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Property Accounting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

Property Accountant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$27.71 - $32.09/hr

Maintain property-level accounting records, including journal entries, ledger activity, and account reconciliations to ensure accurate financial data. * Produce recurring financial reports and ...

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BKM Management Company

Be Seen First

Sr Associate Property Accounting

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Reporting directly to the Senior Manager, Property Accounting, this position will be responsible for providing accurate and timely financial reporting for the applicable portfolio of properties at ...

Robert Half

Property Accountant

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in property accounting, applies sound accrual-based accounting practices, and works effectively within Yardi to keep ledger activity current and ...

LHH US

Property Accountant

Roseville, CA

$32 - $35/hr

The role will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and performing various accounting tasks for our portfolio of properties. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work ...

LHH US

Property Accountant

Oakland, CA

$39 - $44/hr

The role will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and performing various accounting tasks for our portfolio of properties. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work ...

LHH US

Property Accountant

Oakland, CA

$39 - $44/hr

The role will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and performing various accounting tasks for our portfolio of properties. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work ...

LHH US

Property Accountant

Roseville, CA

$32 - $35/hr

The role will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and performing various accounting tasks for our portfolio of properties. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsProperty Accounting JobsProperty Accounting Jobs in California

Property Accounting information

See California salary details

$40.5K

$71.2K

$95.7K

How much do property accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for property accounting in California is $71,192.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,700.00 and $79,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Property accountants typically earn salaries that vary based on experience, location, and the size of the property portfolio. While high-level roles in real estate or corporate accounting can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, such earnings are uncommon and usually require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and leadership positions. Most property accountants earn significantly less, with top earners in specialized or executive roles.

What are some common challenges faced by property accountants when managing multiple properties, and how are these typically addressed?

Property accountants often juggle financial records for several properties, each with unique leases, expenses, and regulatory requirements. A major challenge is ensuring accuracy and consistency across various accounts while meeting tight reporting deadlines. Many firms address this by using specialized property management accounting software and establishing standardized processes for reconciliations and documentation. Collaborating closely with property managers and leasing teams also helps maintain up-to-date information and streamline workflows.

Do you need a CPA to be a property accountant?

A property accountant does not typically need a CPA license, but having one can enhance credibility and career advancement opportunities. Many property accountants hold a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and may pursue certifications like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) to increase their expertise. Licensing requirements vary by employer and jurisdiction, but a CPA is not universally mandatory for the role.

What is the difference between Property Accounting vs Property Management?

AspectProperty AccountingProperty Management
Primary FocusFinancial record-keeping, budgeting, and reporting for propertiesOverseeing daily operations, tenant relations, and property maintenance
Required CredentialsAccounting certifications (e.g., CPA), finance or accounting degreeReal estate or property management certifications, leasing experience
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, working with financial dataOn-site at properties, interacting with tenants and vendors
Industry UsageReal estate firms, property management companies, asset managersProperty management companies, leasing agencies, landlords

Property Accounting focuses on financial aspects like budgeting, bookkeeping, and financial reporting for properties. In contrast, Property Management involves overseeing daily property operations, tenant relations, and maintenance. While both roles are essential in the real estate industry, they require different skill sets and certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and employers align expectations and responsibilities effectively.

What is the role of a property accountant?

A property accountant manages financial records for real estate assets, including rent collections, expense tracking, and financial reporting. They ensure accurate accounting practices, often using accounting software, and may prepare budgets and analyze financial performance for property management. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of accounting standards are essential for this role.

What is property accounting?

Property accounting is the process of tracking, managing, and reporting the financial activities related to real estate assets, such as commercial buildings, residential properties, or land. Property accountants ensure that all income, expenses, and capital expenditures associated with a property are accurately recorded and reported according to accounting standards. Their work helps property owners, managers, and investors understand the financial performance of their real estate assets, comply with tax regulations, and make informed business decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Property Accountant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Property Accountant, you need strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and real estate operations, usually backed by a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with property management software like Yardi or MRI, and proficiency in Excel, are commonly required, with CPA certification being an advantage. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication help you manage complex transactions and collaborate with property managers. These skills are essential for ensuring accurate financial records, regulatory compliance, and informed decision-making in property management.

Is property accounting difficult?

Property accounting involves managing financial records related to real estate assets, which requires attention to detail, understanding of accounting principles, and familiarity with property management software. The complexity can vary depending on the size of the portfolio and the specific responsibilities, but strong organizational skills and knowledge of industry regulations are essential for success.
What are the most commonly searched types of Property Accounting jobs in California? The most popular types of Property Accounting jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Property Accounting jobs? Cities in California with the most Property Accounting job openings:
Property Accounting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Property Accounting job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,192 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Associate Director, Property Accounting

BKM Management Company

Newport Beach, CA

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

BKM Management Company is a growing institutional real estate investment firm seeking driven, entrepreneurial professionals who are passionate about excellence and want to grow with us.

Based in our Newport Beach headquarters, the Associate Director, Property Accounting serves as a key leader within the Finance & Accounting organization, overseeing all aspects of property accounting, financial reporting, and team development. This individual will lead a growing team of accounting professionals while driving process improvements, strengthening internal controls, leveraging technology, and partnering cross-functionally to support BKM's continued growth.

This is a highly visible leadership role with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the Company's operational excellence, scalability, and long-term success.

This role is 100% in-office due to the collaborative nature of our business.

The Job Essentials:

Leadership & Team Development

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Property Accounting professionals, including supervisors, senior accountants, staff accountants, and support personnel.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development.
  • Establish clear performance expectations, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide coaching to support employee growth and career progression.
  • Develop future leaders through mentoring, succession planning, and ongoing training initiatives.
  • Partner with senior leadership on organizational planning, staffing, and resource allocation as the Company continues to grow.

Accounting & Financial Reporting

  • Oversee the full-cycle accounting for a portfolio of commercial real estate assets.
  • Review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, general ledgers, account reconciliations, job cost reports, and supporting schedules.
  • Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial reporting packages for internal stakeholders, joint venture partners, and lenders.
  • Coordinate the timely delivery of property-level financial information to the Fund and Joint Venture Accounting teams for investor reporting.
  • Review property-level contribution and distribution calculations while ensuring appropriate property liquidity is maintained.

Controls, Processes & Technical Accounting

  • Serve as the department's technical accounting resource for complex real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, capital projects, debt transactions, lease accounting, and joint venture structures.
  • Oversee accounting for property acquisitions and dispositions, including purchase accounting, prorations, journal entries, and transaction close-outs.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant accounting principles, Company accounting policies, and internal control procedures.
  • Develop, document, and maintain strong internal controls and standardized accounting processes across the property accounting function.
  • Review transaction documentation to ensure accounting treatment appropriately reflects contractual terms.

Technology & Process Improvement

  • Champion the use of technology, automation, and AI tools to improve accounting efficiency, reporting accuracy, and scalability.
  • Partner with Finance, Property Management, and Technology teams to optimize Yardi and other accounting systems.
  • Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and streamline accounting workflows.
  • Support implementation of new accounting systems, software enhancements, and reporting solutions.
  • Continuously evaluate departmental processes and implement best practices to improve operational efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner closely with Property Management, Asset Management, Fund Accounting, Tax, Treasury, and Finance teams to support Company objectives.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on audits, tax reporting, lender requests, property valuations, and other strategic initiatives.
  • Provide accounting support for acquisitions, dispositions, refinancing activities, and capital projects.
  • Serve as a trusted business partner by providing financial guidance and operational support across the organization.

The Qualifiers:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related degree
  • CPA license strongly preferred
  • 10+ years of commercial property accounting experience
  • 5-7+ years of management experience
  • Strong technical accounting knowledge, including U.S. GAAP, commercial real estate accounting, acquisitions, dispositions, debt transactions, and joint venture structures.
  • Demonstrated experience improving accounting processes, implementing technology solutions, and driving operational efficiencies.
  • Advanced proficiency in Yardi Voyager and Microsoft Excel.
  • Experience working with business intelligence, automation, AI, or reporting technologies is a plus.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate across all levels of the organization.
  • High degree of integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
  • Champion the use of AI and emerging technologies to improve process efficiency.

The Perks:

  • Competitive Pay + Bonus Incentive
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, Pet and Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401k Plan + Match
  • Professional Development Resources
  • Fun Work Environment (including creative office space, Team-building events, Company training opportunities, and more.)