Project Accountant (San Diego)

About The Company

Built on a foundation of integrity, respect, and commitment, JPI stands out as one of the most active real estate developers and builders in the nation. For more than 35 years, JPI has designed and developed communities with best-in-class homes and amenities. JPI is committed to data-driven management and continuous improvement. Its team of experts utilizes data - including unparalleled market research, proven business processes, and proprietary models - to ensure that every decision is strategic, focused, and produces exceptional multifamily communities with the best risk-adjusted returns. More than just great communities, JPI is focused on leaving a lasting impact on the communities where we build and is continually committed to Building What Matters. JPI operates as a subsidiary of Sumitomo Forestry, which is recognized as one of the largest home builders in the United States.

About the Job

JPI has an exciting opportunity for a Project Accountant to join our Financial Services team located in Dallas, TX.

The Project Accountant is responsible for full-cycle financial management of real estate development and construction projects, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and compliance with accounting standards. This includes budget management, draw preparation, financial reporting, funding coordination, and cash allocation for both development (soft costs) and construction (hard costs).

This role collaborates closely with Project Management, Development, Banking, and Real Estate Accounting teams, as well as subcontractors, vendors, and financial institutions to ensure smooth financial operations.

The role has a career progression path to Senior and Lead Project Accountant, with broader growth opportunities within the Financial Services division.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Financial Management for Projects

Manage the monthly draw process for soft and / or hard costs :

Prepare and review subcontractor pay applications & lien waivers.

Ensure compliance with lender requirements for bank draw submissions.

Track and reconcile cash flow for project expenditures.

Monitor draw funding status and follow up with banks on disbursements.

Ensure timely fund disbursements to vendors and subcontractors.

Create and maintain project budgets for both pre-development and construction phases.

Prepare and post journal entries related to construction fees, overhead reimbursements, and funding transfers.

Draw Package Preparation & Bank Submission

Compile and submit monthly draw packages to lenders, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Coordinate with project teams to gather required supporting documentation (invoices, contracts, change orders, lien releases, and compliance certificates).

Submit and track draw requests with banks and funding institutions.

Ensure timely resolution of bank or lender inquiries related to draws.

Funding Follow-Up & Cash Allocation

Monitor and confirm receipt of draw funding from lenders.

Allocate cash collections appropriately to project budgets and cost categories.

Reconcile funding received vs. project costs to ensure accurate financial tracking.

Work closely with banking and treasury teams to track project cash flow.

Accounting & Reporting

Maintain Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules for accurate project cost tracking.

Reconcile project financial data between construction management and financial systems.

Generate ad-hoc and recurring financial reports for project stakeholders.

Monitor Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) aging reports to ensure timely payments and collections.

Project Setup & Integration

Coordinate the setup of financial data for new projects, including budget creation, contract execution, and funding structures.

Assist with mapping and integration of subcontractor commitments, change orders, and supplier accounts within accounting systems.

Support financial closeout processes for completed projects.

Compliance & Process Improvement

Ensure adherence to company accounting policies, financial controls, and lender requirements.

Assist with financial audits and compliance reporting.

Continuously improve accounting workflows, procedures, and system integration.

Cross-Team Collaboration

Work with the Project Management and Development teams to ensure alignment between financial reporting and project execution.

Act as a liaison with the Banking & Treasury teams to monitor funding requests and cash application.

Support Regional Construction and Development teams in financial planning and budgeting.

Non-Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Act as a representative and advocate of JPI's Culture and Guiding Principles.

Act as a liaison with the Business Systems team to resolve systems issues.

Help document, enforce, and continuously improve JPI financial procedures and policies.

Assist Regional Construction team with special projects.

Attend PSR, OAC, and other project team meetings.

Field questions from Subcontractors / vendors on draws / invoices.

Education, Work Experience, & Physical Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance.

3+ years of accounting experience, preferably in Construction, Real Estate Development, or Property Management.

Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and accounting software.

Expertise in MS Excel with proficiency in advanced formulas and financial analysis tools.

Job Cost Accounting experience (required).

Experience preparing and submitting bank draw packages (preferred).

Experience with Procore, Workday, or large ERP systems (preferred).

Why work for us?

We have a 35-year track record of developing multifamily communities with responsibility, accountability, and integrity. Our stated purpose is to :

Transform Building

Enhance Communities

Improve Lives

JPI has an ambitious and exciting vision for how we will achieve this, which makes for a positive and dynamic work environment, with many opportunities for personal development and growth. As well as our highly competitive offering of compensation and benefits, we are committed to :

Transformative careers in a transformative company

Comprehensive training and development

Promotion from within at all levels of the organization

Borderless Careers, based on performance, potential, and personal ambition

Industry Recognition

NMHC - #1 Fastest Growing Developer; #2 Fastest Growing Building; #8 Largest National Developer; # 11 Largest National Builder

Real Page - Most active multifamily developer in DFW for the past 8 years

Dallas Business Journal Best Places to Work - 2023

Dallas Business Journal - Largest DFW Real Estate Developers - #11

JPI offers associates a comprehensive benefits package with competitive salaries and more, including :

Competitive Bonus Program

4 Weeks PTO for All New Associates (Pro-Rated by Hire Date)

11 Holidays and 8 Early Release Days

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

401(k) with Company Match (Up to 5% Match)

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent & Medical Reimbursement)

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Volunteer Time

Tuition Assistance

Phone Reimbursement

Associate Referral Bonuses