Accounting Clerk

Accounting Clerk

Department: Finance
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) / Human Resources Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Accounting Clerk is responsible for providing accounting support for the Housing Authority's financial operations, including Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), and Assisted Living programs. This position performs a variety of accounting duties, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, journal entries, bank reconciliations, and general ledger support while ensuring accuracy and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), HUD regulations, and Housing Authority policies.

In addition to accounting responsibilities, this position provides administrative support for payroll and human resources functions, assisting the CFO/Human Resources Director with payroll processing, employee records, and other HR-related tasks as assigned.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, dependable, and willing to learn the accounting requirements associated with multiple federally funded housing programs and assisted living operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting Responsibilities

General Accounting

• Prepare and post journal entries.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations for multiple bank accounts.
• Reconcile general ledger accounts and research discrepancies.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with internal accounting controls and procedures.

Accounts Payable

• Verify invoices, purchase orders, and account coding.
• Prepare payment batches and maintain vendor files.
• Respond to vendor payment inquiries.
• Maintain organized accounts payable records.

Accounts Receivable

• Process tenant receipts and other revenue transactions.
• Monitor outstanding receivables and assist with collections.
• Reconcile accounts receivable balances.

Program Accounting

• Learn and understand the accounting requirements for:
  • Public Housing
  • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
  • Assisted Living Facility
• Ensure transactions are accurately allocated to the appropriate program and funding source.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial and resident information.

Payroll Responsibilities

• Assist with payroll preparation and processing.
• Enter payroll adjustments as directed.
• Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation.
• Assist with payroll-related reports and filings.
• Respond to routine payroll questions from employees.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll information.

Human Resources Responsibilities

• Assist with onboarding new employees, including preparing new hire paperwork.
• Maintain employee personnel files and HR records.
• Assist with employee benefit enrollment and related documentation.
• Prepare employment verification requests and other routine HR correspondence.
• Provide administrative support during recruitment, orientation, and offboarding.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee information.

Administrative Responsibilities

• File and maintain accounting and HR records electronically and in paper files.
• Answer accounting and payroll inquiries.
• Assist with special projects as assigned.
• Cross-train to provide backup support for finance, payroll, and HR functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent accounting experience may be substituted for formal education.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of accounting or bookkeeping experience preferred.
• Experience with:
  • Journal entries
  • Bank reconciliations
  • Accounts Payable
  • Accounts Receivable
• Payroll or Human Resources experience is preferred.
• Governmental, nonprofit, public housing, or healthcare accounting experience is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of accounting principles and bookkeeping practices.
• Ability to prepare and post accurate journal entries.
• Ability to reconcile bank and general ledger accounts.
• Knowledge of accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
• Ability to learn HUD accounting requirements and assisted living financial operations.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with financial, payroll, and personnel information.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and accounting software.
• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Frequent use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, and file documents.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment and requires frequent interaction with employees, residents, vendors, auditors, and outside agencies. The Accounting Clerk must be able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high degree of accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Starting Salary:
$40,486.68 - $50,102 ($19.46 - $24.09/hr) (depending on qualifications and experience)

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