Senior Accountant - Construction/Development

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Accountant
Company: Lefferts

Department: Accounting
Reports To: Controller

FLSA Status: Exempt

SUMMARY:

The Senior Accountant is responsible for overseeing financial reporting and accounting functions for Lefferts, with a focus on real estate development projects and construction-related accounting. This role ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, supports project teams with financial analysis, and maintains accounting processes related to development activities, including project cost tracking, budgeting, and construction accounting practices.

This position also plays a key role in enhancing accounting processes through improved use of systems, data, and reporting tools to support a more efficient, technology-enabled finance function.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including entity- and project-level reporting.

· Maintain and monitor project cost accounting for development projects, including land acquisition, pre-development, and construction costs.

· Track and report on development budgets vs. actuals, identifying variances and providing actionable insights to management.

· Manage Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules and capitalized project costs.

· Support construction draws, lender reporting, and funding requests.

· Coordinate with project managers and development teams to ensure accurate cost tracking, forecasting, and financial visibility.

· Oversee month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations.

· Ensure proper capitalization of costs in accordance with GAAP and real estate accounting standards.

· Assist with AIA billing review and construction-related pay applications, as applicable.

· Prepare financial reports for internal stakeholders, investors, and lenders.

· Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and responding to auditor inquiries.

· Review and enhance internal controls related to project accounting and financial reporting.

· Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management for development projects.

· Identify opportunities to improve and automate accounting processes, leveraging available systems and tools.

· Assist in enhancing financial reporting through data analysis, dashboards, and system optimization.

· Support integration and effective use of accounting and project management systems to drive efficiency and accuracy.

· Contribute to a more data-driven finance function by improving visibility into project performance and financial metrics.

· Partner with the Controller on reporting enhancements, process improvements, and strategic initiatives.

· Mentor and support junior accounting staff and contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred.

· Minimum of 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in real estate development or construction-related accounting.

· Strong understanding of construction accounting principles, including job costing, WIP, and project-based accounting.

· Experience with real estate and/or construction accounting systems (e.g., Yardi, Sage, Viewpoint, Procore, or similar) preferred.

· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, financial modeling, and managing large datasets.

· Experience with data visualization or reporting tools (e.g., Power BI or similar) is a plus.

· Strong knowledge of GAAP, including capitalization and revenue recognition principles.

· Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

· High attention to detail and accuracy.

· Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across development, finance, and project teams.

· Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced

· environment.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

· Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, contracts, and loan documents.

· Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures.

· Ability to effectively present financial information to management, project teams, and external stakeholders.

REASONING ABILITY:

· Ability to apply accounting expertise and sound judgment to complex development and construction-related financial matters.

· Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for prolonged periods and talk or listen.

The employee frequently is required to use their hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

Able to lift up to 15 pounds at time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This job is performed in an office environment with a moderate noise level.

We are an EEO Company that provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to all full-time regular Employees.

The above job description describes the primary duties and qualifications for this position. The company reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and other duties as necessary.

The candidate for this position is an at-will employee and subject to termination with or without cause or notice.