Accounting Specialist - Soft Cost

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, leveraging data‑driven management and continuous improvement to achieve exceptional multifamily communities and the best risk‑adjusted returns. 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, one of the largest home builders in the United States.

The Accounting Specialist – Soft Costs is responsible for end‑to‑end soft cost processing and reporting within Workday. The role owns the creation and management of purchase orders (POs), invoice review/approvals, and the internal monthly billback process, ensuring accuracy, compliance with policy, and timely period close for all soft costs. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, comfortable partnering across operations, legal and accounting teams, and proficient in Workday financials.

Cultural Representation – Act as a representative and advocate of JPI’s culture and guiding principles, maintain a close working relationship with members of leadership, and have knowledge of company activities at the corporate level.

Communication & Coordination – Partner closely with Operations, Development, and accounting teams to ensure soft costs are properly planned, coded, approved, paid and billed back to the appropriate JPI entity. Perform soft cost vendor setup, POs, invoices, and billbacks, providing clear guidance on processes and documentation requirements. Liaise with vendors and service providers to support invoice resolution and compliance with PO terms.

Develop and refine training materials, SOPs, and job aids related to soft cost accounting processes.

Purchase Order Management – Create, review, and maintain purchase orders in Workday, ensuring appropriate approvals, accurate coding and budget alignment. Collaborate with Contracts Manager to ensure overall budget values throughout the project life cycle align with written executed contracts, addendums, amendments and change orders, including tracking PO lifecycle activity, amendments/change orders, receipts and closures.

Invoice Review and Approvals – Invoices sent to OSV for three‑part match. Responsible for generating receipts for accuracy, completeness, and compliance and route for approval to OSV and within Workday. Support timely invoice processing and payment by resolving exceptions promptly.

Monthly Internal Billbacks – Own the monthly internal billback process, including breakdown by JPI entity, vendor and cost code. Work with the development team to gain approval of allocation in a timely manner.

Process Improvement and Controls – Adhere to internal controls and approval authority requirements. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and consistency in soft cost and procurement‑related processes.

Non‑essential Functions & Responsibilities – Maintain the annual budget planning process as needed. Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in a business or professional setting (inclusive of non‑profit or government roles).
• Proven experience in an accounting role or similar position.
• Professional knowledge of all service areas and equivalent business acumen.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Highly proficient in using business software and tools, including MS Office and project management applications.
• Highly self‑motivated with a keen attention to detail.
• Adaptable and flexible in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrates integrity and upholds organizational values.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Exercise sound judgment and problem‑solving skills when making decisions.
• Highly motivated self‑started work effectively with minimal direction.
• Exceptional communication skills both…