Real Estate Project Accountant

Stanford Real Estate (SRE) is a department within Land, Buildings and Real Estate (LBRE), an entity that serves Stanford University’s academic mission through the development and operations of the University’s 8,180 acres of land holdings. 4,200 of those acres are dedicated for campus and related uses, while SRE oversees the remaining 3,900 acres for commercial, hospitality, residential and agricultural uses. SRE’s mission is to invest in and optimize the risk‑adjusted value of Stanford’s income‑producing lands, and it deploys real estate expertise revenues earned from SRE’s diverse portfolio to support the University’s General Fund and SRE’s transactions are governed by the Stanford Management Company Board of Directors. SRE is proud to support Stanford University’s mission of providing education, world‑class research, the arts, and economic opportunity to the local and global community. About the Position 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. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance and Administration, the ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, highly analytical, and effective in communicating with individuals across various departments and stakeholders within the organization. They will be part of an evolving team of diverse and talented accountants or analysts at various levels whose mission is to accomplish tasks accurately and within specified deadlines. The team oversees the business processes and strategic planning that govern accurate and transparent financial analyses and reports for the Board and senior university leadership, enable productive management and strategic planning for the real estate assets, and drive continuous improvement of internal operating processes. What you will do in this role 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. 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. Assist 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. Proven ability to perform with a high degree of 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. Physical Requirements Constantly perform desk‑based computer tasks. Frequently sit, sort, file paperwork or parts, grasp lightly, and use fine manipulation, lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh 10 pounds or less. Occasionally write by hand, twist, bend, stoop, and squat. Rarely stand, walk, reach, or work above shoulders and use a telephone. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May work extended hours during peak business cycles.

WORK STANDARDS

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations. Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, Pay Range The expected pay range for this position is $110,307 to $122,546 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. The Cardinal at Work website ( provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process. Why Stanford is for you Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first‑ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with: Freedom to grow . We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak. A caring culture . We provide superb retirement plans, generous time‑off, and family care resources. A healthier you . Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world‑class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits. Discovery and fun . Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. Enviable resources . Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more! The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Stanford University