Development Associate

Development Associate (Accounting Experience) - Affordable Housing

Brooklyn, NY - In-Office

Our SelectLeaders client is a family-owned construction management, development, and general contracting firm based in Brooklyn, NY, focused on multifamily affordable and supportive housing.

For decades, they have partnered with faith leaders, local officials, and community organizers to shape the neighborhoods in which we live and work. The firm develops affordable housing in partnership with HPD and HCR, leveraging city and state subsidies, tax credit structures, and additional capital sources. They also provide construction and ownership representation services for church-led housing initiatives across New York City, Maryland, and Atlanta.

They are seeking a Development Associate to support the accounting and finance operations of their organization from project inception through stabilization. This role sits at the intersection of finance, accounting, and development, offering the opportunity to play a key role in both project execution and financial oversight.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a strong accounting or finance background who is interested in expanding into real estate development.

This position is ideal for someone who:

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Is deeply community-oriented and mission-driven

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Thrives in complex, fast-moving environments

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Understands affordable housing finance and compliance

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Wants hands-on involvement in shaping neighborhoods and creating opportunity

Responsibilities:
Financial & Accounting Oversight

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Review and manage property and project-level financials

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Oversee bookkeeping functions and serve as the internal point of contact for accounting operations

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Track and analyze construction and pre-development budgets

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Support accounting for special purpose entities (SPEs)

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Partner with external auditors and tax preparers to ensure accurate and timely reporting

Underwriting & Investment Analysis

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Assist in underwriting new development and acquisition opportunities

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Build and maintain pro forma financial models to evaluate project feasibility and returns

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Analyze key assumptions including rents, expenses, construction costs, and timelines

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Support due diligence efforts, including market research and financial analysis

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Develop a working understanding of capital stacks, including debt and equity structures, and assist in evaluating financing options

Development & Project Support

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Assist in managing financial aspects of development projects from pre-development through completion

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Monitor project budgets, costs, and financial performance

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Support municipal and entitlement-related efforts with a financial lens

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Coordinate with third-party property managers and consultants

Process Improvement & Operations

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Help build and improve internal financial and reporting processes

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Assist in implementing systems and best practices for project tracking and documentation

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Contribute to a growing platform with the opportunity to take on increased responsibility over time

Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Real Estate, or related field

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2–5+ years of experience in accounting, finance, or real estate-related role

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Experience with real estate, construction, or cost accounting strongly preferred

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Understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and reporting

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Strong attention to detail with the ability to think critically and problem-solve

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Interest in real estate development and project management

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Direct experience with LIHTC, tax-exempt bond financing, municipal bonds, debt and equity structuring, and subsidy layering (city/state programs)

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Familiarity with lender relationships and syndicators

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Understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements in affordable housing

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Strong financial modeling and pro forma analysis

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Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers and representatives from the nonprofit, corporate, philanthropic, and public sectors, and demonstrate flexibility and poise in dealing with a diverse range of individuals and organizations

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Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to work independently on multiple tasks and projects, set priorities, and be a positive, solution-oriented professional

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Proactive, responsive communicator

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Desire to empower and uplift communities

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Availability for occasional evening events, workshops, and training

This is a grassroots opportunity to shape affordable housing development at scale while staying deeply connected to the communities served. If you’re driven by impact and ready to take ownership of complex, meaningful work, we’d love to hear from you.