SOX Manager

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. Abou the Job.

JPI has an exciting opportunity for a SOX Manager to join our team located in Dallas, Texas.

The SOX Manager - Real Estate is responsible for the design, execution, and continuous improvement of the Company's SOX compliance program, with a specific focus on real estate development, construction, joint ventures, property operations, and treasury activities.

This role partners closely with Accounting, Development, Treasury, Asset Management, and IT to ensure effective internal controls over financial reporting across project-level entities, complex ownership structures, and transaction-heavy processes. The role balances SOX compliance with operational practicality in a fast-moving, deal-driven environment.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

SOX Program Ownership (Real Estate Focus)

Own the annual SOX compliance program for a real estate platform with:

Multiple legal entities and SPEs

Joint ventures with varying ownership percentages

Development, construction, stabilized, and disposition phases

Lead SOX planning, risk assessment, scoping, and execution.

Act as the primary liaison with external auditors on SOX and ICFR matters.

Real Estate-Specific Process Coverage

Development & Construction Accounting

Oversee SOX controls related to:

Construction and development revenue recognition (ASC 606)

Cost certification and job cost allocations

Capitalized interest (ASC 835-20)

Project budget changes and forecast-to-complete controls

Joint Ventures & Ownership Accounting

Controls over:

Equity method accounting (ASC 323)

JV eliminations and roll-ups

Partner distributions and waterfall calculations

Minority interest and promote allocations

Intercompany and related-party transactions

Treasury & Cash Management

SOX coverage for:

Construction draw processes and lender reporting

Bank account setup and closeout for project entities

Cash disbursements (ACH, wires, checks)

Vendor master data and bank information changes

Debt compliance, interest accruals, and covenant tracking

Corporate Accounting, AP & Financial Reporting

Lead SOX controls across corporate-level accounting and close processes, including:

Monthly, quarterly, and annual close procedures

Journal entry preparation, review, and approval

Account reconciliations and variance analysis

Management review controls and close-related analytics

Oversee SOX coverage for Accounts Payable, including:

Invoice processing and three-way matching

Vendor setup and maintenance

Payment approvals and segregation of duties

Accruals and cutoff controls

SOX oversight for financial reporting, including:

Consolidation and roll-forward processes

Financial statement preparation and tie-outs

Disclosure support schedules and audit support

Controls over key spreadsheets and reports used in external reporting

Control Design, Documentation & Testing

Design and maintain SOX documentation tailored to real estate processes:

Process narratives

Risk & Control Matrices (RCMs)

Flowcharts and control evidence standards

Lead walkthroughs and testing of key controls, including:

Management review controls

Manual and automated controls

IT-dependent controls

Evaluate control design and operating effectiveness in accordance with COSO.

Deficiency Management & Remediation

Identify and evaluate control deficiencies and assess severity.

Partner with Accounting, Treasury, and Operations to design practical remediation plans.

Track remediation progress and perform retesting.

Proactively identify systemic or recurring control issues across projects.

ITGCs & Systems (Real Estate ERP)

Oversee SOX IT General Controls (ITGCs) for:

ERP systems (e.g., Workday Financials, Yardi, ProCore, GCPay)

Reporting and consolidation tools

Coordinate SOX considerations for system implementations, upgrades, and new modules.

Promote increased reliance on automated and system-based controls.

Process Improvement & Scalability

Identify opportunities to:

Standardize controls across projects and property types

Reduce manual, spreadsheet-driven controls

Improve close timelines and audit efficiency

Support control rationalization as the portfolio grows or changes.

Stakeholder & People Management

Serve as a trusted SOX advisor to:

Development and Construction teams

Accounting and Treasury leadership

Train control owners on SOX expectations and evidence standards.

Manage and/or coordinate co-sourced SOX providers or internal staff.

Non-essential Functions & Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned.

Education, Work Experience, & Physical Requirements

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

6-10+ years of experience in SOX, Internal Audit, Accounting, or external audit.

Hands-on experience with real estate accounting and controls, including development and joint ventures.

Strong understanding of SOX, ICFR, and the COSO framework.

Experience working directly with external auditors.

Proven experience in an executive support role or similar position.

Excellent organizational and leadership skills.

Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.

Proficiency in using business software and tools, including MS Office and project management applications.

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Preferred:

CPA or CIA.

Big 4 or national firm audit experience in real estate.

Experience with multi-entity, project-based accounting structures.

ERP experience in real estate environments (Workday, Yardi,etc.).

Experience supporting IPO-ready or recently public real estate platforms.

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