Job Description

The Real Estate Accounting Analyst is part of the Business Operations Center (BOC) within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate Facilities and Development (REFD) at Vanderbilt University. This position is a key individual contributor responsible for supporting the financial administration of Vanderbilt University Real Estate (VURE), including lease accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, budgeting and forecasting, financial modeling, and compliance with university policies and applicable accounting standards.



The position serves as a subject matter resource for lease accounting and affiliated entity financial reporting and regularly partners with VURE, BOC, Central Finance, Tax, and third-party property management companies to support accurate financial reporting, operational analysis, and strategic decision-making.



About the Work Unit:

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate Facilities and Development (REFD) at Vanderbilt University is committed to upholding the University's vision by excelling in management, strategic initiatives, and operational success. The unit embodies the core values and mission of the university, working closely with key stakeholders to address complex issues that span across the University and its affiliates as well as coordinating with the Board of Trustees on complex and cross-institutional issues. Each member of the team is crucial in executing the strategic initiatives and advancing the university through strategic partnerships to strategically managing growth, optimizing campus resources and ensuring that infrastructure supports Vanderbilt’s evolving academic and research needs and its vision to become the world’s best-run university. The team supports the Vice Chancellor, Associate and Vice Chancellor(s) and Executive Director(s) in managing the university's real estate, facilities, development, planning and operations, liaising with affiliates, and collaborating with the other Vice Chancellors, the Chancellor, and the Board of Trustees on multidimensional, university-wide concerns.

The combined REFD annual budget exceeds $150 million in operating expenses, and the division has approximately 600 employees. REFD manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$300 million annually and facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20 million annually. The REFD Business Operations Center (BOC) provides support to the entire department, specifically regarding the areas of Finance, Employee Engagement, Systems, Communications and General Administration.

Vanderbilt University’s Real Estate portfolio includes approximately 41 buildings consisting of ~1 million gross rentable square feet, 760,000 square feet of commercial space, 305 apartment units, miscellaneous University ground leases, 460,000 square feet of leased space, the Vanderbilt Legends Club golf course and facilities, and West Trace, LLC (Holiday Inn Vanderbilt). Additionally, Real Estate is tasked with leading the University’s innovation neighborhood development and managing the University’s strategic real estate initiatives to include all acquisitions, dispositions, conversions, entitlements, and necessary real estate engagements to meet the Chancellor’s goals throughout the United States.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Lease Accounting

Primary contact to enter relevant lease details into lease management software for new leases and update existing leases when required.
Performs account reconciliations and investigates variances related to real estate operations, lease activity, and affiliated entity transactions.
Responsible for monthly journal entries to recognize straight-line rental expenses and revenue.
Responsible for monitoring lease expirations and report monthly on upcoming lease end dates or renewals.
Reviews lease agreements and amendments to ensure accurate abstraction, compliance monitoring, and financial reporting.
Assists with internal and external audit requests by preparing supporting schedules, reconciliations, and documentation.


Financial Real Estate Analysis

Prepare financial analyses supporting leasing opportunities, acquisitions, and other real estate transactions.
Support development of annual budgets, forecasts, financial models, and account reconciliations.


Affiliated Entities

Serves as the primary financial liaison between Vanderbilt University Real Estate and affiliated property entities, supporting financial reporting, audit coordination, cash management, and operational analysis.
Prepares (review and verify) monthly journal entries to record affiliated entity transactions based on reporting provided by affiliated entity property management.


Presentations and Dashboards

Designs and maintains dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor portfolio performance, occupancy trends, lease obligations, and financial results.


Supervisory Relationship:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Financial Manager for VURE.



Education and Certifications:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
A Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in accounting, business, or finance is preferred.





Experience and Skills:

3+ years of experience in real estate finance, financial planning and analysis, commercial real estate, accounting, asset management, or related field
Experience with real estate accounting principles including FASB ASC 842 lease accounting standards preferred.

Experience with lease management software is strongly preferred.

Knowledge of real estate valuation methodologies.

Demonstrated performance in establishing and maintaining productive and collaborative relationships with a full range of internal and external constituencies.

Demonstrated attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication skills.

Openness to change, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a variety of situations, with individuals or groups.

Skill in advanced Excel, Word, and PowerPoint applications.

Strong reporting and presentation skills (Excel and PowerPoint).

Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.

Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.