[Jriver]

How is this area if you are pursuing industry accounting? Stressful? Is it heavily transactional? Overall a good, stable career path?

Thank you!

[fsugirl2005]

I have my own accounting and bookkeeping firm and I specialize in real estate/property management accounting but I also do other industries on a case by case basis. Property accounting is actually not that hard but it can be time consuming if the ones handling the bookkeeping didn't stay on top of things. It is important to enter all the bills in and account for rental payments properly. The commercial real estate accounting gets a bit more complicated because you're dealing with triple net leases and CAM reconciliations.

From a financial reporting perspective, you will work with a lot of what's called “Cap-ex” transactions which are capital expenditures. These have to be separated from regular operating expenses and if not done will distort the financial statements and understate fixed assets.

This industry is not stressful but if you're going to work for a large real estate development company, it may become demanding. This is especially since the market is doing a lot better. If you are going to work for a builder, that's not going to be as stable as a larger real estate development firm but for now, it's manageable.

AUD - 10/21/16 (75----07/2010 expired)
FAR - 10/28/16
BEC - 11/2016
REG - 01/2017

Using Gleim CPA Review, Ninja Audio, Ninja Book

[Gatorgirl1231]

I am an Assistant Controller for a Real Estate Property Management Firm in Florida. I absolutely love the industry.

I personally prefer Residential Real Estate instead of Commercial Real Estate.

It can be a bit stressful during deadlines depending on the amount of properties you have, but overall I believe it is a good stable career path.

Florida Candidate

AUD: 77
REG: 86
FAR: TBD
BEC: 79 (Expired)

[rfc63]

Is it possible to get licensed as a CPA working as a property accountant or do you have to be licensed coming in to the industry? I would love to get into commercial real estate property accounting but also want to get the CPA license since I worked so hard to pass the exams.

[Gatorgirl1231]

I am working on mine while in the industry, My direct boss is a CPA, so I am gaining my experience while working here.

Florida Candidate

AUD: 77
REG: 86
FAR: TBD
BEC: 79 (Expired)

[greg422]

Think about Portfolio Accounting for a RE company. Usually involves reviewing the property accounting data and consolidating the portfolio. Less detail transactions and more of a review function.

REG - 82
AUD - 97
BEC - 81
FAR - 84
DONE!

[greg422]

Think about Portfolio Accounting for a RE company. Usually involves reviewing the property accounting data and consolidating the portfolio. Less detail transactions and more of a review function.

REG - 82
AUD - 97
BEC - 81
FAR - 84
DONE!

[Author]

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