Outsourcing Real Estate Accounting Services: Benefits and Top Providers

Whether you own a small property management firm or oversee a large portfolio of commercial properties, effective accounting is crucial for maintaining profitability and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Managing the financial aspects of real estate can be complex and time-consuming though, often diverting attention from core business activities. That’s why many businesses turn to outsourcing real estate accounting services.

However, finding the right outsourced accountant that offers comprehensive solutions tailored specifically for real estate accounting can be challenging.

This article explores the key benefits of outsourcing, highlights the essential services provided by accounting firms, and lists some of the best providers in the industry. By the end, you’ll understand how outsourcing can streamline your operations, reduce costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of your real estate business. 

What Is Real Estate Accounting? 

Real estate accounting involves managing and recording financial transactions related to property, such as rental income, maintenance costs, and property taxes. It requires specialized knowledge of industry-specific regulations and reporting requirements.

Services Offered by Outsourcing Companies

Accounting outsourcing companies offer a range of services that they can tailor specifically for the real estate industry, including the following:

Accounts payable & receivable 

Outsourcing companies can handle the entire accounts payable process, from invoice processing to payments and vendor management. They also oversee accounts receivable tasks, including rent collection and tenant invoicing, ensuring timely and accurate transactions.

Tax preparation 

With a deep understanding of property, income, and sales taxes, these firms ensure timely and accurate tax preparation that complies with all local and federal regulations. This includes managing tax deductions and credits specific to the real estate industry.

Financial analysis 

Outsourcing companies can provide detailed financial analysis, including budgeting and forecasting. This helps you make informed business decisions by understanding your financial health and future projections.

Bookkeeping

Efficient bookkeeping is crucial for real estate businesses. Outsourcing companies maintain accurate records of all financial transactions, including rent payments, property expenses, and tax deductions, ensuring your books are always up to date.

Reporting 

Customizable reports tailored to your specific needs are another key service. These reports can include cash flow statements, profit and loss summaries, and balance sheets, providing clear insights into your financial status.

Why Outsource Real Estate Accounting Services?

Outsourcing accounting tasks offers numerous benefits that can enhance the efficiency and profitability of your business. Here are some compelling reasons to consider outsourcing:

Cost savings 

By outsourcing, you can significantly reduce expenses associated with hiring, training, and maintaining an in-house accounting team. 

For example, a small property management firm could save thousands annually by outsourcing its accounting needs instead of maintaining a full-time accounting department. This reduces the cost of salaries, benefits, and training but also eliminates associated overhead costs such as office space, utilities, and office supplies, further enhancing savings.

Partnering with a third-party professional accountant also means you likely won’t have to invest in expensive accounting software or constantly upgrade it.

Access to specialized expertise 

Real estate accounting involves complex regulations and unique financial challenges. Outsourcing gives you access to a team of experts with extensive experience and specialized knowledge in real estate accounting, ensuring compliance and accuracy.

Increased focus on core business activities 

Delegating accounting functions to professionals allows you and your team to concentrate on core business activities, such as acquiring new properties and managing tenant relationships, driving growth and profitability.

Scalability 

As your real estate business grows, the volume of accounting tasks will also increase. By outsourcing, you can easily scale up or down the services you need without the hassle of hiring and training new employees.

Reduction in operational risks 

Outsourcing your real estate accounting tasks to a specialized provider can reduce the risk of errors and fraud. These providers have strict processes in place to ensure accuracy and security.

Better time management 

Real estate accounting can be particularly time-consuming, especially during peak seasons. Outsourcing these tasks to experts frees up valuable time, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your business.

Documented accounting processes 

Outsourcing providers follow well-documented accounting procedures, ensuring consistency, transparency, and adherence to best practices in your financial records.

10 Companies You Can Outsource Real Estate Accounting To

Here are our picks for the top providers that offer outsourcing solutions for real estate accounting, in no particular order.

This list includes companies specializing solely in real estate accounting and recruitment firms with experience finding real estate accounting professionals you can hire as independent contractors.

1. Near

Yes, that’s us! At Near, we help businesses in the real estate industry find top talent from Latin America. Our experienced recruiters can find you accounting professionals with expertise in the real estate sector.

Our extensive network and thorough screening process ensure that you get highly qualified candidates who can provide efficient and accurate accounting services for your company. (And yes, are candidates are fully versed in US GAAP accounting principles.) 

2. Real Estate Accounting (REA)

REA is a leading company that offers comprehensive accounting solutions tailored to the real estate industry. Their team of experts has in-depth knowledge and experience in handling the unique financial needs of real estate businesses.

REA offers detailed services like catch-up accounting and bank reconciliations, taking care of everything your business needs. 

3. Aston Carter

Aston Carter is a recruitment firm that offers specialized accounting staffing and outsourcing solutions. Their team of professionals has extensive experience in finding and placing top accounting talent for companies.

They offer a range of specialized roles like accounting managers, transactional accounting professionals, and budget and business analysis experts. 

4. Kreischer Miller 

Kreischer Miller is a consulting and accounting firm that offers outsourcing services like valuation and impairment of properties, financial assessments, and property appraisal trend analysis. 

They have a team of professionals with in-depth knowledge and experience handling real estate accounting tasks, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance.

5. EisnerAmper

EisnerAmper is a global accounting and advisory firm that offers outsourcing solutions for real estate companies. They have a dedicated team of professionals who specialize in providing comprehensive consulting services focused on property accounting and a commitment to client experience. 

6. Baker Tilly

Baker Tilly is a global firm that offers a wide range of accounting and consulting services, including outsourcing solutions for real estate companies. They offer month-end financial reporting, debt covenant reporting and management, and construction draw management. 

7. Hall CPA

Hall CPA offers specialized accounting services for the real estate industry, including tax planning and compliance, financial reporting, and consulting. They have a team of professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in real estate accounting to help streamline your company’s financial processes.

8. G-Squared Partners 

G-Squared Partners has a dedicated real estate accounting team that offers comprehensive financial services for commercial and residential properties. They provide customized solutions like outsourced CFO services and preparing businesses for exit readiness. 

9. Citrin Cooperman

Citrin Cooperman is a global accounting firm that offers business process outsourcing (BPO) services for the real estate industry. Their team of experts has in-depth knowledge and experience in handling accounting tasks for various types of real estate entities, including commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties.

10. Whiz Consulting 

Whiz Consulting is a well-known accounting and bookkeeping firm that offers tailored solutions for real estate firms. They specialize in handling complex accounting tasks such as property management, lease tracking, and depreciation schedules.

Final Thoughts

Outsourcing real estate accounting services is a smart and strategic move for any size business, from startup to established real estate enterprise. By entrusting your accounting tasks to specialized providers, you can focus on growing your business while ensuring accurate and efficient financial management.

To maximize your savings and benefit from top-tier accounting expertise, consider hiring an outsourced accountant from Latin America through Near. You could save up to 70% on salary costs compared to hiring someone based in the US—without compromising quality or expertise.

Don’t let your accounting tasks bog down your business. Book your free consultation call with Near today. Let us help you find the best outsourcing solution for your real estate accounting needs. With Near, you’re closer than ever to hassle-free accounting!