Senior Project Accountant

The Senior Project Accountant is responsible for the financial oversight of assigned projects throughout the entire project lifecycle, including budgeting, job cost accounting, subcontractor and vendor payments, owner billings, draw support, financial reporting, month-end close, and compliance with lender and government agency requirements. This role plays a critical part in ensuring project financial accuracy, maintaining strong internal controls, and providing leadership within the accounting department

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This highly visible position partners closely with the Controller, Project Executives, Project Managers, and executive leadership to oversee the financial management of multiple affordable housing construction and real estate development projects.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Manage the complete financial lifecycle of multiple affordable housing construction and development projects from preconstruction through project closeout.
• Maintain accurate project budgets, job cost reports, commitments, change orders, retainage schedules, and cost allocations.
• Monitor project financial performance and proactively identify budget variances, cost overruns, and financial risks.
• Partner with Project Managers and Project Executives to review project costs, forecasts, cash flow, and profitability.
• Prepare monthly Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules, cost-to-complete analyses, and project financial reports for executive leadership.
• Assist in preparing project forecasts and support annual budgeting and financial planning activities.

Accounts Payable & Subcontractor Management

• Review and process subcontractor requisitions, supplier invoices, consultant invoices, and other project-related payables.
• Ensure all invoices are accurately coded to the appropriate project, cost code, and general ledger account.
• Review A/P aging reports and coordinate timely payments with management.
• Prepare lien waivers and verify subcontractor compliance, including insurance certificates, certified payroll requirements, W-9s, MWBE documentation, and other contractual requirements prior to payment.
• Resolve vendor discrepancies and reconcile vendor statements.

Billing, Draws & Accounts Receivable

• Prepare and support owner billings, AIA applications for payment, requisitions, and construction draw packages.
• Assist with lender draws, equity requests, and reimbursement submissions.
• Track owner payments, reimbursements, retainage receivable, and collections.
• Coordinate with Project Managers and Development teams to ensure timely monthly billing.

Financial Reporting & Month-End Close

• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for month-end and year-end close.
• Reconcile project-related balance sheet accounts and general ledger activity.
• Assist with monthly financial statement preparation and variance analysis.
• Maintain accurate project documentation to support internal reporting and external audits.

Affordable Housing Compliance

• Maintain financial records supporting projects funded through affordable housing programs.
• Assist with reporting requirements for agencies such as HPD, NYCHA, HCR, NYSERDA, HUD, and other funding partners.
• Ensure compliance with contractual, lender, regulatory, and grant reporting requirements.
• Support annual audits, tax preparation, and 1099 reporting.

Process Improvement & Leadership

• Recommend improvements to accounting processes, financial controls, and reporting efficiencies.
• Assist in developing accounting policies and best practices.
• Mentor junior accounting staff and provide guidance on project accounting procedures.
• Cross-train within the accounting department to support broader finance functions.
• Perform special projects and additional duties assigned by the Controller.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• CPA designation or CPA candidate preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years in construction, real estate development, or project accounting.
• Affordable housing, multifamily residential, or commercial construction experience strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of construction accounting principles, including:
• Job costing
• Percentage-of-completion accounting
• Retainage
• AIA billing
• Change order accounting
• Work-in-Progress (WIP) reporting
• Experience with Premier, Procore, Sage 300 CRE, Viewpoint, or similar construction accounting software.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, formulas, and financial reporting.
• Experience supporting month-end close, audits, and financial statement preparation.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and construction accounting principles.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across Finance, Construction, Development, and Executive teams.
• Ability to interpret contracts,…