Director of Accounting

Undisclosed Employer; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing real estate development firm is seeking a Director of Accounting to lead financial operations across five divisions. Responsibilities include managing the contractor draw process, administering a carried interest program, overseeing third-party accounting teams, and ensuring compliance with GAAP. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance, CPA preferred, and 7+ years of accounting experience, particularly in real estate development. Strong leadership and analytical skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally in real estate development.
• Proven ability to design scalable processes and work in fast-paced environments.
• Experience managing outsourced accounting or multi-division accounting operations.
• Ability to design scalable processes and build structure within a fast-growing environment.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full draw process for contractors.
• Administer the carried interest program across all divisions.
• Oversee month-end close for the development division.
• Oversee outsourced accounting provider and ensure timely, high-quality deliverables.
• Oversee month-end close, budgeting, reforecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Prepare reporting packages for leadership, auditors, lenders, and future investors.
• Collaborate with development, construction, asset management, and executive teams.
• Support due diligence for capital raises, lender reviews, and external audits.
• Mentor staff on accounting procedures and best practices.

Skills

Development accounting

Job costing

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Job costing

Carried interest

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA

Job description

We are a fast-growing real estate development company expanding our residential platform and preparing for future institutional capital partnerships. The Director of Accounting will lead the financial operations of the development division, overseeing contractor draw processing, carried interest program administration, third-party accounting coordination, and overall accounting structure as the division scales. This role requires a hands‑on, solutions‑oriented leader who can strengthen financial rigor, build scalable processes, and support growth across five geographic divisions.

Key Responsibilities

Development Accounting & Financial Operations:

Lead and manage the full draw process for contractors, including review, validation, and coordination with internal teams, lenders, and project managers.

Ensure timely, accurate processing and documentation of all development‑related transactions and project expenditures.

Maintain audit‑ready job cost records, project budgets, and financial support schedules.

Carried Interest (Promote) Program Management:

Administer the carried interest program across all five divisions, including allocations, vesting schedules, adjustments, and ongoing tracking.

Prepare and maintain accurate carried interest reporting for leadership and eligible participants.

Partner with leadership and legal to refine the program structure as the company transitions toward institutional capital.

Accounting Department Structure & Process Design

Assess current accounting workflows, systems, and staffing needs within the development division.

Make recommendations to senior management on optimal organizational structure as the company grows.

Implement approved structural or process changes to improve efficiency, internal controls, and reporting quality.

Third-Party Accounting Team Oversight:

Serve as the primary point of contact for the outsourced accounting provider, ensuring high-quality deliverables and adherence to deadlines.

Review and approve monthly financials, reconciliations, budget-to-actual reports, and job cost statements prepared by the third‑party team.

Establish KPIs, service standards, and communication protocols to support performance and accountability.

Core Accounting & Reporting Responsibilities:

Oversee month‑end close for the development division, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Coordinate annual budgets, reforecasts, cash flow projections, and project‑level financial analyses.

Prepare reporting packages for internal leadership, external auditors, lenders, and future institutional investors.

Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Leadership:

Work closely with development, construction, asset management, and executive teams to ensure financial transparency and consistent project reporting.

Support due diligence efforts related to capital raises, lender reviews, and external audits.

Provide guidance and mentorship to internal staff and divisional leaders on accounting procedures and best practices.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA strongly preferred.

7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in real estate development or construction accounting.

Strong knowledge of development accounting, job costing, and carried interest structures.

Experience managing outsourced accounting or multi‑division accounting operations.

Proven ability to design scalable processes and build structure within a fast‑growing environment.

Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.