Project Accountant

hughesmarino; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Hughes Marino, based in Columbus, OH, seeks a Project Accountant to back the project management team. You will track every dollar, validate invoices, and keep budgets defensible, operating from the owner's side to ensure cost integrity across a dynamic project portfolio.

This role collaborates with project managers and clients to maintain rigorous financial discipline, support reporting cycles, and ensure accurate financial close-out and reconciliations for multiple construction projects.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of accounting or financial management in construction, real estate, or related industry.
• Experience with pay applications, lien waivers, and cost-to-complete forecasting preferred.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of project budgeting, cost tracking, and reporting.
• Familiarity with construction workflows and vendor invoicing processes.
• Experience supporting or overseeing construction budgets is preferred.
• Proficiency in PMIS platforms (Procore, e-Builder, or similar) and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Review, validate, and process contractor and vendor invoices and pay applications for the owner.
• Maintain project budgets, commitments, and cost-to-complete forecasts across multiple projects.
• Collaborate with project managers to develop and maintain budgets and forecasts.
• Track and review project costs, change orders, and invoices for accuracy with contracts.
• Monitor financial performance and flag variances or cost concerns.
• Support monthly financial reports and client-facing budget updates.
• Manage financial close-out processes, reconciliations, and final reporting.
• Review leases and work letters for construction cost terms and reimbursements.
• Support TI allowance tracking and reimbursement with brokerage team.
• Coordinate with auditors, landlord representatives, and client finance teams.

Skills

Financial acumen

Attention to detail

Organization

Communication

Self-directed

Deadline-driven

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Construction Management

Tools

Procore

e-Builder

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About Hughes Marino

Hughes Marino is a nationally recognized, award-winning corporate real estate advisory firm specializing in representing occupiers, never landlords. Our Program, Project & Construction Management practice serves as owner's representative and third-party PM for some of the most dynamic companies in the country, guiding clients through complex projects with independent, conflict-free expertise.

We are currently seeking a Project Accountant to join our Columbus team, supporting a growing portfolio of hardware technology, advanced manufacturing, and defense technology projects.

The Role

As Project Accountant, you will be the financial backbone supporting the project management team, working from the owner's side to ensure every dollar is tracked, every invoice is validated, and every budget stays defensible. You will partner closely with project managers and clients to maintain cost integrity, support reporting cycles, and bring rigorous financial discipline to a fast-moving portfolio. This is not a GC accounting role. You operate independently from contractor and design team interests, always in service to the owner's financial objectives.

What You'll Own

• Review, validate, and process contractor and vendor invoices, pay applications, and lien waivers on behalf of the owner
• Maintain project budgets, commitments, and cost-to-complete forecasts across an active project portfolio
• Collaborate with project managers to develop and maintain project budgets and forecasts across multiple, concurrent construction projects
• Track and review project costs, change orders, and invoices for accuracy and alignment with contracts
• Monitor financial performance of active projects and proactively flag variances or cost concerns
• Support the preparation of monthly financial reports and client-facing budget updates
• Manage financial close-out processes, including reconciliations, final reporting, and documentation
• Review leases and work letters for financial terms related to construction and reimbursement
• Support TI allowance tracking and reimbursement processing in coordination with project managers and the brokerage team
• Reconcile project costs against approved budgets and flag variances for project manager review
• Assist with monthly cost reporting, cash flow projections, and executive financial summaries
• Maintain accurate records in PMIS platforms (Procore, e-Builder, or similar) and ensure data integrity across all cost tracking tools
• Coordinate with external auditors, landlord representatives, and client finance teams as needed
• Support project closeout, final lien releases, and financial reconciliation at project completion

What We're Looking For

• 3-5 years of accounting or financial management experience in construction, real estate, or related industry
• Experience with construction pay application review, lien waivers, and cost-to-complete forecasting strongly preferred
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of project budgeting, cost tracking, and reporting
• Familiarity with commercial construction project workflows and vendor invoicing processes
• Previous experience supporting or overseeing construction budgets is preferred
• Proficiency in PMIS platforms (Procore, e-Builder, or similar) and advanced Microsoft Excel
• Strong understanding of construction cost structures, CSI codes, and budget management principles
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills; able to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills; comfortable interacting with project managers, clients, and vendors
• Experience with lease terms and Tenant Improvement allowance tracking is a plus
• Self-directed and deadline-driven in a fast-moving, team-oriented environment
• Local candidates only: Columbus, OH

Compensation & Details

• Compensation ranges from $75,000-$95,000 depending on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range includes base salary only and is not reflective of total compensation package. The range is a good faith estimate and Hughes Marino reserves the right to make adjustments based on candidate's work experience, location, and skills.
• Competitive benefits package and long-term career growth within Hughes Marino
• Combination of in-office and project site work; based out of our Columbus, OH office
• Bachelor's degree required in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or a related field
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in a financial, project controls, or construction administration role

Hughes Marino is an equal opportunity employer.