Q: As the broker for a large real estate office, I maintain an escrow account at a local bank. Now that I have fewer sales associates, I do more sales and want to hire an accountant to prepare my monthly reconciliation statement. May someone other than the broker prepare this reconciliation statement?
A: Yes. Rule 61J2-14.012, Florida Administrative Code, requires that the broker cause, once monthly, the reconciliation statement to be made. The accountant may prepare the actual statement, but pursuant to rule 14.012 the broker is still required to review, sign and date the monthly reconciliation statement. Additionally, the broker is ultimately responsible for the funds in escrow.