Real Estate Project Accountant - Stanford University
About The Position
Stanford University’s Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE) team is hiring a Project Accountant to support an exciting portfolio of capital and real estate projects in Redwood City, CA. This role offers the opportunity to support large-scale housing, mixed-use, commercial, and development projects, partner closely with Project Managers, Asset Managers, and leadership, and influence processes and improve reporting operations. The position provides exposure to one of the most unique real estate portfolios in the country within a collaborative, flexible, and growth-oriented team culture. The role is based in Redwood City, CA, with a hybrid schedule (onsite Monday-Wednesday). Stanford Real Estate (SRE) is a department within Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE), serving Stanford University’s academic mission through the development and operations of the university’s 8,180 acres of land holdings. SRE oversees the remaining 3,900 acres for commercial, hospitality, residential, and agricultural uses. SRE’s mission is to invest in and optimize the risk-adjusted value of Stanford’s income-producing lands. Revenues generated from SRE’s diverse portfolio directly support Stanford University’s General Fund and broader mission of advancing education, world-class research, the arts, and economic opportunity locally and globally. This team plays a critical role in supporting strategic planning, transparent financial reporting, and operational excellence across Stanford’s real estate portfolio. The department values collaboration, innovation, and continuous process improvement while supporting one of the world’s leading research universities. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance and Administration, the Project Accountant will oversee and process contracts, requisitions, purchase orders, and invoices in support of capital projects. This individual will partner closely with project managers to review financial activity, monitor project budgets, and analyze the financial status of capital projects to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with approved funding and financial policies. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and collaborative, with the ability to communicate effectively across departments and stakeholders. This role is part of an evolving team of accountants and analysts focused on delivering accurate financial reporting, supporting strategic decision-making, and driving operational improvements.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and four (4) years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience
- Knowledge of and ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- Experience in project accounting, construction accounting, or capital project financial management preferred
- Experience in real estate preferred
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with multiple deadlines and changing priorities
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel formulas
- Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems and ability to learn new systems quickly
- Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills
- Excellent analytical skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Proven ability to maintain accuracy under tight deadlines and effectively manage multiple priorities
- Strong project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead cross-functional teams
Responsibilities
- Supporting the financial administration of capital and construction projects, including vendor setup, contracts, requisitions, purchase orders, invoice review, project expenditure monitoring, and project close-out
- Tracking, monitoring, and analyzing project financial activity, including budgets, commitments, invoices, and expenses to identify variances and resolve discrepancies
- Researching complex financial or accounting issues, identifying root causes, and developing recommendations in collaboration with leadership and stakeholders
- Maintaining, reconciling, consolidating, validating, and analyzing financial data across systems and project management applications
- Preparing financial reports and summaries for project managers, Finance & Administration leadership, and other stakeholders
- Coordinating with project managers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to resolve financial and administrative issues related to contracts, invoices, and expenditures
- Supporting financial closeout activities for capital projects, including reconciliation of project costs and decommitment of remaining funds
- Monitoring contractor and vendor payment processes and ensuring proper approvals and documentation are in place
- Developing reports and presentations of complex financial data and metrics for management and external stakeholders
- Participating in the analysis and improvement of financial systems and processes to enhance efficiency, controls, and data integrity
- Supporting cross-functional initiatives aimed at improving operational effectiveness and financial processes
- Serving as a liaison with Procurement, the Controller’s Office, and Capital Accounting to resolve issues
- Assisting with the development and maintenance of desktop procedures and process documentation
- Assisting with special projects as needed
Benefits
- Career development programs
- Tuition reimbursement opportunities
- Generous retirement plans
- Time-off benefits
- Excellent healthcare coverage
- Wellness resources
- Access to world-class fitness facilities, lectures, museums, and cultural events
- Commuter programs
- Ridesharing incentives
- Discounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
