Project Accountant in Syracuse, New York at Christopher Community, Inc.

Christopher Community, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Project Accountant to support the day-to-day accounting functions of the organization and its affordable housing portfolio.

This position will be responsible for processing accounts payable invoices, assisting with month-end reconciliations, maintaining accurate supporting documentation, and supporting the Controller with audits, financial reporting, and other accounting needs.

The ideal candidate will have a strong accounting foundation, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage recurring deadlines in a fast-paced nonprofit and affordable housing environment.

• Receive, review, code, and process vendor invoices for payment.
• Ensure invoices include appropriate approvals and supporting documentation.
• Verify invoice coding by property, entity, department, general ledger account, and expense category.
• Match invoices to purchase orders, contracts, or recurring vendor arrangements when applicable.
• Follow up with property managers, department leaders, vendors, and internal staff regarding missing approvals, coding questions, or invoice discrepancies.
• Assist with vendor statement reviews and resolution of outstanding balances or duplicate invoices.
• Maintain organized accounts payable files and supporting documentation.
• Support timely and accurate payment processing in accordance with internal deadlines.

• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and other assigned balance sheet reconciliations.
• Assist with reserve account reconciliations, cash account reconciliations, prepaid expense schedules, accrued expense schedules, and other month-end support as assigned.
• Research and resolve reconciling items or unusual account activity.
• Assist with posting recurring journal entries or supporting schedules as directed by the Controller.
• Help ensure monthly financial records are accurate, complete, and supported by proper documentation.
• Support month-end close deadlines and help maintain organized close files.

• Assist the Controller with preparing financial reports, schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Help compile budget-to-actual reports, variance support, and property-level financial information.
• Provide backup documentation for expenses, account balances, and financial statement line items.
• Support preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting packages as needed.
• Assist with gathering information requested by leadership, property management, auditors, lenders, or other stakeholders.

• Assist with annual audits and other compliance reviews by gathering invoices, reconciliations, bank statements, approvals, contracts, and other support.
• Maintain documentation in an organized and audit-ready manner.
• Help respond to auditor requests under the direction of the Controller.
• Support preparation of audit schedules and supporting workpapers.
• Assist with maintaining records needed for HUD, LIHTC, grant, lender, or other affordable housing compliance requirements.

• Maintain accurate electronic files using SharePoint, OneDrive, accounting systems, and other approved tools.
• Assist with improving accounting processes, documentation standards, and internal controls.
• Help identify missing information, coding errors, duplicate invoices, or recurring issues.
• Provide general accounting support to the Controller and finance team as needed.
• Cross-train in other accounting functions to support department coverage and reduce key-person risk.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 2–4 years of accounting, bookkeeping, accounts payable, property accounting, nonprofit accounting, or related experience.
• Working knowledge of general accounting principles, accounts payable, reconciliations, and financial documentation.
• Experience processing invoices, reviewing supporting documentation, and preparing account reconciliations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring deadlines.
• Ability to communicate professionally with vendors, property staff, and internal team members.
• Ability to handle confidential financial information with discretion.

• Experience in nonprofit, property management, affordable housing, real estate, or government-funded programs.
• Familiarity with HUD, LIHTC, HCR, or other affordable housing programs.
• Experience using RealPage Accounting, OneSite, Yardi, MRI, QuickBooks, or similar accounting/property management software.
• Experience using SharePoint, OneDrive, or other electronic document management systems.
• Experience assisting with audits, compliance reviews, or financial reporting packages.
• Basic understanding of restricted cash, reserves, property-level accounting, or grant-funded programs.

• Accounting Accuracy: Takes care to enter, code, reconcile, and review financial information correctly.
• Reliability: Follows through on assigned tasks and recurring deadlines.
• Organization: Maintains clean files, clear records, and complete supporting documentation.
• Curiosity: Willing to ask questions, learn systems, and understand how accounting work supports the organization.
• Communication: Follows up professionally with staff, vendors, and team members.
• Problem Solving: Researches discrepancies and helps resolve accounting issues.
• Confidentiality: Handles sensitive financial and organizational information appropriately.
• Teamwork: Supports the Controller and finance team during close, audit, reporting, and high-volume periods.
• Mission Focus: Understands that accurate accounting helps support safe, affordable housing for residents.