Real Estate Project Accountant

About the role

The position is responsible for overseeing and processing contracts, requisitions, purchase orders, and invoices in support of capital projects. This individual partners with project managers to review financial activity, monitor project budgets, and analyze the financial status of capital projects, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with approved funding and financial policies.

Responsibilities

• Support the financial administration of capital and construction projects including setting up vendor profiles, processing contracts, setting up requisitions, processing purchase orders, coding and reviewing invoices, monitoring project expenditures, and project close-out.
• Track, monitor, and analyze project financial activity, including budgets, commitments, invoices, and expenses, to identify variances, ensure alignment with approved funding, and resolve discrepancies.
• Research complex financial or accounting issues, identify root causes, and develop recommendations for resolution in collaboration with leadership and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain, reconcile, consolidate, validate, and analyze financial data across various financial systems and project management applications to ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of data in systems of record.
• Prepare financial reports and summaries for project managers, Finance & Administration leadership, and other stakeholders, including commitment reports and project financial status updates.
• Cook up, coordinate with project managers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to resolve financial or administrative issues related to contracts, invoices, and project expenditures.
• Support the financial closeout of capital projects, including reconciling project costs, decommitting remaining funds, and ensuring financial records are complete and accurate.
• Monitor and support contractor and vendor payment processes, ensuring required documentation and approvals are obtained prior to payment.
• Develop reports and presentations of complex financial data and metrics for management and external parties.
• Contribute to the development of analyses to be used for key activities or decision-making.
• Participate in the analysis of existing financial systems and processes, identify opportunities for improved efficiency, internal controls, and data integrity, and recommend solutions or process improvements.
• Support cross-functional projects and initiatives aimed at improving operational effectiveness, financial processes, or internal controls.
• Represent the organization to client groups and external partners; serve as subject matter expert on technical, financial, or specialized matters.
• Interpret, implement, and ensure compliance with university policies and procedures.
• May train, coach, and review the work of other staff, as needed.
• Contribute primarily through applying individual expertise.
• Liaison with Procurement, Controller’s Office, and Capital Accounting to resolve issues.
• Contribute to developing and maintaining desktop procedures and process documentation within the responsibility area.
• Absorb assistance with special projects, as necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply, interpret, and implement Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience in project accounting, construction accounting, or capital project financial management is preferred.
• Experience in real estate is preferred.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with multiple active deadlines, and the ability to adapt to and proactively communicate changing priorities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly utilizing Excel formulas.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems and an aptitude to learn new systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication, and presentation skills.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to work independently and as a collaborative team player.
• Prioritizing accuracy under tight deadlines and ability to effectively multitask.
• Strong project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead part of a multi-functional team.