Cost Accountant / Business Manager

About

Placers Professional is seeking a Cost Accountant / Business Manager for our prestigious client in Newark, DE. This person is responsible for applying generally accepted accounting principles with a focus on project cost accounting, property financial management, and commercial real estate performance analysis. This role supports the financial management of commercial development projects and operating properties while providing insight into cost control and profitability.

This position reports to the Director of Accounting and works closely with development, leasing, and property management teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage job cost accounting for commercial development and redevelopment projects, including tracking budgets, commitments, and actual expenditures
• Prepare and analyze property-level financial statements (monthly, quarterly, and annual)
• Monitor project budgets vs. actuals, identifying variances and partnering with internal stakeholders to address gaps
• Maintain accurate general ledger activity, including journal entries related to construction costs, capital expenditures, tenant improvements, and operating expenses
• Oversee cost allocations across properties, projects, and entities
• Develop and maintain cash flow projections for development projects and stabilized assets
• Partner with leasing and property teams to track rental revenue, CAM reconciliations, and tenant billing
• Ensure compliance with real estate accounting standards, tax requirements, and internal controls
• Prepare financial packages and management reports for leadership and ownership
• Support financing activities, including lender reporting, draw requests, and covenant compliance
• Coordinate year-end close and liaise with external CPA firms
• Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency, margins, and financial processes
• Collaborate with accounting staff and cross-functional teams; provide guidance where appropriate
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of accounting experience, with real estate, construction, or development accounting preferred
• Experience with job costing and property management systems (e.g., Yardi, MRI, or similar)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and cost management mindset
• Attention to detail and accuracy in multi-entity/project environments
• Ability to translate financials into business insights
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration
• Problem-solving and variance analysis
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Ability to work independently within a team structure

Salary

Salary Range is not limited for more qualified applicants to $90,000.00 - $115,000.00. We encourage candidates whose experience may exceed the posted range to apply and start a conversation.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Vision insurance

Work Location

In person