Accountant I at Cambridge Housing Authority – Cambridge, Massachusetts

GRADE: 10
DEPARTMENT: Fiscal Affairs
REPORTS TO: Deputy Director of Fiscal Affairs
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

UNION: Teamsters Local 122

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Cambridge Housing Authority ("CHA"), a leader in developing and maintaining affordable housing communities, is seeking a qualified and highly motivated candidate. By focusing on policy innovation and family economic opportunities, the CHA is committed to developing and managing safe, high quality, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. CHA provides long-term rental housing and rental assistance to more than 5,500+ individuals and families through its Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Programs.

CHA offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience. Our generous benefits package includes health and dental insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, life and disability insurance options, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, retirement pension and deferred compensation 457b plans, and more! At the completion of an introductory period, CHA employees enjoy flexible work schedules including a hybrid work environment consisting of a combination of on-site and work from home days with supervisor approval.

SUMMARY
The primary purpose of this position is to support the Deputy Director of Fiscal Affairs by providing bank reconciliations for approximately 30 accounts, including two large and highly active central bank accounts. Other functions include providing accounts payable support on selected accounts and assisting Accountant II staff on specified projects in leased housing and low income public housing programs. Special projects will be assigned on an as needed basis to support the Fiscal department.

All activities must support the Cambridge Housing Authority’s (“CHA” or “Authority”) strategic goals and objectives and produce results that accomplish the goals of the Fiscal department.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in accounting and one (1) to two (2) years of experience in accounting, finance or a related field is required. Experience in an office environment as well as experience with accounting software is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Technical Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have strong computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS Outlook, and accounting software). Ability to learn other computer software programs may be required by assigned tasks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The below statements describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Prepares and administers invoices, purchase orders, and vendor analysis
• Supports the administration and processing of selected accounts payable transactions

• Provides back up support when necessary to Accounting Associate staff for the processing of checks and rent related transitions
• Completes bank reconciliations, journal entries and general ledger account analysis
• Assists with the processing of Housing Choice Voucher invoices and payments
• Performs other related duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Behavioral Competencies

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; recognizes working colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication: Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; listens effectively.

Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; does fair share of work.

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Job Competencies
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and practices
• Comprehensive knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements and activities as they apply to the Authority
• Demonstrated track record of effective application of accounting and budgetary principles, practices, regulations and financial analysis
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and accreditation standards
• Knowledge of US GAAP accounting and internal controls
• Knowledge of HUD regulations pertaining to mixed-finance developments
• Ability to handle high volumes of workflow and monthly deadlines
• Proven ability to work effectively in teams or groups

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to maintain a stationary position, operate computers and other office equipment, move about the office, attend onsite and offsite meetings, and communicate. The employee must be able to accurately exchange information in person, in writing and via e-mail and telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.