Staff Accountant in Portland, Oregon at Reach Community Development

Job Summary

The Staff Accountant is responsible for accounting and financial administration related to REACH’s Real Estate portfolio in support of the Analysis Manager. The position helps with tasks associated with accounting, month end closings, audits, reconciliations, project draws, and financial reporting while supporting compliance with GAAP and organizational standards. The role collaborates closely with Housing Development, Finance, Asset Management, and property management partners to ensure accurate accounting and smooth transitions to meet operational goals.

Essential Functions

Accounting and Financial Management

• Prepare and maintain financial and reconciliation schedules, journal entries, and supporting documentation.
• Assists the Analysis Manager with cash management activities, receivables, payables, advances, and repayment schedules.
• Provide budget-to-actual reporting and financial analysis for Fiscal and HD.
• Closings, Draws, and Project Funding Administration
• Assist with recording acquisitions, construction, and permanent loan closings in coordination with project managers and escrow partners.
• Prepare, review, and support development funding draw requests and related documentation.
• Ensure funding receipts are properly deposited and posted, transferred, and applied to meet project obligations.

Property Analysis

• Oversee accounts payable processing for development projects, ensuring proper authorization, coding, documentation, and accuracy.
• Work with Fiscal and Asset Management to close month end financials by ensuring all adjusting entries, accruals, and depreciation/amortizations, and any other schedules are posted correctly.
• Maintain compliance with accounting standards, funding requirements, and organizational policies.

Audit, Reconciliation, and General Ledger Support

• Prepare audit workpapers, trial balances, reconciliations, and supporting schedules for the REACH property portfolio development-related audits.
• Assist with reconciling intercompany transactions and development-related general ledger activity.
• Maintain fixed assets, depreciation, debt, interest payment, and assist with development fee schedules.
• Support monthly and year-end financial close activities and reporting processes.

Cross-Functional Financial Partnership

• Partner with Asset Management, Housing Development, Accounting, and third-party property management agencies regarding property and development accounting and reporting activities.
• Support financial systems improvements, upgrades, and special accounting projects.
• Provide development accounting insight and recommendations to the Controller and Finance leadership.

Antiracism

• Engages in self-reflection and open dialogue to recognize personal bias and support a respectful, inclusive workplace that constructively challenges racism and dominant culture.
• Supports the development of inclusive practices in daily work to promote racial equity and further the organization’s mission.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Support departmental process improvement and accounting system enhancement initiatives.
• Participate in organizational reporting, planning, and special projects as assigned.
• This is not a complete list of duties or responsibilities. From time to time, all employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting and preferably with at least one to two years of experience in accounting; or associate degree with at least four years of related experience.
• Affordable housing and development accounting experience preferred.
• Intermediate or advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and proficiency with Microsoft Word and Outlook required.
• Experience with Yardi accounting software preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of GAAP, development accounting, and financial reconciliation practices.
• Ability to manage projects and daily responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining collaboration across departments.
• Sound judgment, integrity, adaptability, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Commitment to REACH’s mission and equity-focused financial stewardship.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Reasonable accommodations will be made.
• Physical Demands: Regular sitting, standing, walking, computer use, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds may be required. Fine motor skills required for typing, document preparation, and operation of office equipment.
• Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in a hybrid office environment with extended computer use and occasional visits to development or residential sites. REACH serves vulnerable communities whose members may have experienced distress or trauma, and all interactions should be conducted with empathy, patience, and a trauma-informed mindset.