Project Accountant at Hughes Marino in Irvine, CA, USA

Job description

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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: Orange County

Skills

Required

• Self-directed and deadline-driven
• Team-oriented
• Microsoft Excel
• Construction cost structures, CSI codes
• Budget management principles

Benefits

• 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 Orange County 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