Staff Accountant
About the role
Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D) is seeking an intellectually curious and ambitious Staff Accountant to join our growing Finance & Accounting team in Washington, DC, or Chicago, IL.
About B&D
Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D) leads the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen communities—where people live, learn, work, and play. B&D partners with institutions, municipalities, and organizations to shape and deliver complex real estate and capital projects, providing strategic insight and end-to-end advisory services across the full project lifecycle.
B&D recently joined forces with Project Management Advisors, bringing together two nationally recognized leaders in program management and real estate advisory services. Together, the combined firm offers expanded capabilities across industries and throughout the full project lifecycle—from early-stage strategy and planning through execution and beyond.
The Opportunity
Are you an accounting professional who wants to understand the business behind the numbers and grow beyond traditional accounting responsibilities? This is an exciting time to join B&D's Finance & Accounting team as the organization continues to evolve and integrate with Project Management Advisors.
In this role, you'll gain exposure to a broad range of accounting and financial activities while working closely with experienced leaders who are committed to your professional development. You'll have opportunities to build technical expertise, strengthen business acumen, contribute to process improvements, and take on increasing responsibility over time.
As B&D continues its Workday implementation and organizational growth, you'll help support evolving processes and gain valuable experience within a complex, multi-entity business environment.
This hybrid role can be based in either Washington, DC, or Chicago, IL, with a three-day-per-week in-office expectation.
How You’ll Contribute
Accounting & Financial Operations
- Prepare and process customer billing accurately and in a timely manner.
- Perform monthly bank and balance sheet account reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
- Assist with month-end and year-end close activities.
- Prepare journal entries and supporting schedules.
- Monitor accounts receivable activity and assist with collections as needed.
- Maintain accurate, organized accounting records and supporting documentation.
- Assist with audit requests, schedules, and supporting documentation.
Analysis & Problem Solving
- Analyze financial data to identify trends, inconsistencies, and opportunities for improvement.
- Investigate discrepancies and work with internal stakeholders to understand and resolve accounting issues.
- Develop an understanding of how accounting activities connect to broader business operations and financial reporting.
- Apply critical thinking and sound judgment when identifying issues and determining appropriate next steps.
Process Improvement & Growth
- Participate in initiatives to improve accounting processes, workflows, and efficiency.
- Help develop and document more effective accounting procedures and controls.
- Contribute to the ongoing evolution of B&D’s financial systems and processes, including the Workday implementation.
- Take ownership of assigned responsibilities while actively seeking opportunities to expand your knowledge and contribute beyond your immediate responsibilities.
- Collaborate with Finance, Operations, and other departments to support the organization’s continued growth and integration.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned within the scope of the role and within the employee's knowledge, skills, and abilities.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
- 2–3 years of accounting experience.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, and data analysis.
- Experience with Workday or a similar ERP/accounting system preferred.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team.
- Positive, proactive approach and genuine interest in continued learning and professional growth.
What Sets You Apart
We’re looking for someone who sees
accounting as a career, not simply a job.
You’re intellectually curious and naturally ask why rather than simply following a process. You enjoy investigating discrepancies, solving problems, and understanding how things work. You take ownership of your responsibilities, follow through on commitments, and communicate proactively when something needs attention.
You’re also interested in what comes next. You want to develop your technical accounting skills, broaden your understanding of the business, and gradually take on more complex responsibilities. You don’t need to have everything figured out; you need the curiosity, initiative, and ambition to keep learning.
Most importantly, you’re excited by the opportunity to grow alongside an organization that is itself evolving.
Why People Choose B&D
Impactful Mission
Be part of meaningful work that helps shape the places where people live, learn, work, and connect.
Learning & Growth
We invest in mentorship, leadership development, and continuous learning at every stage of your career.
Strong Culture
Entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, intellectual curiosity, integrity, and excellence drive how we work together.
Robust Benefits
Comprehensive benefits include 100% company-paid medical, dental, and prescription coverage, a targeted 7% employer-contribution 401(k), generous PTO, and more.
Apply Today!
Our application process includes a resume, an optional (recommended) cover letter, and a short set of essential questions. We look forward to getting to know you!
This role's target base annual salary range is currently $65,000-$85,000. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors unique to each candidate, including, but not limited to, job-related skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, candidate abilities, and pay relative to other team members. The company benefits listed above are a summary of the benefits. Specific details, availability, and eligibility requirements apply in accordance with company policies. Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. participates in E-Verify.
