Staff Accountant

Reports To:

Controller

Optima is a design-driven real estate development firm rooted in the modernist tradition with offices in Illinois and Arizona. For more than 40 years, we have been developing, designing, building, and managing striking urban and suburban luxury residential communities. From the beginning, we aimed to reinvent housing by integrating the functions involved in new construction within one company. We control and execute every aspect of the process in-house – development, architecture, construction, sales, and management – for a dynamic system that offers greater focus and fluidity.

We are committed to delivering extraordinary living through design, innovation, sustainability, and management.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Staff Accountant to join our team. This role will be responsible for maintaining the general ledger for both corporate entities and operating real estate properties. The ideal candidate will have strong accounting skills, experience with property-level financials, and the ability to manage multiple sets of books accurately and efficiently.

• Maintain and reconcile general ledgers for corporate entities and real estate operating properties.
• Prepare and post journal entries, including accruals, amortization, and intercompany transactions.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual closings for all entities.
• Prepare financial statements and supporting schedules for internal and external reporting.
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting for corporate and property-level operations.
• Monitor and reconcile bank accounts, tenant accounts, and property-level cash flows.
• Support accounts payable and accounts receivable functions including accurate coding and allocation of expenses and deposits.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Collaborate with property managers and corporate finance team to resolve discrepancies.
• Assist with special projects and process improvements as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 3+ years of accounting experience; real estate or property management experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Yardi, Sage Timberline, or similar) and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Experience with real estate accounting and property-level financials.
• Knowledge of intercompany transactions and consolidations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Compensation Range: $80,000 - 90,000 annually
• At Optima, we believe benefits should be meaningful, competitive, and supportive of your whole life.
• Benefits provided include:
  • 100% Company-Paid Medical Plan Option
  • 401k with Employer Match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • A beautiful, design-forward workplace and dynamic team environment

At Optima, we believe meaningful work begins with meaningful people. Our teams are diverse, passionate, and united by a shared belief in excellence, innovation, and care. You’ll be part of a culture where individuality is valued and everyone plays a role in creating extraordinary living.

Optima does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to Optima team members or the Optima people experience team. No placement fees will be paid to any 3rd party unless such a request has been made by the Optima people experience team.