Description

Who We Are: 

Established in 1980 with a vision to create urban housing opportunities, Bellwether Housing has been a trailblazer in transforming lives. By breaking down housing barriers, we've empowered individuals and families, especially those from marginalized communities. As we continue to make a lasting impact, we're embarking on an ambitious mission to build and acquire 2,500 homes by 2025. This is your opportunity to be part of our dynamic team and help shape the future of affordable housing! 

Position Overview: 

The Development Accountant is responsible for all aspects of development project accounting and is the primary accounting liaison to the Housing Development department, working closely with the Director of Housing Development and project managers. The position is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of development sources and uses spreadsheets; initial set-up, monthly, and annual reconciliation of the development general ledger accounts; oversight of development project invoicing draws, and payables; oversight and recordation of loan and escrow closings; and cost certifications and audit prep.

As the Development Accountant, you will advise the Housing Development department on investor, lender, and audit compliance and advise the Controller on development accounting and financial performance. This role works closely with the Property Accountant(s) and Property Management department as real estate development projects transition to operations. 

Work Schedule: 

Hybrid, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, with flexibility; final schedule to be determined by supervisor.

Your Impact:  

• Development Cash Management: Oversees cash flow for all development project sources. 
• Reconciles development project receivables and provides monthly reports of advances to development projects and estimated repayment schedules. Provides budgeted-to-actual reports for Housing Development and Board. Tracks budgeted-to-actual developer fees. 
• Closings: Performs accurate journal entries for all acquisition, construction, and permanent loan closings, in coordination with project managers and escrow. Funds reserve and other accounts at closings. 
• Development Draws: Works with project managers to prepare and/or review development funding draw requests. Prepares and transmits line of credit drawdown and repayment requests. 
• Ensures funding receipts are deposited and/or transferred as needed to meet the payment obligations for all development projects. 
• Development-Related Accounts Payable: Oversees the accounts payable process for development projects. Determines payment requests have proper authorization, coding, documentation, and mathematical accuracy. Ensures accounts payable are properly entered into the accounting system and that checks are printed, signed, and mailed. 
• Cost Certifications: Works with development project managers and auditors to prepare cost certifications for newly constructed and rehabilitated housing projects. Supports other funder requests for financial reporting as needed. 
• Line of Credit: Oversees use of Line of Credit for short-term float of real estate development expenses. 
• Audits: Provides trial balances to Controller and auditor. Reviews and analyzes capitalized costs in preparation for closings and audits, and responds to development-related auditor requests. 
• General Accounting General Ledger: Assists as necessary with routine general ledger close and account reconciliation functions. 
• Prepares other reports and duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Who You Are:  

• 3 years of progressive accounting experience and financial statement preparation. 
• Experience in Real Estate and Project Accounting 
• Demonstrated experience developing budgets, forecasts, and complex financial analyses. 
• Experience with automated accounting systems and budgeting 
• Experience with interpretation and application of Generally Accounting Principles with an emphasis in Real-Estate/construction accounting 
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, including the ability to develop advanced spreadsheets, manage databases, and produce meaningful charts and graphs within Excel. 
• Proven ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects. 
• Excellent independent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 
• Effective verbal and written communication and relationship-building skills. 
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, and/or related field OR equivalent work experience 
• Experience with Yardi Voyager ERP system 
• Experience with Tax Credit Partnerships 
• Project management experience 

What We Offer: Bellwether Housing is your platform for growth, empowerment, and purpose. When you join our team, you will receive: 

• Competitive compensation accompanied by a generous benefits package. 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with an employer match, guiding you towards a prosperous future 
• Fuel for your personal and professional development with up to $1,500 in employer-paid continuing education per year. 
• An ORCA Transit Pass to navigate the city with ease. 
• Up to 27 paid days off in your first year and 8 paid office closure days. 
• The chance to be part of a transformative mission, leaving a mark on the lives of those we serve in our communities. 

At Bellwether Housing, you will elevate your career in a role that's as rewarding as it is impactful, where you’ll be part of a movement that is helping shape the future of affordable housing in Seattle and where diversity, equity, and inclusion are the pillars of our success.

Note: This role requires successful completion of a background check in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance. 

Bellwether Housing is an equal-opportunity employer. We will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to reasonably accommodate all qualified applicants [and employees] by providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. To request Reasonable Accommodation for the application or interview process please contact recruiting@bellwetherhousing.org. Bellwether Housing is dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We value having employees whose skills, experiences, and backgrounds reflect the populations we serve. We are committed to being an anti-racist organization while acknowledging we have a long way to go. You can learn more about our DEI work on our website.

Any candidate, whether internal or external, that is selected for this position will be subject to a 90-day probationary period.