Bookkeeper

MORNINGSTAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Bookkeeper Location: Washington, DC About Morningstar Morningstar Community Development is a real estate development and ownership company based in Washington, DC. Our work includes multifamily housing, commercial properties, renovation projects, and new development.

Position Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented Bookkeeper to maintain accurate financial records across multiple properties, development projects, and affiliated entities. This position will work closely with ownership, property management, and external accountants to manage daily accounting, track cash needs, and support timely financial reporting. The ideal candidate has hands-on bookkeeping experience, understands real estate accounting, and can independently manage competing deadlines while keeping records organized and current.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Accounting and Reconciliations

• Maintain accurate general ledgers for multiple entities, properties, and projects.
• Record and properly classify income, expenses, transfers, deposits, and other transactions.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and intercompany balances monthly.
• Investigate discrepancies and resolve missing or incorrectly recorded transactions.
• Maintain supporting documentation and an organized digital accounting system. Accounts Payable and Receivable
• Review vendor invoices for accuracy, proper entity allocation, supporting documentation, and required approvals.
• Prepare payment schedules and process approved payments.
• Track unpaid invoices, vendor balances, reimbursements, and outstanding receivables.
• Prepare invoices for management fees, development fees, and reimbursable expenses.
• Maintain vendor records, collect W-9 forms, and assist with annual 1099 preparation.

Property and Development Accounting

• Coordinate with property management to reconcile rent collections, tenant balances, security deposits, and operating expenses.
• Track project costs by property, cost category, and approved budget.
• Maintain records of contractor payments, retainage, change orders, and construction-related invoices.
• Assemble accounting support for lender draw requests and track funding received.
• Record owner contributions, distributions, and intercompany advances with appropriate documentation.
• Track recurring obligations, including debt service, insurance, utilities, and property taxes. Cash Flow and Financial Reporting
• Update weekly cash balances, expected receipts, upcoming payments, and short-term cash-flow forecasts.
• Flag anticipated cash shortages, overdue receivables, and unusual expenses.
• Prepare monthly financial reports, including profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets, and accounts payable and receivable aging.
• Support month-end and year-end closing and provide organized schedules to external accountants.
• Follow approval procedures and maintain clear records of financial activity.

Required Qualifications

• At least three years of bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Experience maintaining books for multiple entities or business locations.
• Strong understanding of double-entry bookkeeping, account reconciliation, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel, including formulas, sorting, filtering, and reconciliation schedules.
• Ability to identify discrepancies, investigate their causes, and follow through to resolution.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet recurring deadlines.
• Clear communication skills and discretion when handling confidential financial information.
• Experience in real estate development, property management, or construction accounting.
• Experience with AppFolio and QuickBooks.
• Familiarity with job costing, construction draws, retainage, and intercompany accounting.
• Experience supporting cash-flow forecasts and budget-to-actual reporting.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; equivalent practical experience will be considered.