Manager, Project Accounting

Role Description

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.
• Monitor and evaluate each step of larger projects to ensure that it is meeting budgetary and deadline goals.
• Develop 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.
• Oversee AD&P and other Exhibition development departments and the creation of proper expense trackers, resources and support.
• Create and maintain reports addressing all aspects of project development and completion.
• Manage the project budget estimates for sustainment projects.
• Estimate responsibilities for conceptual projects prior to, and in Blue Sky Phase to develop initial costs for business unit financial analysis.
• Work with lead estimator to create a database of costs comparison for various exhibition and non-exhibition facilities (BOH).
• Review weekly and monthly project cost reports for accuracy and analytical trends.
• Review project labor tracking reports.
• Manage and review resource plans for all responsible projects. Provide resourcing suggestions.

Qualifications

• Must have 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 capable of presenting cost estimates to upper management level positions.
• Must be able to navigate and analyze large data sets.
• Maintain positive and informative relationships with vendors and contractors.
• Able to maintain and track separate project accounts.
• Review and process project invoices and contract payment applications for approval hierarchy, cost coding, contract compliance, payment milestones, and confirm capital versus expense.
• Review General Contractor payment applications.
• Able to influence decisions of major nature requiring high degree of tact and diplomacy.
• Analytic and data-based decision-making skills.
• Executive presence and strong collaboration and relationship-builder.
• 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.

Requirements

• Work Environment: Primarily in an office or home-office setting with extensive computer use, frequent virtual meetings, and collaboration with Finance, Project Management, and Operations.
• Periodic on-site walkthroughs at fabrication/installation areas or vendor facilities may occur.
• Physical Demands: 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; ability to lift and move items such as laptops, binders, or archive boxes—generally up to 25 lbs.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA, HRA, and FSA options
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Company paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s)
• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks
• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch and Cafes
• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests