Manager, Project Accounting

Job Summary

The Manager, Project Accounting is responsible for managing Project Accountants and providing oversight for the project financial activities, such as projections, budget and actual costs. You will work with the Creative and Studio teams, developing budgets and means for tracking costs on those efforts that have potential to become construction projects. You will ensure projects go through our financial and cost management system (Workday) and review scope and payment terms for all contracts relating to the projects. This role reports to the CFO, and together you will develop a comprehensive database from past projects to assist in the improvement of the accuracy of project budgeting on all projects.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the project accounting team and be responsible for project budget forecasting and project cash flows.
• Liaise with FP&A department to ensure capital expenses, capital labor and all project related operating expenses are accurately captured in financial reporting systems.
• Review forecasts and spending risks to provide solutions for risk mitigation.
• Work closely with project/program managers, estimators, and purchasing to ensure that all budgeting, scheduling, and coordination processes run smoothly.
• Makes sure each step of larger projects meets budgetary and deadline goals.
• Develops a recurring status report to stakeholders to discuss the progress of each project and talk about staffing needs, schedule changes, project scope adjustments and more.
• Oversees AD&P and other Exhibition development departments and the creation of proper expense trackers, resources and support.
• Creating and maintaining reports addressing all aspects of project development and completion.
• Manages the project budget estimates for sustainment projects.
• Estimates responsibilities for conceptual projects prior to, and in Blue Sky Phase to develop initial costs for business unit financial analysis.
• Works with lead estimator to create a database of costs comparison for various exhibition and non-exhibition facilities (BOH).
• Reviews weekly and monthly project cost reports for accuracy and analytical trends.
• Reviews project labor tracking reports.
• Manages and reviews resource plans for all responsible projects. Provides resourcing suggestions.

  Job Requirements

  • 5+ years of construction/ theme park experience in retail, hotel, theme parks and themed attractions projects, knowledge of Tenants Improvements (TI), attraction/exhibition (themed environments) estimating, and facility impact costing required.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, Engineer in related business fields is required. Master’s degree in Construction Management or Business Administration preferred.
  • CPA preferred.
  • Previous supervisory experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of Workday and Microsoft applications to create reports and present information in Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Strong knowledge of cost management software is preferred.
  • Must be able to navigate and analyze large data sets.
  • Maintain positive and informative relationships with vendors and contractors to uphold the reputation of the owner and owner’s representatives.
  • Able to manage and track separate project accounts.
  • Review and process project invoices and contract payment applications for approval hierarchy, cost coding, contract compliance, payment milestones, confirm capital versus expense, validate integrity of the schedule of values, field approvals, necessary submittals in accordance with contract requirements including but not limited to statutory lien waivers.
  • Manage and review resource plans for all responsible projects.
  • Able to influence decisions of major nature requiring high degree of tact and diplomacy to obtain favorable results.
  • Analytic and data-based decision-making skills.
  • Executive presence and strong collaboration and relationship-builder, both internally and externally, with outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
  • Computer, interpersonal and customer service skills are necessary.
  • Able to demonstrate the ability to work with a diverse work group of vendors, executive managers, subcontractors, consultants, and other professionals.
  • Experience with project management software to assist in project scheduling, forecasting and other important aspects of the project management process.
  • Prolonged periods of sitting and keyboard/mouse work; frequent viewing of multiple monitors, spreadsheets, and project documentation.
  • Occasional standing and walking during onsite reviews or inventory checks; occasional bending, reaching, and stair climbing.
  • Ability to lift and move items such as laptops, binders, or archive boxes—generally up to 25 lbs.
  • Visual acuity to read detailed financial records and project drawings; ability to communicate clearly in person and virtually.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Complies with company and OSHA standard workplace safety protocols.
  • Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
  • Supervisor Responsibilities: This position does require supervisory responsibility.
  • Travel: This position will require minimal travel (Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.