griebcw1, Author at Building Careers

10 Job Posting Secrets to Attract Top CRE Talent

Leave a Comment / Blog, Industry Insights

If you’re looking for job posting tips to ensure your CRE job post brings in only the most qualified candidates, then this is for you. Because it’s a crowded job market out there. And hiring the wrong person can cost you. Unlock the secret to strategic job posting with the tips we reveal below.

It all starts with creating the right job post. But most companies have to revise their job posting after publishing it. Why? Obviously, they didn’t get it right the first time. And apparently, they weren’t attracting the right talent.

So, here are 10 tips to nail that job listing and get resumes only from the most qualified and talented leads out there. Every one of them is guaranteed to improve the quality of your results.

1. Write Clearly.

Now is not the time to use fun buzzwords that don’t tell prospects much about what is actually required for the position or what the role entails. Be clear, concise, and descriptive. Looking for someone with experience in multi-family? Then state how important this point is.

2. Include Compensation.

It’s the elephant in the room. No one wants to list salary specifics. Yet it’s the #1 most important distinguisher to serious job applicants. So at least state a clear range and what the benefits entail. Of course this is all negotiable. But list some numbers to filter out candidates who would be a waste of your time.

3. Create an Employment Value Proposition.

What is an employment value proposition (EVP)? In short, it’s the sum total of the value that your organization can provide to potential employees. Everything that makes your organization an attractive place to work – from the salary to workplace culture to employee development and team building opportunities – your EVP is a statement that attracts qualified professionals of similar personalities and value sets.

It’s one of the most overlooked job posting tips, but including a clear EVP will automatically draw the right kind of candidates and convince them of the value of committing their time and energy to your team.

4. Help candidates Self-Assess.

Think about it. If you give candidates the right tools within the job posting to assess their fit, you avoid having to filter out unwanted resumes later on. A good job posting saves resources for both your company and the candidates by giving specific markers to gauge if they are a good fit or not.

5. Use the Right Keywords.

Everything is all about the algorithms these days. Technology has reshaped CRE as well as the way we find CRE professionals. If you want your advertisement for this job to land in front of the right people, make sure it corresponds to the same keywords your ideal candidate is searching right now. All the other CRE job posting tips are worthless if your ad doesn’t get seen by the right people.

6. Ask for Help from a Similar Employee

No one ever thinks of this. But why not get help writing the job post from someone already working in the same role or who has the same basic skill set? Ask them to think about what attracts them and what to include in the post. Because they’ll know more than anyone what skills are needed.

7. Format.

Break up text blocks by using sub headers and only 1-3 sentences per paragraph. Clearly define the sections, and consider adding translations for diversity.

8. Prioritize Company Culture/Personality.

Among the most important job posting tips is that new hires who are a good cultural or personality fit tend to perform better than those with the right skills. The saying goes, hire for attitude, train for skills. Put your company vibe out there in the job post and be specific about the kind of personality that will fit best. Your vibe will attract your tribe.

9. Include Multimedia.

This isn’t just a job description. It’s an advertisement meant to motivate and attract the right talent for your opening. Include eye-catching graphics and video to show off perks and employee experiences. Images of the property and team consistently rank among the top factors candidates look for in a new job.

10. Talk About Onboarding.

It might seem like jumping ahead in the process, but candidates who are committed to success want to know they will be appreciated and fully utilized. In the job posting, include information about your onboarding and new-hire integration process.

In all of these, remember that you can spend the time sorting through and screening dozens of resumes to find one or two worth interviewing – or you can spend that time crafting a strategic job post that will self-screen and automatically bring the right candidates to you. Starting your hiring search right is up to you.

Sources:

10 Job Posting Secrets to Attract Top CRE Talent Read More »

SVP, Property Management

Leave a Comment / Albuquerque, Job Candidates, SVP, Property Management

Albuquerque, NM

A family office with a diverse portfolio of properties is looking for an Senior Vice President (SVP) and strategic leader to grow into the role of President. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of client investment objectives and the ability to develop and implement property-specific strategic plans, operating, and capital budgets. The SVP ensures the execution of approved initiatives and programs through effective management and coordination of the property teams. This position involves significant oversight of building personnel, strategic planning, financial management, and client relations to optimize the financial and operational success of the real estate assets.

Responsibilities

Minimum of 10 years of experience in a leadership role within property management or real estate.
Bachelor’s/master’s degree in business administration, real estate, law, or a related field; Relevant advanced degree preferred.
Real Estate license or professional certifications (e.g., CPM, CAM) desirable, but not
required.
Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, external partners.
Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability.
Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.
Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response.
Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to be friendly, patient, and professional in appearance and manner.
Actively thoughtful of long-term strategy, seeks opportunities, and proposes solutions.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point), Adobe Acrobat, and Social Media web platforms.
In-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal property management regulations.
Proven track record in managing diverse portfolios and teams.
Proficiency in property management software such as Yardi.
Strong financial acumen, analytical skills, and ability to manage budgets and financial reports.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and handle confidential matters with discretion.
Knowledge of current market trends and regulatory requirements.
Actively thoughtful of long-term strategy, seeks opportunities, and proposes solutions.

SVP, Property Management Read More »

Portfolio Analyst and FP&A

Leave a Comment / Job Candidates, Portfolio Analyst and FP&A, San Diego

San Diego, CA

A Southern California based real estate owner and manager a diverse array of real estate assets totaling more than $1.5 billion is looking for a Portfolio/FP&A Analyst to join their San Diego office and be an integral part of the asset management team. The position is ideally suited for a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with exceptional financial modeling skills. This individual should have the desire to be a part of a rapidly expanding company and will work closely with the firm’s asset management, property management, acquisitions and accounting teams. Reporting to the SVP, Operations and CFO, the Analyst is responsible for providing financial and strategic analysis support for the retail team.

Responsibilities

Functions include preparing monthly financial reports and monitoring asset and corporate performance, assisting with the preparation of annual asset business plans and quarterly asset reviews, quarterly board materials, asset-level and portfolio-level financial analysis, and ad hoc analysis & reporting.

Asset / Portfolio Management :

Gather, process, and integrate financial data from multiple sources through use of accounting system (YARDI) and Excel; accurately and timely communicate findings to various internal and external stakeholders for critical management decision-making.
Build and maintain detailed and dynamic financial models and cash flows in Excel for existing portfolio assets to support operational decisions, including distribution recommendations to equity holders.
Develop and maintain comprehensive monthly and quarterly reporting packages to assist in the monitoring asset and portfolio-level performance (i.e., revenue, expenses, leasing, occupancy etc.)
Assist in the development and maintenance of quarterly asset reviews, annual business plans, and valuation models.
Coordinates across multiple departments to provide direction for and oversight of business plans, budgets, leases, and tenant collections.
Provide portfolio management support including project level communication with LPs.
Evaluate current processes and identify and implement improvements to streamline, automate, and/or increase accuracy.

Corporate FP&A:

Develop and maintain detailed forecasts and analytics to enhance corporate level revenue and tracking KPIs on a quarterly basis.
Assist in the preparation of annual corporate budgets and maintain quarterly cash flow forecast updates, and equity requirements for new investments.
Support CFO in the development and maintenance of quarterly board of directors’ report and presentations.
Performs ad hoc analysis for management as required

Requirements

5-7 years of relevant experience
Collaborative and able to effectively liaise with investment partners and colleagues as well as able to work independently
Expert with Excel using advanced formulas to aggregate and present data (i.e. INDEX MATCH with multiple criteria, variations of IFS formulas, VLOOKUPS/HLOOKUPS, FILTER functions, and Pivot Tables)
Working knowledge of real estate accounting software systems such as Yardi
Working knowledge of Argus and other financial projection software preferred
Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Finance, Real Estate or related field
Quantitative and analytical skills
Self-starter comfortable working within an entrepreneurial environment and assuming a strong sense of ownership over work product

Portfolio Analyst and FP&A Read More »

Property Accountant

Leave a Comment / Job Candidates, Property Accountant, San Diego

San Diego, CA

A west-coast CRE owner/operator with a focus on employee growth and remote work is looking for a Property Accountant/Senior to join their team. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, the successful candidate will produce accurate, timely, and complete financial reporting and perform full-cycle accounting for assigned commercial real estate entities. The property Accountant will interact and collaborate with property and asset management teams, vendors, and/or tenants to enhance investor confidence and facilitate asset appreciation.

Responsibilities

Complete day to day accounting functions of assigned properties.
Review A/P invoice coding for accuracy in Nexus.
Consult with property staff as to general ledger coding for payables, tenant improvements, cash receipts applications, and budget variances
Ensure all appropriate reviews and approvals were completed prior to processing data into the accounting system.
Prepare journal entries for insurance, property taxes, monthly mortgage payments, accrual/prepaid expenses, and depreciation/amortization expenses.
Record and reconcile intercompany fees and intercompany receivable/payable accounts.
Maintain fixed asset and leasing commission schedules for tax preparer.
Reconcile all balance sheet accounts including bank accounts, receivable, impound, mortgages, and equity accounts.
Proactively review income statement trend ledgers and general ledger details monthly to ensure accuracy; identify inconsistencies, make necessary adjustments, and review with asset/property manager, if needed.
Perform month-end and year-end closing.
Closely monitor lender reserve accounts and prepare lender draws when appropriate.
Calculate and enter monthly contract item accruals such as janitorial, security, engineering, and utility expenses to match expenses to the period incurred, and review trial balance for reversing of same entries in the next accounting period
Job cost accounting functions, including setting up jobs in MRI & Nexus, verifying job cost codes for accuracy, setting up budgets and commitments for job in MRI, and reviewing job cost reports for accuracy.
Prepare periodic reporting to lenders and investors.
Review and prepare internal reporting packages for asset and property management.
Prepare monthly budget vs actual variance analysis for assigned properties.
Review documents such as lease documentation, tenant billing, move out and cash receipts substantiating business transactions.
Prepare Rent Statements and distribute them to the field to ensure the accuracy of the following month’s recurring charges and past-due charges.
Review the tenant aging report monthly, ensuring all payments are applied to outstanding charges. Investigate and address any unusual balances. Alert and collaborate with property management in collection efforts.
Research and answer Property Managers’ questions regarding tenant statements.
Review work such as tenant credit memos, non-recurring tenant billings, and questionable cash receipts.
Prepare tenant account analysis and reconciliations when tenants dispute charges.
Process tenant refunds and deliver them to the Accounts Payable department.
Review weekly cash position for assigned properties and proactively alert asset manager of pending cash issues.
Prepare, file, and pay property taxes, state income taxes, and privilege taxes for assigned properties and LLCs.
Assist with annual CAM reconciliations and proceeding years estimated CAM reconciliations.
Provide annual actual expenses for CAM reconciliations and make GL adjustments as needed.
Support Assistant Controller with preparation of year-end audit and tax workpapers.
Participate in identifying and resolving problems and inconsistencies, recommending appropriate corrective procedures.
Monthly privilege tax filings and credit card reconciliations.

Requirements

Minimum 3 years’ full cycle accounting experience.
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or equivalent accounting experience.
Experience with MRI or similar accounting system required.
Commercial Real Estate experience and REIT accounting experience are preferred but not required.
Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
Possess a self-motivated, analytical, inquisitive, and passionate mindset.
Possess a demonstrated knowledge base of accounting principles and processes.
Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to plan, work independently, and manage priorities against key deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
Possesses a customer service orientation with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

Property Accountant Read More »

5 More Ways to Optimize Your LinkedIn for CRE

Blog, Industry Insights, Set Yourself Up For Success

If you want to optimize LinkedIn for CRE jobs and trick out your profile to have the best chance for getting hired, then stay tuned. The five tips we discuss below are sure to get the attention of hiring managers and immediately impress upon them your worth within your target field.

This is Part 2 of a series on LinkedIn optimizations, so be sure to check out Part 1 here.

We’ve already seen how important it is to:

Optimize your headshot
Craft an attention-getting headline
Write the perfect summary
Network within the LinkedIn community
Categorize your profile properly
List out all your qualifications
And choose the right keywords to be found

But now, we’re going to go a bit deeper and discover even more ways to optimize LinkedIn for CRE jobs that are waiting for someone just like you.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and learn how to make your LinkedIn profile shine!

1. Architect Your Profile

Obviously, your profile will be read from the top down. Hiring managers will start at the top, skimming more and reading less as they work their way to the bottom. You probably already thought of that, right?

But what you likely did NOT know is that the LinkedIn algorithm also reads from top to bottom! This means it’s doubly important to architect your profile with this in mind. So, map your content! Frontload the most important keywords to the top as much as possible.

When it comes to education, skills, and certifications, remember, the higher the better. You should always list your most important and relevant items at the top of their respective sections. Not only are hiring managers more likely to notice and actually read them, but LinkedIn will place more emphasis on them in search.

2. Personalize

Yes, you’re already personalizing your profile by putting in your education and work history, right?

But personalization can go even deeper on LinkedIn. Stand out by paying attention to a few little details that really add up:

Don’t just let LinkedIn pick the URL for your profile. Make your name more easily searchable by putting it directly into the URL. For example: www.linkedin.com/in/carlyglova

Include your birthday. No, you don’t have to give away your age by including the year. But at least select the month and day.

Don’t forget to add your interests and hobbies. This makes you more personable and likeable.

3. Post Smart

There’s more to optimizing your LinkedIn than just your profile. Posting is also a great way to be discovered, too. But you’ve got to understand the LinkedIn algorithm to do it right.

Don’t just share a link, add some commentary that gets some engagement. Use hashtags when relevant, and it’ll get in front of more people.

Share text-based or image-based posts more than link-based. If you want that CRE hiring manager to notice your profile faster, get her commenting on your quality graphic of Q3’s numbers or your clever insight on where multi-family could be headed next year.

Know when to share. It makes sense to share when there are eyes to see it. And those times are usually late morning, mid-afternoon, and early evening. This is true in CRE and just about every industry. And post frequently, but not too often. About once per work day is a good rule of thumb.

Be social. Like people’s comments, reply, and mention companies and connections.

4. Don’t Forget Contact Info!

It goes without saying that the most important part of your efforts to optimize LinkedIn for CRE job opportunities is getting contacted.

But don’t rely on just LinkedIn messages. You might not see them in time. And there are many people who just don’t use them, especially if they’re not already connected to you. Understand how hiring managers and recruiters work – they would much rather call you. So don’t be shy! Include your work number, your cell number, and your email address.

5. Beef Up Work History

Last, but not least, let’s dive deeper into your work history. If you want to truly optimize your LinkedIn profile to be found and land the interview, it’s not enough just to list your former titles and company names.

Include verbiage from company websites for each company you’ve worked with.
Write out a thorough description of each role you’ve held.
Upload media such as videos, blog links, slides, and photos to demonstrate your work product and show more about the companies you’ve been a part of.

The more you tell the story of your career and unique value proposition in CRE, the more likely your LinkedIn profile will find its way into the right hands. Follow each of these strategic steps to fully optimize your LinkedIn and land the CRE job you want.

Sources:

5 More Ways to Optimize Your LinkedIn for CRE Read More »

Discover Your Passion by Answering These Simple Questions

Blog, Set Yourself Up For Success

In 2016, I started a new job, in a new town, with a new car, and I was on top of the world.

All my goals seemed to have fallen into place. I had the opportunity to build relationships with a new group of leaders, I had more autonomy over my work and full access to the senior leadership team. Not to mention a hefty bump in salary.

But about a year in to this position, I stopped feeling the high that brought me to that role in the first place. I enjoyed the work I was doing; it was challenging and rewarding. I liked many of the people I worked with (okay – some of the people). So what was missing?

Challenging work and a good team weren’t enough for me anymore. The missing piece was passion. I didn’t feel anything for the work the way I did in my previous position.

Then I remembered something my mentor told me, “things come into your life for a reason or a season.” Was my season up? Was I meant to do something more with my life? But what?

I started doing some research on purpose and passion. I listened to audiobooks on my commute and read articles on my lunch break. The resources all pointed to similar things: asking ourselves deep, thought-provoking questions.

These questions are designed to make us pause and think deeply about the answers. We don’t often give ourselves the luxury of time and solitude to figure things out. But when we do, we have the power to transform our lives.

Discover Your Passion

Here are the seven questions I asked myself to discover my passion:

1. What makes you forget to eat and pee? In other words, what do you get so lost in that you lose track of time?

Often, the answer to this question comes in the form of a hobby or activity. It doesn’t have to be something we are currently doing; it can be something we did in a previous job or before we had kids. Think about something you could do for hours, that when you look at the clock, you can’t believe how much time has passed.

For me, the answer to this question was creating. Creating in the form of PowerPoint presentations, writing articles, making flyers, documents, posters… Anything that tapped my creative side and put my ideas to paper.

Discover Your Passion by Answering These Simple Questions Read More »

Analyst

Analyst, Job Candidates, San Diego

San Diego, CA

A stable and growing commercial real estate investor is seeking a detail‐oriented and enthusiastic Multifamily Analyst who will work on a wide range of transactions and responsibilities including:

Financial analysis and modeling of multi-family assets
Interaction with acquisitions, financing and asset management teams
Internal company presentations, analysis and reporting
Market research and competitive analysis
Presenting Company investments and opportunities to new or existing partners

Responsibilities

Provide financial and strategic analysis support primarily for the multi-family team
Provide support to team leaders in a variety of capacities
Gather, process, and synthesize financial data from multiple sources through use of accounting systems and Excel;
Accurately and timely communicate findings to various internal and external stakeholders for critical management decision-making
Develop and analyze monthly and quarterly reports that identify key operating metrics
Maintain and create visualizations and financial models that effectively communicate trends, patterns, and predictions using relevant data for executives and for equity partner presentations
Partner with multiple departments to monitor and evaluate property and portfolio performance
Report on key drivers and variances to internal and external teams
Keep a pulse on industry trends, transactional activity, peer market performance, and research perspectives relative to the real estate markets

Requirements

5 years’ work experience, preferably in the accounting, finance and/or commercial real estate fields
Economics, Finance, Accounting degree preferred
A strong work ethic, the strength to thrive in a dynamic and demanding work environment
Intelligence with a keen focus on details
Strong analytical skills with experience using advanced excel formulas to aggregate and present data
Accounting and finance knowledge
Strong understanding of financial analysis concepts, including, but not limited to, rates of return, cash flows, net present value
Innovative and problem-solving approach to building and refining financial processes and models
Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Submit Your Application

Name
First Last
Email
Resume
Max. file size: 256 MB.
Cover Letter
Max. file size: 256 MB.

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Property Manager

Job Candidates, Property Management, San Diego

San Diego, CA

A private real estate investment firm focused on the acquisition, development and management of retail, office and infill mixed-use properties in select West Coast markets with 15+ years of experience in San Diego, is looking for a Property Manager to join their team and provide support to their office and retail portfolio and property initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for lease administration duties
Monitor collections and coordinate default proceedings.
Ensure compliance with Property Management Policies and Procedures, codes, regulations, and governmental agency directives.
Complete property inspections: properties may require weekly, monthly, and/or quarterly inspections to be determined by specific asset requirement, company’s best practices, and/or client requirements.
Prepare annual operating budget and annual expense reconciliations.
Bid, negotiate, and manage conformity with vendor contracts in accordance with company’s contract requirements or client requirements.
Maintain interface with accounting team to ensure total contract compliance, including preparation of accurate and timely reporting.
Coordinate and oversee on behalf of client, all tenant and building construction work to ensure timely and accurate completion of all construction work at property.
Overseeing and coordinating property management, maintenance, and construction activities associated with commercial tenants.
Interacts with tenants in person by visiting properties, automobile travel is required.
Responsible for the prompt and positive response to requests from tenants, constantly assess tenant needs and assure problems are being solved promptly, to the mutual benefit of the tenant and properties, including preparing, dispatching and tracking tenant work orders.
May be engaged in the selection of contract services, vendor negotiations for service agreements and day-to-day monitoring of vendor performance to assure full compliance with standards established within the respective service agreements, including Certificates of Insurance.
Accounting processes which include, but is not limited to, completing property management / accounting forms as required, coding invoices, reviewing Accounts Receivable reports, and assisting in the collection of rents.
Involved in the administration of all tenant leases to assure full compliance with lease provisions, including Certificates of Insurance.
Answers telephone, screens calls, transfer callers to voice mail, or take messages to facilitate communications and contacts.
Participate in various meetings and training activities as designated by the Property Managers or higher-level management.

REQUIREMENTS:

2+ years prior work experience in Property Management
Strong written and verbal skills, with the ability to produce communications and other materials that are effective and of a professional nature
Computer proficiency with strong knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, and the ability to learn specific software programs as needed; Yardi experience a plus
Self-starter with strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Must be able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with multiple deadlines, and adapt readily to changing priorities
Capable of delivering superior customer service to tenants and clients
Ability to maintain an approachable, friendly demeanor when working with competing priorities and demands
Must be able to develop effective working relationships with co-workers, vendors, contractors, and tenants

Submit Your Application

Name
First Last
Email
Resume
Max. file size: 256 MB.
Cover Letter
Max. file size: 256 MB.

Property Manager Read More »

Accounting Controller/Manager

Leave a Comment / Beverly Hills, Controller, Job Candidates

Beverly Hills, CA

A family office and diversified and opportunistic CRE investment firm that focuses on the acquisition, development, and repositioning of value-add and adaptive reuse projects through a variety of positions in the capital stack is looking for an Accounting Manager/Controller to lead the accounting team.

Controller/Manager will manage both corporate level finance and accounting tasks as well as support the finance and operations of active development and construction projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in real estate accounting, excellent leadership skills, and a proven track record of success in financial management. The Controller must be able to work independently and as part of a team and adapt to a dynamic and growing environment.

Responsibilities

Manage both project and entity-level accounting for a highly-structured, diverse real estate portfolio – both by asset-type as well as position in the capital stack
Assist in managing relationships and liaise with internal resources, external resources, external fund administrator(s), and external auditors to meet all monthly, quarterly and annual reporting deadlines
Assist with external CPA firms to meet quarterly/annual tax compliance requirements
Assist with debt compliance reporting
Assist with preparation of quarterly/annual/ad-hoc reporting requirements to investors
Prepare/maintain cash flow projections and daily cash management
Prepare and assist with ad-hoc limited partner, capital markets, investor relations and front-office requests
Various special projects/reports for both internal and external use
Support development team with processing development draw vendor payments and reconciling the draws to project financial statements.
Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data and compliance with GAAP and industry regulations.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports, including consolidated reports.
Coordinate and review annual partnership and individual tax filings with external tax advisors.
Prepare and submit annual 1099s and business license filings.
Collaborate with auditors; field requests, review and distribute audit reports and financials.
Collaborate with operations on the review of monthly financial statements, funding requests, cash projections, and annual budgets.
Oversee real estate and personal property tax payments and assessment appeals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required in a relevant field of study (accounting, finance, economics)
At least 7 plus years of relevant professional experience including public accounting and/or fund accounting experience
Real estate accounting and system knowledge a plus (including Quickbooks)
Advanced Excel experience strongly preferred
Ability to meet stated objectives in an effective and timely manner
Ability to connect with and to create positive relations with 3rd parties, investment partners and senior management
Reliable financial statements
Meticulous attention to detail, superior work quality
Thoughtful presentation and communication skills

Submit Your Application

Name
First Last
Email
Resume
Max. file size: 256 MB.
Cover Letter
Max. file size: 256 MB.

Accounting Controller/Manager Read More »