Project Accountant

Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley is seeking a Project Accountant. The Project Accountant supports the financial management of the organization's real estate development and construction projects by providing accurate job cost accounting, construction draw management, grant and restricted fund compliance, and project-level financial reporting. This role ensures that development and construction costs are properly tracked, allocated, reimbursed, and reported in accordance with nonprofit accounting standards, funder requirements, and internal controls.

The ideal candidate brings experience in construction and development accounting within a nonprofit or affordable housing environment, and thrives in a highly regulated, multi-funded, project-based setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Cost Accounting

• Set up and maintain project cost structures for all active development, rehabilitation, and capital projects.
• Track project costs by phase, cost code, funding source, and restriction.
• Review, code, and process construction invoices, subcontractor billings, and consultant payments.
• Monitor project budgets versus actual expenditures and prepare variance analyses.
• Maintain accurate capitalization schedules and track projects through placement-in-service.

Construction Draws & Reimbursements

• Prepare and submit construction draw packages to lenders, investors, and public and private funders.
• Track retainage, change orders, developer fees, and construction contingencies.
• Coordinate with project managers, construction staff, lenders, and external partners to resolve discrepancies and ensure timely reimbursement.
• Maintain complete and auditable documentation supporting all draw requests.

Grant, Restricted Fund & Compliance Accounting

• Ensure project costs comply with applicable funding requirements, including federal, state, local, and philanthropic sources.
• Track and reconcile restricted funds and cost allocations in accordance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), HUD, and housing agency regulations.
• Prepare reimbursement requests and financial reports for grantors and public agencies.
• Support compliance with Cal Home, HOME, CDBG, and other affordable housing funding programs, as applicable.

Financial Reporting & Audit Support

• Prepare project-level financial statements, cost reports, and development dashboards.
• Assist with annual audits, single audits, and funder monitoring reviews.
• Prepare schedules and documentation for cost certifications, capitalized interest, and development budgets.
• Reconcile project subledgers to the general ledger.

Systems, Controls & Process Improvement

• Maintain accurate job costing records within the organization's accounting and development systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, Yardi, Sage 300, QuickBooks).
• Strengthen internal controls related to construction spending, reimbursements, and restricted funds.
• Support the development of policies, procedures, and best practices for development accounting.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in:
• Construction accounting, development accounting, or project accounting
• Nonprofit and/or affordable housing development environment strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience with:
• Job cost accounting
• Construction draws and reimbursement processes
• Grant or restricted fund accounting

Preferred

• Experience with affordable housing development and public funding sources (LIHTC, HOME, CDBG, HUD, state housing agencies).
• Familiarity with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and nonprofit compliance requirements.
• CPA or progress toward CPA a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of construction and development accounting principles.
• Working knowledge of nonprofit accounting and restricted fund management.
• High attention to detail with excellent reconciliation and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with finance, development, construction, and external partners.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and accounting systems.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Hybrid office and project-based environment.
• Primarily office work, repetitive motion associated with computer and office work.
• Occasional travel to project sites and external partner meetings may be required.
• Local applicants only.