Senior Accountant - CIP

The City of Pearland, TX is seeking to hire a full-time Senior Accountant - CIP to manage the full lifecycle accounting of Capital Projects. Are you a caring and dynamic leader? Are you data-driven? Are you service-oriented? Could you excel in a fast-paced environment? If so, you may be perfect for this position?

The Senior Accountant - CIP earns a competitive salary of $82,981.23 to $105,801.07/per year, based on qualifications. Additionally, the city pays all premiums for our employees' dental, long-term disability protection, and life insurance plus the majority portion of the medical premium for employees and their dependents. We also offer a retirement plan through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 2:1 employer match, life insurance, disability, access to the city's recreation fitness center, employee assistance program, educational assistance, 11 paid holidays and 2 designated paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, and an active wellness program focusing on physical, mental, and financial health.

ABOUT THE CITY OF PEARLAND

Pearland is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas due to affordable housing, outstanding schools, safe neighborhoods, and superb quality of life. Ranked among the top ten safest cities in Texas, Pearland residents know their families are safe and secure in the community and surrounding areas. Our close proximity to Houston, just a short 20-minute drive to downtown, allows residents to experience all the city has to offer, including professional sports, world-class cultural amenities, and recreation.

Employees of the City of Pearland use multi-directional communication and cross-functional teams to promote a greater understanding of the organization by employees at all levels. We have created a culture of continuous learning that encourages and supports employee development and growth. Our work environment is one where innovation is not only supported but encouraged.

A DAY IN LIFE AS A SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

The purpose of this position is to oversee, manage, and ensure accurate and timely accounting and financial reporting for capital projects and construction in progress (CIP) in compliance with governmental accounting standards. The Senior CIP Accountant performs complex reconciliations, prepares journal entries, assists with audits, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with city policies, funding requirements, and contractual obligations.

This class works independently under limited supervision and reports major activities through periodic meetings. The role requires a high degree of technical accounting knowledge, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a government finance environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Construction in Progress (CIP) and Capital Project Accounting

• Manage the full lifecycle accounting of capital projects and CIP including proper classification, capitalization, and closeout in accordance with GAAP, GASB, and GFOA best practices.
• Maintain detailed project workpapers and ledgers, track budgeted vs. actual project expenditures, and ensure all costs are properly recorded in the project accounting system.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, procurement, and vendors to verify pay applications, retainage, and project cost allocations are accurate and timely.
• Ensure construction costs are recorded within contractual terms and payment timelines are met.

Month-End and Year-End Close Activities

• Prepare and post monthly, quarterly, and year-end journal entries for CIP-related activities including WIP, transfers, capitalization, and depreciation.
• Reconcile all CIP-related general ledger accounts, capital project funds, and developer escrows.
• Maintain and reconcile fixed asset sub-ledgers and coordinate fixed asset tagging, disposals, and retirements.

Financial Reporting & Forecasting

• Contribute to the preparation of monthly financial statements, budg