What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Manager position at Philadelphia Housing Authority?
Marketing Statement
Under the General Supervision of Director- Accounting, the Accounting Manager leads day to day accounting operations and ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of PHA’s financial information. This role manages general ledger activities, oversees the month and year end close, coordinates audits (including the Single Audit), and ensures compliance with GASB, HUD requirements, grant regulations, and PHA policies. The Accounting Manager supervises professional accounting staff, partners cross functionally (Budget, AP/AR, Payroll, Grants, Procurement, Capital/Development), and drives process improvements to strengthen internal controls and operational efficiency.
The salary range for this position is $85,157- $106,447 annually. Placement at any specific point within the stated range is not guaranteed for any candidate. Final compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and skills, as well as internal equity and organizational considerations.
Qualifications
Strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB; working knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance and HUD requirements; Demonstrated expertise in GL accounting, reconciliations, month/year end close, and financial reporting; Familiarity with Single Audit requirements and audit coordination; Proficiency with ERP/financial systems and advanced Excel; experience with AP automation, asset modules, and reporting tools; Strong analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills; meticulous attention to detail and deadlines; Proven leadership, coaching, and communication skills; ability to translate complex accounting concepts for non finance stakeholders; Commitment to internal controls, data integrity, and continuous improvement.
Supervisory responsibilities
5 or more employees in the Accounting department
Work environment
Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment.
Travel required
Occasional Travel: Traveling to sites or attending meetings
Minimum education
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Certifications, Clearances, and Licenses required
None
Minimum experience
Five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including 2–3 years in a supervisory or lead capacity.
Alternative Qualifications
Equivalent combination of education, training and relevant experience may be considered upon review by HR.
Qualifications
Strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB; working knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance and HUD requirements; Demonstrated expertise in GL accounting, reconciliations, month/year end close, and financial reporting; Familiarity with Single Audit requirements and audit coordination; Proficiency with ERP/financial systems and advanced Excel; experience with AP automation, asset modules, and reporting tools; Strong analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills; meticulous attention to detail and deadlines; Proven leadership, coaching, and communication skills; ability to translate complex accounting concepts for non finance stakeholders; Commitment to internal controls, data integrity, and continuous improvement.
Supervisory responsibilities
5 or more employees in the Accounting department
Work environment
Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment.
Travel required
Occasional Travel: Traveling to sites or attending meetings
Minimum education
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Minimum experience
Five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including 2–3 years in a supervisory or lead capacity.
Alternative Qualifications
Equivalent combination of education, training and relevant experience may be considered upon review by HR.
Responsibilities
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate accounting staff (e.g., General Ledger, Grants, and Fixed Assets, Payroll, and AP/AR interfaces), setting clear goals, priorities, and development plans; Plan and allocate workload to meet closing calendars, reporting deadlines, and audit milestones; Establish a culture of accountability, accuracy, customer service, and continuous improvement; Oversee the full GL, ensuring timely, accurate journal entries, accruals, allocations, and reconciliations; Manage month end and year end close processes; maintain a formal close calendar and deliverables checklist; Review and approve account reconciliations (cash, receivables, payables, deposits, payroll liabilities, interfund, grants, and capital); Ensure proper cut off, period end adjustments, and elimination entries (as applicable); Produce and review accurate internal financial statements, schedules, and management dashboards; Coordinate with Budget to support budget to actual analysis, variance explanations, and trend reporting; Prepare schedules for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report / Annual Financial Statements, and other required internal/external reports; Provide financial insights and recommendations to Finance leadership and executive management; Ensure accounting practices comply with GASB standards, PHA policies, HUD rules/regulations, grant terms, and federal/state/local laws; Maintain chart of accounts, cost centers, projects, and grant structures to ensure accurate reporting and allowability; Support HUD submissions (e.g., program reporting) and ensure proper documentation for federally funded programs; Coordinate with Grants/Programs on allowability, allocability, cost principles, and match/maintenance of effort where applicable; Serve as a primary contact for external auditors (financial audit and Single Audit) and internal auditors; Prepare and/or review audit work papers, PBC lists, and supporting documentation; resolve audit inquiries; Strengthen internal control design and operating effectiveness across accounting cycles (cash disbursements, receipts, payroll, assets, and journal entries); Monitor compliance with policies (procurement, disbursements, grant spending, approvals, documentation, and retention); Manage capitalization policies, useful lives, and depreciation in accordance with GASB and PHA policy; Oversee CIP tracking, timely in service transfers, and reconciliation to project ledgers; Coordinate with Development/Capital teams to validate funding sources, retainage, and close out documentation; Develop, implement, and update accounting policies, SOPs, and desk manuals; ensure consistent application; Maintain documentation standards that support audits, regulatory reviews, and business continuity; Train staff and business partners on policy changes and control expectations; Serve as accounting lead/SME for the ERP/financial system and related subsystems (AP automation, asset module, grants, and procurement); Drive automation and process redesign to reduce manual work, cycle times, and error rates; lead testing for upgrades and patches; Coordinate unclaimed property (escheatment) reviews and filings per state requirements; Ensure compliance with other applicable filings tied to grants, debt, or regulatory bodies; Foster collaborative relationships with other departments; Address complex accounting questions from internal departments and external partners in a timely, service oriented manner; Identify accounting risks, control gaps, and data integrity issues; propose corrective actions and track remediation; Investigate and resolve complex reconciliations, prior period adjustments, and system/posting errors; Cross train the team to ensure coverage for key processes and continuity during absences/turnover; Encourage relevant certifications or continuing education (e.g., CPA, governmental accounting coursework); Lead or support special projects such as new program set ups, cost allocation refinements, financing transactions, policy rollouts, or system implementations; Provide financial due diligence and integration support for organizational initiatives; Performs related duties as assigned
How To Apply
All applications will be accepted through the Philadelphia Housing Authority’s Jobs Board at www.pha.phila.gov/jobs
Closing Statement
About the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)
Established in 1937, and with an employment workforce of over 1,100, the Philadelphia Housing Authority is a municipal agency providing public housing services to over 76,000 residents in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Financial support for Authority operations and capital needs comes primarily from rent payments and subsidies provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). PHA is one of a very select group of housing authorities across the nation that has attained Moving to Work (MTW) status. This designation allows housing agencies the opportunity and flexibility, on a local level, to develop and implement innovative housing and self-sufficiency strategies to benefit public housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) participants.
PHA is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of individual qualifications without regard to race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, pregnancy, national origin, ethnicity or ancestry, religion, age, disability, citizenship, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.
Salary : $85,157 - $106,447