Real Estate Development Accountant

Volunteers of America - Greater New York, Inc.•New York, NY

20h•$87,500 - $96,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Real Estate Development Accountant supports the real estate development portfolio by performing accounting, reporting, and analysis for development and construction activities including pre-development, construction-in-progress, completed projects, and related entities. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate books and records for real estate entities, tracking project costs and funding sources, supporting lender requisitions and cost certifications, and assisting with audits and compliance requirements. The Real Estate Development Accountant is a key liaison between Finance, Real Estate Development, and external partners and supports organization-wide initiatives and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably with real estate development, construction accounting, nonprofit housing, or public-sector financed projects.
Working knowledge of construction accounting concepts, capitalized costs, development budgets, and project cost tracking.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex spreadsheets, reconciliations, and schedules.
Experience with general ledger systems and accounting for legal entities, joint ventures, or limited partnerships preferred.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting lender draw submissions, requisitions, or cost certifications preferred.
Experience with general ledger systems and accounting for legal entities, joint ventures, or limited partnerships preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain general ledger accounting for real estate development entities, including pre‑development, construction, and stabilized properties.
Record and reconcile development‑related transactions including construction costs, developer fees, capitalized interest, soft costs, and funding activity.
Track construction‑in‑progress (CIP) and support proper capitalization and close‑out of projects upon completion.
Prepare and post journal entries and perform monthly account reconciliations for development entities.
Assist in the preparation and review of lender and agency draw packages, including AIA requisitions, supporting schedules and backup documentation.
Coordinate with Real Estate Development staff, lenders, and external partners to ensure timely and accurate draw submissions.
Track sources and uses of funds and reconcile draw activity to the general ledger and project budgets.
Support development budgeting and forecasting activities by maintaining detailed cost reports and budget‑to‑actual analyses.
Monitor project costs and identify variances, trends, and potential issues for Finance and Real Estate leadership.
Maintain development cost and funding schedules used for internal reporting, lender reporting, and management review.
Support year‑end financial audits, real estate‑specific audits, and agreed‑upon procedures by preparing schedules and responding to auditor inquiries.
Assist with development cost certifications and other third‑party reviews required by funders and lenders.
Ensure documentation aligns with funding agreement requirements, internal policies, and regulatory standards.
Prepare internal management reports related to development activity, project costs, and funding status.
Serve as a liaison between Finance, Real Estate Development, and external stakeholders to resolve accounting and reporting issues.
Support ad hoc analyses, reporting requests, and special projects related to real estate development and finance.
Perform other related duties as assigned.