Lead Accountant, Real Estate Development at WGU

Compensation

$100,000 – $150,000/yr

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Type: Full-time
Level: not_specified

Description

The Lead Accountant, Real Estate Development at Western Governors University (WGU) leads the accounting and financial controls for WGU's large-scale construction and development program, including the new headquarters campus. This role involves managing construction draw accounting, verifying project costs, performing reconciliations, providing close and capitalization support, documenting controls, and ensuring audit readiness. The accountant collaborates with various departments like Development, Project Controls, Finance, Procurement, Treasury, Legal, contractors, architects, and external reviewers to maintain the integrity of project financial records.

Required Skills

Construction Draw Accounting
Project Cost Verification
Reconciliations
Close and Capitalization Support
Control Documentation
Audit Readiness
Project Accounting Procedures and Controls
Contract and Commitment Records
Change Order Controls
Documentation Standards
Process, System, and Reporting Improvements
Review Contractor Pay Applications Against Contracts and Approved Schedules of Values
Validate Work Completed, Retainage, Prior Payments, Approved Changes, Cost Coding, Calculations, and Supporting Documentation
Confirm Required Lien Waivers or Releases, Certifications, and Other Payment Conditions Are Complete
Investigate Exceptions and Recommend Draw or Payment Packages for Approval Under WGU's Delegated-Authority Framework
Record and Reconcile Project Costs, Commitments, Accruals, Accounts Payable, and Funding Activity
Coordinate Accurate and Timely Month-End and Year-End Close
Maintain Construction-In-Progress Records and Support Capitalization, Placed-In-Service Determinations, Asset Transfers, and Related Accounting in Accordance With U.S. GAAP and WGU Policy
Reconcile Accounting Actuals And Commitments To Project-Control Records And Finance Forecasts
Identify And Communicate Variances, Emerging Exposures, And Data-Quality Issues
Support Debt Or Bond Draws, Incentive And Grant Documentation, Covenant Reporting, Audits, And Other Compliance Requirements With Complete, Audit-Ready Records
Provide Functional Guidance And Coordinate External Accounting Or Draw-Review Resources
Strong Understanding Of U.S. GAAP, Construction-In-Progress And Fixed-Asset Accounting, Month-End Close, Reconciliations, And Internal Controls
Working Knowledge Of Construction Contracts, Schedules Of Values, Change Orders, Retainage, Lien Waivers, And Payment Documentation
Advanced Excel Skills And Experience With ERP, Project Accounting, Or Construction-Management Systems
Strong Judgment, Attention To Detail, And Stakeholder Communication

Additional Information

Required Previous Experiences: Eight or more years of progressive accounting, construction accounting, or project accounting experience.
at least three years supporting construction draws, pay applications, or complex capital projects.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience with owner-side accounting for large commercial, mixed-use, institutional, or corporate headquarters development.
Knowledge of AIA G702/G703 payment documents and construction lender or bond-draw requirements.
Experience with Workday or a comparable ERP and Procore, Kahua, e-Builder, or a comparable project platform.