Development Accountant

Development Accountant

Prairie Ridge Development | Oak Brook, Illinois

About Us

Prairie Ridge Development is a vertically integrated real estate firm with affiliated entities spanning development, construction, and property management. This structure enables us to manage every phase of the real estate lifecycle — from acquisition and design through construction and long-term operations — ensuring exceptional quality, efficiency, and enduring value in every project.

As we continue to grow, we're seeking driven, skilled professionals to join our team and contribute to our ongoing success.

Position Overview

Prairie Ridge Development is seeking a detail-oriented and self-motivated Development Accountant to manage the day-to-day accounting functions for our real estate development projects and related entities.

This is a hands-on role that combines general ledger accounting and monthly financial close responsibilities with project accounting, construction loan draw preparation, accounts payable, and payroll administration.

The Development Accountant will work closely with the development and construction teams, company leadership, lenders, vendors, and our outside CPA to maintain accurate financial records and provide timely financial information.

In addition to accounting responsibilities, this position will assist with routine office management and administrative tasks. The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently, managing multiple priorities, and taking ownership of accounting processes within a growing real estate organization.

Key Responsibilities

General Ledger & Financial Reporting

• Maintain accurate accounting records for Prairie Ridge's development projects and related legal entities.
• Manage the monthly accounting close, including journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and other closing activities.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and supporting schedules for management review.
• Reconcile bank accounts, balance sheet accounts, and intercompany transactions.
• Ensure project costs, operating expenses, and other transactions are recorded accurately and in the appropriate period and entity.
• Maintain organized accounting records and supporting documentation.
• Monitor accounting processes and identify opportunities to improve accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.
• Coordinate with the outside CPA on year-end close, tax preparation, and other technical accounting matters.

Development & Project Accounting

• Prepare and assemble construction loan draw packages, including invoices, payment applications, lien waivers, sworn statements, and other supporting documentation.
• Track draw submissions, outstanding documentation, lender questions, and funding status.
• Record and track development project costs across multiple projects and legal entities.
• Review invoices for appropriate coding, supporting documentation, and consistency with established approval procedures.
• Coordinate with project managers, construction personnel, lenders, consultants, and vendors to obtain required information and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate records of project expenditures, capitalized costs, and other project-related financial activity.
• Assist with lender reporting and other project financial schedules as needed.

Accounts Payable & Vendor Administration

• Process vendor, contractor, consultant, and other project-related invoices in accordance with established procedures and approval requirements.
• Prepare checks and process electronic payments as authorized.
• Maintain payment records and monitor outstanding invoices and payment status.
• Collect and maintain vendor W-9s, certificates of insurance (COIs), and other required documentation.
• Track missing, incomplete, or expired vendor documentation and follow up as needed.
• Maintain organized electronic records of invoices, payments, lien waivers, and related support.

Payroll Administration

• Coordinate and process routine payroll using the Company's payroll platform.
• Collect and review timesheets, track PTO records, and maintain supporting payroll documentation.
• Assist with employee onboarding and termination administration related to payroll and employee records.
• Coordinate payroll-related questions and documentation with employees, management, and outside service providers as needed.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and follow established payroll review and approval procedures.

Office Management & Administrative

Support

• Assist with day-to-day office operations to maintain an organized, efficient, and professional work environment.
• Coordinate office supplies, equipment, service providers, and other routine office needs.
• Help manage incoming mail, deliveries, document distribution, and general office correspondence.
• Assist with meeting coordination, document preparation, recordkeeping, and other administrative tasks.
• Support leadership and project teams with routine administrative needs as they arise.
• Identify opportunities to improve office procedures and administrative workflows.

Qualifications

• Approximately 4–6 years of accounting experience, preferably in real estate development, construction, or another project-based business.
• Demonstrated experience with general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and monthly close procedures.
• Ability to prepare financial statements and maintain accurate accounting records across multiple legal entities.
• Experience with accounts payable, vendor payments, and supporting documentation.
• Familiarity with construction loan draws, project cost accounting, lien waivers, and related documentation is strongly preferred.
• Experience with payroll processing and related administration.
• Experience with Yardi Voyager, QuickBooks, or similar accounting software is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and follow through on responsibilities with limited day-to-day supervision.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with leadership, project teams, vendors, lenders, and outside professionals.
• A proactive, practical approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred; relevant experience may be considered in place of a degree.

Why Join Prairie Ridge?

• Work directly with the leadership and project teams of a growing real estate development company.
• Gain exposure to the financial and operational aspects of real estate development and construction.
• Take ownership of important accounting processes and help shape how they operate as the company grows.
• Work across multiple development projects and related entities in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.
• Have the opportunity to contribute beyond traditional accounting responsibilities through involvement in payroll, office operations, and company-wide processes.

Compensation

Anticipated base salary range: $85,000–$100,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person