Residential Financial Specialist

Under the general supervision of the Residential Financial Supervisor, the Residential Financial Specialist (RFS) is responsible for ensuring the accurate bookkeeping/posting of all resident transactions for the properties/portfolio in accordance with set policies and practices; thereby ensuring income optimization. The RFS partners with on-site and regional property management and is charged with maximizing all income opportunities by analyzing trends and recommending process improvements.  The RFS is knowledgeable regarding state laws relating to collections from residents as well as internal policies and practices relating to property bookkeeping and systems.   At Equity Residential, we're dedicated to creating thriving communities, and we invite you to be part of our team. Embracing values like Diversity, Sustainability, and Total Wellbeing, we foster a workplace culture of authenticity and collaboration.

How We Deliver a Winning Performance:  

Question Authority 

• Walk the Talk
• Share Knowledge
• Listen, not just Hear
• See the Glass Half Full
• Take Educated Risks
• Enjoy the Ride
• Share the Spotlight
• Do the Right Thing
• Test Your Limits 

We Care About Your Total Wellbeing:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision care 
• Social Wellbeing: 9 paid holidays, annual vacation time, paid sick leave, new parent benefits
• Financial Wellbeing: 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Rent Discounts, Competitive Compensation
• Community Wellbeing: Paid Community Service Hours
• Career Wellbeing: Leadership Development
• Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Under the general supervision of the Residential Financial Supervisor, the Residential Financial Specialist (RFS) is responsible for ensuring the accurate bookkeeping/posting of all resident transactions for the properties/portfolio in accordance with set policies and practices; thereby ensuring income optimization. The RFS partners with on-site and regional property management and is charged with maximizing all income opportunities by analyzing trends and recommending process improvements.  The RFS is knowledgeable regarding state laws relating to collections from residents as well as internal policies and practices relating to property bookkeeping and systems.

Monitors residents’ accounts in the property management system (MRI) and performs detailed account research to ensure timely and accurate posting of rent and utility payments/collection related to move-ins, move-outs, renewals, transfers, evictions, etc. 

• Generates Statement of Deposit and Accounts (SODA) for all move outs and canceled applicants, which details refunds / charges for damages against security deposit.
• Handles return payments, runs delinquency reports and generates notices for distribution.
• Validates that evictions tie out with third party filings and are processed accurately in accordance with company policies and state laws.  Manually posts legal fees associated with eviction.

Monitors and processes resident account adjustments to ensure all revenue is captured.

• Generates necessary reports to monitor resident status of outstanding transactions and ongoing activity.
• Posts resident adjustments including, but not limited to, security deposits, late charges, resident utility billing (RUBs), charges or credits on canceled applicants, and accurate application of concessions, etc.
• Performs closing steps in accounting cycle utilizing the monthly close out checklist and various accounting / billing reports detailing out of balance accounts.
• Performs reconciliation of residents’ accounts for each property in conjunction with property management prior to MRI monthly closeout.

Supports on-site property management by responding to inquiries in a timely, respectful and thorough manner. Partners with regional management to identify trends, issues or areas of concern related to processes and procedures. Acts as a liaison and influencer of behaviors between corporate and field within the realm of managing the books.

• Reviews and processes property ledger requests including fees charged to residents, e.g., utility billing credits, corrections for double fees, etc. Responds to Resident Notes submitted by property management.
• Works closely with properties to provide support and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Communicates closely with Regional Managers (RMs) on an ongoing basis; provides RM with constructive assessment of properties performance and identifies