Senior Project Accountant

About the Opportunity

Our client is an established real estate development company seeking an experienced Senior Project Accountant to join their growing accounting team. This role will be responsible for overseeing the financial accounting and reporting for multiple real estate development projects, from land acquisition and pre-construction through development, construction, and project completion.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project accounting within the real estate development industry, with experience managing project financials, development costs, budgets, and working closely with development and construction teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle project accounting for multiple real estate development projects.
• Prepare and review monthly project financial statements, cost reports, and supporting schedules.
• Monitor project budgets, actual costs, commitments, and variances throughout the development lifecycle.
• Track and reconcile development costs, including land acquisition, construction, consultant fees, permits, and other project-related expenses.
• Oversee project-related accounts payable, invoice processing, and accurate cost allocations.
• Prepare and review journal entries, accruals, prepaid expenses, and project-related reconciliations.
• Maintain work-in-progress (WIP) schedules and ensure accurate capitalization of development costs.
• Work closely with development managers, project managers, and construction teams to monitor project financial performance.
• Prepare and review construction draws, lender reporting packages, and project financing documentation.
• Monitor development loans, interest expenses, and other project-related financing costs.
• Prepare project cash flow forecasts and provide analysis on financial performance.
• Review consultant contracts, construction commitments, change orders, and project expenditures.
• Manage intercompany transactions and reconciliations related to development projects and legal entities.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes, including audit preparation.
• Assist with project-related HST reporting and applicable tax requirements.
• Identify cost discrepancies, investigate variances, and provide recommendations to improve financial reporting.
• Support and mentor junior accounting staff, reviewing their work to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate with the Controller and senior leadership on financial reporting, forecasting, and special projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA designation or progress toward completion is preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience in real estate development or construction project accounting.
• Strong understanding of real estate development accounting, project costing, and financial reporting.
• Experience managing accounting for multiple development projects and legal entities.
• Hands-on experience with construction draws, development financing, and lender reporting.
• Strong knowledge of WIP schedules, cost capitalization, accruals, and project reconciliations.
• Experience with project budgets, cash flow forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting or ERP systems.
• Experience with Yardi, Jonas, Timberline/Sage 300 CRE, or similar systems is an asset.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a hands-on Senior Project Accountant who can independently manage the accounting and financial reporting for a portfolio of real estate development projects.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the development lifecycle, including land acquisition, construction, project financing, and completion. They will be comfortable taking ownership of project financials, working directly with development and construction teams, and providing accurate financial information to senior management.

This position is focused on project accounting within a real estate development environment rather than corporate accounting. Candidates with direct developer-side experience are strongly preferred, although individuals with strong construction project accounting backgrounds will also be considered.