Accountant (Vacation Rental & Hospitality Specialist)

About the role

Howard Financial is seeking a technically strong Accountant with deep expertise in the vacation‑rental and hospitality sectors. You will own the full month‑end close for high‑growth clients, ensure GAAP compliance, and act as the accounting backbone for complex revenue streams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the full‑cycle month‑end close for multi‑property accounts, preparing accurate P&L, balance sheet, and cash‑flow statements.
• Perform complex reconciliations of owner statements, trust/escrow accounts, channel commissions (Airbnb, VRBO, Direct) and merchant processor data.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies between property‑management system (PMS) data and the general ledger, including occupancy, tourist tax, and revenue flows.
• Review, audit, and mentor junior accountants, serving as the first escalation point for technical accounting questions.
• Prepare detailed variance analysis and financial reporting at both property and portfolio levels.
• Maintain and improve accounting procedures for management‑fee splits, cleaning‑fee pass‑throughs, owner payouts, and local tax compliance.
• Collaborate directly with Controllers and communicate technical insights to client stakeholders.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field; CPA, EA, or progress toward CPA strongly preferred.
• 3‑5+ years of experience owning full month‑end close cycles and preparing financial statements.
• Hands‑on experience in hospitality or short‑term‑rental accounting, including trust/escrow dynamics.

Required skills

• US GAAP accounting
• Complex revenue recognition
• Trust/escrow accounting
• PMS and GL integration
• Financial reporting and variance analysis