Residential Financial Specialist - Remote

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 training opportunities as well as potential income opportunities. 
• Maintains general working knowledge of state laws with respect to collection of delinquent accounts.
• Keeps up-to-date on policies, procedures/principles and MRI system application.

What You’ll Need to Thrive:

• Residential or commercial property management, hospitality, or retail experience
• Four or more years of professional work experience required, along with knowledge of bookkeeping principles and practices.
• High School diploma or equivalent
•  A college degree or some college coursework is preferred
• Computer literacy and effective communication skills
• excellent verbal communication skills and excellent follow through
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends
• Smartphone (if required)

Bonus Qualifications:

• Managerial Experience

Pay:  $20.36 - $25.45 / hour

Employees are eligible for overtime pay and performance incentives

The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications. 

Working Environment:

This position is 100% remote (work from home) in the following locations: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington DC. Please note: candidates located in California would need to relocate to another EQR market for this opportunity.

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means living our purpose: creating communities where people thrive. It means striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together. 

Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets – New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, and Denver – provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, as evidenced by our employee engagement scores and customer loyalty ratings. That’s why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can Live Remarkably, and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Equity Rewards

When you join Equity Residential, you won’t be treated as simply another employee — you will be considered a partner in our shared success. As such, we are committed to investing in your personal success through a benefits program that supports your Total Wellbeing. 

We recognize that everyone has different needs outside of work. That’s why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique benefits options to employees, like a comprehensive wellness program, pet insurance, new parent benefits, and paid time off for community service projects. In addition to your next job, you can also find your next home with us! Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees. The amount of the discount offered is determined based on the market, ranging upwards from 20%. Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

Equity Values

At Equity Residential, like our residents, our employees come from everywhere. A richly diverse work environment captures top talent, cultivates the best ideas, and creates the widest possible platform for success. By focusing on inclusion, these differences are harnessed to create value — in ideas, business practices, relationships, and employee engagement. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees can thrive. 

All aspects of the employment process are merit-based. Every Equity employee is expected to maintain a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Equity Residential does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity/expression, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship status, military (including uniformed service member or protected veteran) status, marital status, genetic characteristic or information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law. Equity Residential also prohibits retaliation against individuals who report harassment or discrimination, or participate in investigations into such conduct.