What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounts Payable Specialist position at Chattanooga Housing Authority?
The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) seeks a qualified individual for the part-time, temporary position of Accounts Payable Specialist. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, May 2, 2025. This is a temporary position through December 31, 2025.
Position Description
The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for processing Accounts Payable (AP) and tracking related transactions to ensure the effective operation of the Finance Department.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The statements contained herein reflect general details to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relieve others, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
- Maintains all AP files in the Finance Department.
- Matches all invoices, receiving documents, and purchase orders, assuring that all are in agreement and have prior approval.
- Monitors outstanding invoices to assure that no duplicate payments are made.
- Monitors purchase orders to make sure that they are closed properly when either payment in full is made or time has expired.
- Prepares and distributes all payments to vendors on a timely basis and ensures that the appropriate general ledger (GL) account is charged.
- Exhibits and encourages behaviors that uphold CHA’s core values.
- Keeps abreast of HUD, federal, state, and local rules and regulations impacting assigned programs and makes recommendations to the Executive Director.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the CHA Board, employees, residents, participants, landlords (as applicable), contractors, as well as city, state, and federal officials and works harmoniously with community stakeholders.
- Attends and/or participates in various meetings related to the CHA as required.
- Reports consistently to assigned work location(s) in accordance with established work schedule. Must be reliable.
- Provides outstanding customer service by responding to phone calls, emails, and written correspondence in a timely, efficient, and appropriate manner.
- Handles confidential matters with discretion.
- Performs other duties as directed.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws governing the CHA’s financial practices.
- Ability to mediate disputes among CHA employees and other parties; responds quickly to issues or questions.
- Strong interpersonal skills and effective communication ability, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to make presentations as required.
- Ability to prepare and interpret comprehensive, accurate and concise reports and data.
- Ability to communicate with people from a broad range of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently and in-group settings and use sound judgment in decision-making and problem solving.
- Knowledge of HUD and CHA policies and practices including AP preparation, internal controls, and financial administration. Knowledge of financial and accounting practices and transactions.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local government financial reporting requirements.
- Skills in reviewing, examining, and evaluating accounting and financial practices and coordinating accounting and financial operations.
Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience
- A high school diploma/GED is required. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a BA/BS degree in Accounting or Business Administration is preferred.
- A minimum of three years’ experience in AP field is preferred.
- Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which, in the sole determination of the CHA, provides the required knowledge and abilities may be considered sufficient.
Physical/Mental Requirements
- Level of manual dexterity sufficient to allow for operation of office equipment.
- Ability to move, handle, or lift small objects around desk area.
- Ability to lift boxes up to 20 pounds.
Special Requirements
- Must possess a valid driver's license, have reliable transportation and be insurable under CHA’s automobile insurance, if required to drive an automobile by CHA.
- Criminal background checks and a credit check will be performed.
- Demonstrated proficiency at Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Must be bondable.
The CHA does not unlawfully discriminate in hiring or in any of the terms or conditions of employment because of an individual’s race, age, religion, gender, pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy, national origin, creed, color, military service or veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic that is protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
