Finance Associate

Johnson Development Associates, Inc.; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Development Associates, Inc. (JDA) seeks a Finance Associate to support project financing, asset management, and investment evaluation alongside the CFO and finance team.

You will help identify automation opportunities, build data models, develop bank pitches, and provide financial analysis for development and portfolio operations across our real estate portfolio. The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, collaboration, and proactive problem solving in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Real Estate, or related field.
• Coursework in Computer Science or Data Science preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal teams to identify manual processes, data silos, and bottlenecks to improve or automate.
• Analyze data collection, storage, and reporting to pinpoint inefficiencies and opportunities for using internal/external data sources.
• Research and evaluate automation tools, AI applications, and data visualization techniques for commercial real estate.
• Develop and maintain data models and analytical frameworks for automation and AI-driven insights.

Skills

MS Office Suite

SQL

Python

R

Tableau

Power BI

Automation tools

Scripting languages

UI/UX basics

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

Bachelor's Degree in Economics

Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate

CS/Data Science coursework

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

Johnson Development Associates, Inc. (JDA) is a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, multi-division national real estate developer that is committed to delivering excellence. We are driven by our Guiding Principles of integrity, partnership, humility, principled entrepreneurship, initiative, and fulfillment, and we believe the key to our continued success and growth is our ability to identify, hire, onboard, and develop highly talented people.

Position Summary

The Finance Associate will work with the CFO, Finance Team, and other members of the Company to provide assistance with project financing, asset management, and the evaluation of investment opportunities.

Position Responsibilities

Internal Data and Platform Development

• Collaborate with internal teams to identify existing manual processes, data silos, and analytical bottlenecks that can be improved or automated.
• Analyze current data collection, storage, and reporting methodologies to pinpoint inefficiencies and opportunities for leveraging internal and external data sources more effectively.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, including automation tools, AI applications, and advanced data visualization techniques relevant to commercial real estate.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of improved data models and analytical frameworks that incorporate automation and / or AI-driven insights to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and predictive capabilities.

Development

• Work with and assist the Finance Team and various members of the JDA team, on all finance matters associated with new developments generated by Company divisions.
• Assess financial viability of new projects and acquisition opportunities.
• Assess and make recommendations on additional financial analysis tools that would better support development activities (changes to existing proformas, developing new proformas, and/or using third-party financial analysis software).
• Develop bank pitch books for the financing of new and existing projects (development financing and permanent financing).
• Work with the CFO / Director of Finance to foster current banking relationships and develop new banking relationships.
• Manage third-party mortgage brokers on permanent financings.
• Communicate and prepare information for Johnson Management, LLC regarding partner capital requirements, timing of capital contributions, and monthly operating reports.
• Assist in the procurement of development bonding (through surety bonds or letters of credit) as required.
• Work with and assist the Finance Team and various members of the JDA team, on all finance matters associated with the management and on-going operations of JDA’s portfolio of assets, including:
• Monthly and annual reporting on new business and the existing portfolio
• Financial analysis of hold vs. sell scenarios
• Work with internal Asset Management team members and third-party asset managers to effectively operate properties and help provide financial analysis and feedback
• Generate compliance certificates and other information required by lenders.
• Communicate with third-party tax consultants and manage tax information pertaining to existing assets.
• Manage insurance solutions for properties across all asset types.

Required Education and Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Real Estate, or a related field.
• Relevant coursework in Computer Science or Data Science preferred.

Technical Skills Preferred

• High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Experience with data manipulation and analysis tools (e.g., SQL, Python, R).
• Familiarity with business intelligence platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for creating dashboards and reports.
• Experience with automation tools, scripting languages, and basic, functional UI and UX design and implementation.

General

• 2+ years of experience in finance, real estate, asset management, or operations.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and analyze financial data, with proficiency in financial underwriting.
• General understanding of the commercial real estate lifecycle, including development, acquisitions, ownership, and operations, is a significant advantage.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop creative and effective solutions to complex data and process challenges.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and adaptable, with proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, and solve problems independently.
• Represent Johnson Development Associates, Inc. in a positive and professional manner.
• Maintain a high regard of confidentiality for company information.

Equal Opportunity Employer

JDA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. JDA complies with all applicable laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the Company operates.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not represent a comprehensive or exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

This document does not constitute a contract of employment, express or implied, and does not alter the at-will nature of employment. The Company reserves the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as necessary.