Manager, Project Accounting

The Manager, Project Accounting is responsible for managing Accountants and providing oversight for project financial activities, including projections, budget, and actual costs. This role involves collaborating with Creative and Studio teams to develop budgets and track costs for potential construction projects. The manager ensures projects utilize the WorkDay financial and cost management system, reviews contract scope and payment terms, and works with the Director, Project Finance, to build a comprehensive database for improving project budgeting accuracy.

Must Have

• Lead the project accounting team and manage project budget forecasting and cash flows
• Liaise with FP&A to ensure capital expenses, labor, and operating expenses are accurately captured
• Review forecasts and spending risks to provide mitigation solutions
• Work closely with project/program managers, estimators, and purchasing
• Monitor and evaluate project steps to meet budgetary and deadline goals
• Oversee AD&P and other Exhibition development departments
• Create and maintain reports on project development and completion
• Manage project budget estimates for sustainment projects
• Estimate conceptual projects prior to and in Blue Sky Phase
• Work with lead estimator to create a database of cost comparisons
• Review weekly and monthly project cost reports for accuracy and analytical trends
• Review project labor tracking reports
• Manage and review resource plans for all responsible projects
• 5+ years of construction/theme park experience in retail, hotel, theme parks, and themed attractions projects
• Knowledge of Tenants Improvements (TI), attraction/exhibition estimating, and facility impact costing
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or Engineering
• Strong knowledge of Workday and Microsoft applications (Excel, PowerPoint)
• Capable of presenting cost estimates to upper management
• Able to navigate and analyze large data sets
• Maintain positive and informative relationships with vendors and contractors
• Able to maintain and track separate project accounts
• Review and process project invoices and contract payment applications
• Review General Contractor payment applications
• Analytic and data-based decision-making skills
• Strong collaboration and relationship-builder with outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Computer, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Experience with project management software

Good to Have

• Master’s degree in Construction Management or Business Administration
• CPA certification
• Previous supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of cost management software

Perks & Benefits

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA, HRA, and FSA options
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Company paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s)
• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks
• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch and Cafes
• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Meow Wolf opens portals of possibility. Come as you are!

We are individuals who inspire creativity in people's lives through art and exploration, so that our combined imaginations can transform the world we live in. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms of story and exploration. Our Vision is to be the world’s leading creative company, reimagining the paradigm of art and storytelling, to make a positive difference in the world.

We share a strong commitment to Belonging through our values of:

• Collaborative Creativity: We believe the act of creating together amplifies possibilities.
• Provocative Playfulness: We celebrate the unexpected because it is the doorway to discovery.
• Outsiders Welcome: We are all outsiders at heart, and we create space for everyone to feel like they belong.
• Authentic Compassion: We are “kind punks” - supportive to each other and standing up for what we believe in.
• Audacious Courage: We have the courage to radically reinvent ourselves to push the boundaries of art.

If this all sounds like YOU, read on…

Job Description:

MANAGER, PROJECT ACCOUNTING

Location: Remote, provided the candidate resides in one of the following markets: Santa Fe, NM; Denver, CO; Las Vegas, NV; Houston, TX; Dallas, TX; New York, NY; or Los Angeles, CA.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $103,130 - $142,320 USD Annual. Compensation may vary based on location and experience.

Deadline: The deadline for submitting applications for this position is January 15, 2025. Meow Wolf reserves the right to extend this deadline if needed.

The Manager, Project Accounting is responsible for managing Accountants and providing oversight for the project financial activities, such as projections, budget and actual costs. You will work with the Creative and Studio teams, developing budgets and means for tracking costs on those efforts that have potential to become construction projects. You will ensure projects go through our financial and cost management system (WorkDay) and review scope and payment terms for all contracts relating to the projects. This role reports to the Director, Project Finance, and together you will develop a comprehensive database from past projects to assist in the improvement of the accuracy of project budgeting on all projects.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the project accounting team and be responsible for project budget forecasting and project cash flows.
• Liaise with FP&A department to ensure capital expenses, capital labor and all project related operating expenses are accurately captured in financial reporting systems.
• Review forecasts and spending risks to provide solutions for risk mitigation.
• Work closely with project/program managers, estimators, and purchasing to ensure that all budgeting, scheduling, and coordination processes run smoothly.
• Monitors and evaluates each step of larger projects to ensure that it is meeting budgetary and deadline goals. They shall develop a recurring status report to stakeholders to discuss the progress of each project and talk about staffing needs, schedule changes, project scope adjustments and more.
• Oversee AD&P and other Exhibition development departments and the creation of proper expense trackers, resources and support.
• Creating and maintain reports addressing all aspects of project development and completion.
• Manage the project budget estimates for sustainment projects
• Estimate responsibilities for conceptual projects prior to, and in Blue Sky Phase to develop initial costs for business unit financial analysis.
• Work with lead estimator to create a database of costs comparison for various exhibition and non-exhibition facilities (BOH)
• Review weekly and monthly project cost reports for accuracy and analytical trends.
• Review project labor tracking reports.
• Manage and review resource plans for all responsible projects. Provide resourcing suggestions

Job Requirements

• Must have 5+ years of construction/ theme park experience in retail, hotel, theme parks and themed attractions projects, knowledge of Tenants Improvements (TI), attraction/exhibition (themed environments) estimating, and facility impact costing required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, Engineer in related business fields is required. Master’s degree in Construction Management or Business Administration preferred. CPA preferred.
• Previous supervisory experience is strongly preferred.
• Must have strong knowledge of Workday and Microsoft applications to create reports and present information in Excel and PowerPoint. Strong knowledge of cost management software is preferred.
• Must be capable of presenting cost estimates to upper management level Positions
• Must be able to navigate and analyze large data sets.
• Maintain positive and informative relationships with vendors and contractors to uphold the reputation of the owner and owner’s representatives.
• Able to maintain and track separate project accounts.
• Review and process project invoices and contract payment applications for approval hierarchy, cost coding, contract compliance, payment milestones, confirm capital versus expense, validate integrity of the schedule of values, field approvals, necessary submittals in accordance with contract requirements including but not limited to statutory lien waivers.
• Review General Contractor payment applications, (ensuring/validating schedule of values adjustments, field approvals, necessary paperwork delivered in accordance with contract requirements including but not limited to waivers)
• Able to Influence decisions of major nature requiring high degree of tact and diplomacy to obtain favorable results.
• Analytic and data-based decision-making skills.
• Executive presence and strong collaboration and relationship-builder, both internally and externally, with outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Computer, interpersonal and customer service skills are necessary.
• Able to demonstrate the ability to work with a diverse work group of vendors, executive managers, subcontractors, consultants, and other professionals.
• Experience with project management software to assist in project scheduling, forecasting and other important aspects of the project management process.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in an office or home-office setting with extensive computer use, frequent virtual meetings, and collaboration with Finance, Project Management, and Operations. Periodic on-site walkthroughs at fabrication/installation areas or vendor facilities may occur to verify project status and costs; these environments can include moderate noise, moving equipment, dust/particulates, and uneven surfaces. During the month-end/quarter-end close, workload and hours may fluctuate to meet deadlines. Personal protective equipment (e.g., closed-toe footwear, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, hearing protection) may be required during site visits.

Physical Demands

Prolonged periods of sitting and keyboard/mouse work; frequent viewing of multiple monitors, spreadsheets, and project documentation. Occasional standing and walking during onsite reviews or inventory checks; occasional bending, reaching, and stair climbing. Ability to lift and move items such as laptops, binders, or archive boxes—generally up to 25 lbs. Visual acuity to read detailed financial records and project drawings; ability to communicate clearly in person and virtually. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee will comply with company and OSHA standard workplace safety protocols. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

This position does require supervisory responsibility.

Travel

This position will require minimal travel (<10%)

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

IMPACT: Meow Wolf is committed to our DIY roots and grassroots community support principles. To document that commitment, we converted our legal designation into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation and have certified as a B Corporation. As a B Corp, we have a triple bottom line of supporting financial, social and environmental wellbeing in our community.

INCLUSION: Meow Wolf is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring all employees enjoy and thrive in a work environment where differences make us the vibrant, wonderful community we are! All employment decisions at Meow Wolf are based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, service in the military or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

BENEFITS:

The choices we make concerning our benefits during enrollment periods are among the most important we select for ourselves and our families. As part of the total compensation package for full-time employees, Meow Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various options to meet individual healthcare and financial needs along with many perks.

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP*
• Dental and Vision Insurance*
• HSA, HRA, and FSA options*
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Company paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s)*
• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies*
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks
• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch and Cafes
• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests

*Regular or Project Based Full-time positions

Please visit www.meowwolf.com/careers for more information.