Real Estate Development Accountant

Job Description Salary range: Grade: Professional 309 Pay Range: $82,700.00 - $124,000.00 Responsibilities Oversees construction draw accounting, project cost verification, developer risk management, and financial controls for construction and development projects. Validates construction pay applications, monitors project budgets, coordinates with lenders, architects, contractors, and consultants, and ensures accurate financial reporting and compliance with contractual and loan requirements. Develops and recommends financial controls and project accounting procedures aligned with organizational objectives. Identifies project financial risks, cost overruns, and discrepancies that require corrective action. Serves as a key liaison among developers, contractors, architects, lenders, consultants, and accounting teams, communicating project financial status and risk exposure to management and stakeholders. May coordinate activities of project accountants, consultants, or external reviewers, and support process improvements and training related to construction accounting and draw administration. Reviews and validates construction pay applications against the approved Schedule of Values (SOV). Confirms costs are billed to the appropriate budget and contract categories. Identifies and prevents front‑loading or overbilling of project costs. Verifies percentage completion through review of prior pay applications, progress reports, site inspection reports, and third‑party validations. Coordinates with owners’ representatives, architects, inspectors, lender consultants, and project controls personnel to validate construction progress. Reviews and collects partial lien waivers and releases from contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Ensures prior payments have been properly disbursed to subcontractors and vendors. Protects the developer from mechanic’s lien exposure through proper documentation and compliance. Reconciles change orders and verifies that all billed changes are formally approved and contractually authorized. Ensures no unauthorized or pending change order work is included in payment requests. Calculates and verifies retainage withholding in accordance with contractual requirements. Performs arithmetic validation of pay applications, including formulas, totals, prior payments, and remaining balances. Reviews supporting documentation, including subcontractor invoices, payroll reports, schedules, and construction backup. Tracks project budgets against actual expenditures and identifies potential cost overruns or financial risks. Monitors project burn rates and flags signs of financial stress or budget deviations. Coordinates architect certifications and lender inspection approvals for draw requests. Ensures compliance with lender draw requirements, loan covenants, and contingency tracking. Coordinates with internal accounting and finance teams on project funding and cash flow management. Approves finalized draw packages for funding authorization and payment processing. Prepares project financial reports and communicates risk exposure to management. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Strong knowledge of construction accounting, project budgeting, and draw administration. Strong analytical and reconciliation skills. Knowledge of construction contracts, lien waiver processes, and change order management. Understanding of construction lending and draw compliance requirements. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and time management skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Experience with ERP systems, project accounting systems, or construction accounting software preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or a related field required. 5+ years of experience in construction accounting, project accounting, real‑estate development, or related financial operations. Experience reviewing construction draws, pay applications, and project budgets preferred. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or related certification preferred. Experience working with construction lenders, developers, or commercial real‑estate organizations. Knowledge of AIA G702/G703 forms and construction draw processes preferred. Equivalent relevant experience may substitute for education when 1 year of experience equals 1 year of education. Travel This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year) and other business‑related events as needed. Benefits & Compensation Full‑time, regular position (40 standard weekly hours) with eligibility for bonuses. Medical, dental, vision, telehealth, and mental health care. Health savings account and flexible spending account. Basic and voluntary life insurance. Disability coverage; accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage. Retirement savings plan. Well‑being program. Discounted WGU tuition. Flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual; flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual; 11 paid holidays; up to 12 weeks of parental leave. Equal Employment Opportunity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law. Accommodations Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr