Real Estate Project Accountant - Stanford University

At a glance

Description: What you'll be doing

Another Source’s client, Stanford University, is recruiting a Project Accountant to join their team in Redwood City, CA in a hybrid (onsite Monday-Wednesday) schedule. 

Here’s a little about Stanford Real Estate: 

Stanford Real Estate (SRE) is a department within Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE), serving Stanford University’s academic mission through the development and operations of the university’s 8,180 acres of land holdings. While 4,200 acres are dedicated to campus and related uses, SRE oversees the remaining 3,900 acres for commercial, hospitality, residential, and agricultural uses. 

SRE’s mission is to invest in and optimize the risk-adjusted value of Stanford’s income-producing lands. Revenues generated from SRE’s diverse portfolio directly support Stanford University’s General Fund and broader mission of advancing education, world-class research, the arts, and economic opportunity locally and globally. 

This team plays a critical role in supporting strategic planning, transparent financial reporting, and operational excellence across Stanford’s real estate portfolio. The department values collaboration, innovation, and continuous process improvement while supporting one of the world’s leading research universities. 

About this role: 

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance and Administration, the Project Accountant will oversee and process contracts, requisitions, purchase orders, and invoices in support of capital projects. This individual will partner closely with project managers to review financial activity, monitor project budgets, and analyze the financial status of capital projects to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with approved funding and financial policies. 

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and collaborative, with the ability to communicate effectively across departments and stakeholders. This role is part of an evolving team of accountants and analysts focused on delivering accurate financial reporting, supporting strategic decision-making, and driving operational improvements. 

Your Contribution Will Likely Include: 

• Supporting the financial administration of capital and construction projects, including vendor setup, contracts, requisitions, purchase orders, invoice review, project expenditure monitoring, and project close-out  

• Tracking, monitoring, and analyzing project financial activity, including budgets, commitments, invoices, and expenses to identify variances and resolve discrepancies  

• Researching complex financial or accounting issues, identifying root causes, and developing recommendations in collaboration with leadership and stakeholders  

• Maintaining, reconciling, consolidating, validating, and analyzing financial data across systems and project management applications  

• Preparing financial reports and summaries for project managers, Finance & Administration leadership, and other stakeholders  

• Coordinating with project managers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to resolve financial and administrative issues related to contracts, invoices, and expenditures  

• Supporting financial closeout activities for capital projects, including reconciliation of project costs and decommitment of remaining funds  

• Monitoring contractor and vendor payment processes and ensuring proper approvals and documentation are in place  

• Developing reports and presentations of complex financial data and metrics for management and external stakeholders  

• Participating in the analysis and improvement of financial systems and processes to enhance efficiency, controls, and data integrity  

• Supporting cross-functional initiatives aimed at improving operational effectiveness and financial processes  

• Serving as a liaison with Procurement, the Controller’s Office, and Capital Accounting to resolve issues  

• Assisting with the development and maintenance of desktop procedures and process documentation  

• Assisting with special projects as needed  

Experience You Will Bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree and four (4) years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience  

• Knowledge of and ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)  

• Experience in project accounting, construction accounting, or capital project financial management preferred  

• Experience in real estate preferred  

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with multiple deadlines and changing priorities  

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel formulas  

• Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems and ability to learn new systems quickly  

• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills  

• Excellent analytical skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively  

• Proven ability to maintain accuracy under tight deadlines and effectively manage multiple priorities  

• Strong project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead cross-functional teams  

What’s in it for you: 

The expected pay range for this position is $110,307 – $122,546 annually. 

Stanford University offers a comprehensive rewards package that includes: 

• Career development programs and tuition reimbursement opportunities  

• Generous retirement plans and time-off benefits  

• Excellent healthcare coverage and wellness resources  

• Access to world-class fitness facilities, lectures, museums, and cultural events  

• Commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts, and more  

Learn more about Stanford’s benefits and rewards here: 
https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards 

Why Stanford is for you: 

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is Stanford’s diverse and dedicated staff community. 

Stanford empowers employees with opportunities for growth, a caring culture, outstanding benefits, and access to unparalleled academic and cultural resources. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications ( and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.   

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