What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Accountant position at Providence Housing Authority?
Purpose:
To maintain accurate up to date reconciliation of balance sheet accounts within the Operating, Central Office and Section 8 General Ledgers on a monthly basis. Takes an active role in annual budgeting process for the same as well as maintains an up to date knowledge of regulatory requirements on a federal, state and local level as well as PHA policies. Ensures ongoing auditability of all General Ledgers.
Essential Tasks of the Position:
Performs accounting support functions in response to regulatory requirements and agency policies and procedures
- Maintains accounting and financial information for weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly payroll transactions including the preparation and filing of all related Federal, State and local governmental reporting, as necessary
- Performs monthly Bank/Cash reconciliations in a timely manner for the Operating, Central Office and/or Section 8 general ledgers/bank accounts and prepares any correcting or adjusting entries needed or required
- Performs regular monthly general ledger account reconciliations and analysis for major Balance Sheet accounts and prepares any correcting or adjusting entries needed or required
- Prepares monthly summary and standard journal entries or conducts GL Interface transactions for the Operating, Section 8, and Central Office accounts in a timely basis, as assigned
- Maintains accurate accounting records, files and supporting documentation for the Operating, Section 8 and Central Office budgets
- Monitors and maintains accounting of the PHA’s Fixed Assets Records and Depreciation Schedules
- Monitors and recommends relevant system updates as required by HUD in support of GAAP and Project-Based Accounting
- Assist the Grants Management Officer as needed in the recording, reporting and reconciliation of HUD grants and other Federal, State and local government grants
- Reviews grant charges and practices ensuring compliance with grant funding agencies
- Completes and/or reviews all grant reporting for accuracy
- Assist the Director and Associate Director as needed with research and analysis of financial information pertinent to all internal and external reviews, audits and period close outs
- Maintain daily cash flow worksheets for monitoring all income and expenses for the Operating, Section 8 and Central office budgets
- Perform yearly submission of the Operating Subsidy Calculation to HUD by maintaining all utility consumption data on a monthly basis , utilizing the current systems tracking utility consumption for support and documentation
- Assist the Director and/or Associate Director with special projects, research, analysis, interim reporting, and strategic planning and in any other capacity needed within class
- Fully cooperates and assists with the yearly budget and strategic planning process which may require interacting with other Directors, Managers and Supervisors in other departments within the PHA
Secondary Tasks of the Position:
- Updates and maintains computerized accounting systems
- Serves as a member of the Audit Team within the Finance Department
- Maintains up to date working knowledge of state/federal regulations specific to accounting support function and public housing/section 8
- Participates in obtaining current training and information relative to professional responsibilities
- Interrelates with residents, banks, vendors, suppliers, outside agencies and the public in person/phone, answers inquiries, responds to complaints, schedules appointments and provides general information relative to agency’s accounting support function
- Maintains a high degree of confidentiality as mandated
- Works on, researches and completes special projects, as assigned
- Performs other duties as assigned within class
Position Requirements and Qualifications:
Education Level
- Four-year degree from accredited college/university with a major emphasis upon accounting or finance required or an Associate’s Degree with a concentration in Accounting or Finance combined with at least five years of experience
Experience in Related Field
- 5 years of experience in Accounting or Finance required
- 3 – 5 years of accounting experience in similar agency preferred
Knowledge, skills, abilities, licenses and certifications
- Working knowledge of accounting, budgeting and auditing
- Skill in lending technical assistance in related accounting systems and controls
- Skill in developing fiscal record keeping systems
- Skill in analyzing fiscal data and ability to recommend problem-solving strategies
- Ability to maintain verbal and written communications
- Ability to utilize data entry terminals and personal computers
- Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite
