise with KRA, auditors and other relevant authorities when required.

7. Audit & Internal Controls

• Prepare schedules and supporting documentation required for internal and external audits.
• Liaise with auditors and provide requested financial information.
• Assist in implementing and maintaining effective financial controls.
• Review accounting processes and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Ensure proper authorisation and documentation of financial transactions.
• Safeguard company and property-related financial records.

8. Property Management Support

• Work closely with property managers, leasing teams, landlords, tenants and other stakeholders on financial matters.
• Provide financial information to support lease administration and property management.
• Review lease-related financial terms and ensure accurate billing and accounting.
• Assist with service charge accounting, budgeting and reconciliations where applicable.
• Support management in evaluating property performance and operating costs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related field from a recognised institution.
• CPA (K) qualification is required.
• Membership in ICPAK in good standing will be an advantage.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Good knowledge of Kenyan tax and statutory requirements.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting standards.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' relevant accounting experience, preferably within the real estate, property management, property development or related industry.
• Proven experience in rental income accounting and property-related financial management.
• Experience managing tenant accounts, receivables, payables and reconciliations.
• Experience preparing management accounts, budgets, cash-flow forecasts and financial reports.
• Practical experience with VAT, PAYE, corporate tax and other applicable statutory requirements.
• Experience working with auditors and supporting audit processes.
• Experience with accounting systems/ERP software and advanced Excel functions.
• Experience managing accounts for multiple properties or a property portfolio will be an advantage.

Key Competencies

• Strong financial and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong understanding of property and rental accounting.
• Excellent reconciliation and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong Excel and accounting software skills.
• Good financial reporting and management accounting capabilities.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple properties, accounts and competing deadlines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism.
• Commercial awareness and ability to translate financial information into practical business insights.

Key Performance Indicators

Performance will be assessed based on:

• Accuracy and timeliness of financial records and reports.
• Timely and accurate reconciliation of property and corporate accounts.
• Effective monitoring and collection of rental income.
• Reduction and effective management of tenant arrears.
• Accurate property-level reporting and profitability analysis.
• Compliance with tax and statutory requirements.
• Effective budget and expenditure management.
• Timely completion of audit requirements.
• Strength and effectiveness of financial controls.

Remuneration

Competitive

Remuneration

Competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience.