Senior Project Accountant - Property and Development Accounting - Commercial

Hines; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Hines seeks a Senior Project Accountant - Property and Development Accounting to ensure accurate financial reporting for projects and entities in Chicago. The role collaborates with controllers, managers, and accountants to maintain GAAP-compliant records and prepare monthly closes.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s in accounting, 3–4 years of accounting experience, and strong organizational skills. This position emphasizes timely reporting, accuracy, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from an accredited institution.
• CPA designation (or intention to pursue) preferred.
• 3 years of public accounting experience or 4 years of professional accounting experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of accounting information for projects and entities.
• Prepare funding requests to investors and lenders.
• Manage treasury tasks including wire payments for distributions and debt service.
• Record journal entries and ensure GAAP compliance; review entries from others.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting

Tools

Oracle

JD Edwards

Job description

Overview When you join Hines, you will embark on a career journey fueled by vision and guided by leaders who set the standards of our industry. Our legacy is rooted in innovation and excellence, earning us a spot on Fast Company’s esteemed annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies, as well as recognition as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Companies to Work For in 2024. Discover endless opportunities to grow and make your mark at Hines. Responsibilities As a Senior Project Accountant - Property and Development Accounting with Hines, you will be responsible for ensuring accuracy and timeliness of accounting information to meet reporting requirements for a specific project and/or business entity. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Works closely with applicable Hines personnel (e.g. Controller, Property/Project Manager, and Accountants) to ensure accuracy of accounting and financial reporting and construction draws (if applicable)
• Prepare funding request to investors and lenders
• Treasury functions including but not limited to setting up wire payments for distributions, debt service and other ad hoc wire payments
• Review AR aging and assess collectability; recommend write-offs/reserves as needed
• May assist Property Management team with A/R Analysis for collection efforts
• Record journal entries to the general ledger and ensure records are kept in compliance with GAAP or other basis of accounting. As applicable, review journal entries prepared by Accountant or third party to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting principles
• Maintain reporting and draw calendars for Property/Project
• Perform month-end close procedures including preparation and review of account reconciliations for more complex accounting areas
• Process recurring and one-off revenue billings; diligently record cash receipts
• Review and verify information provided by a third party or other internal functional groups
• General ledger review and analysis
• Prepare Property/Development Management fees and Construction Management fees ensuring proper calculation, invoicing and recording on a timely basis
• Maintain fixed assets including recording/setting up new fixed assets and recording monthly amortization/depreciation
• Prepare monthly/quarterly financial statements and supporting schedules working closely with Property/Project Manager to ensure accuracy
• Prepare lender reserve/escrow/draw requests (TI, Commissions, Capital)
• Research accounting guidance and draft position memos documenting accounting treatment of new/unusual items
• Carry out the proper procedures to ensure internal controls are being met
• May assist Asset Management and Property Management with annual property budget and reconciliation between Argus model and Budget/Forecasts. Enter approved budget into applicable accounting system.
• Prepare information for financial statement and internal audits, as needed
• Prepare tax projections and tax preparation workpapers
• Assist with training and be a resource to new accountants within product type or specialization to ensure consistency of processes and deliverables
• Assist Accounting Team with projects, ad hoc reports and analysis as requested Qualifications Minimum Requirements include:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from an accredited institution.
• CPA designation (or intention to work toward CPA designation) is preferred.
• Three years of public accounting experience or four years of professional accounting experience.
• Commercial real estate experience is strongly preferred.
• Public accounting experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Independently set priorities and proactively meet deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple assignments.
• Proficiency utilizing various systems; Oracle & JD Edwards system experience advantageous.
• Work indoors approximately 100% of the time.
• Ability to lift general ledgers, files, records, and computer paper (approximately 5-35 lbs.).
• Work overtime as business needs deem appropriate.

Compensation

Chicago $95,000 - $105,000; Houston & Dallas - will be dependent on experience. Closing At Hines, we strive for excellence as a leading global real estate investment manager, driven by our by our belief that real estate is fundamentally about people. Our diverse portfolio spans $93.2 billion of assets across such property types as living, office, retail, mixed-use, logistics and life science projects – all designed to enhance value, connection and inspiration. Our strategic approach integrates local expertise with global knowledge, taking calculated risks aligned with our convictions to exceed expectations and tailor solutions to our clients' needs. While our projects are renowned for enhancing cities and pioneering sustainable practices, we recognize that the true driving force behind Hines' success is our 5,000 dedicated employees in 30 countries who draw on our 65-year history to build the world forward. This is why we prioritize investing in our people, offering comprehensive training, competitive compensation, robust benefits and generous vacation packages. By centering our focus on the growth and wellbeing of our team, we cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone, including our clients, can thrive. Hines is proud to be named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024. Includes both the global Hines organization and RIA AUM as of December 31, 2023. We are an equal opportunity employer and support workforce diversity. No calls or emails from third parties at this time please.