Accountant I

Come join one of the nation’s highest ranked housing agencies. Be a part of an innovative and creative team of individuals committed to serving the community by providing affordable, quality housing. The St. Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) has been serving the community for over 45 years. St. Paul PHA is an independent agency that owns and operates affordable rental housing for low-income families and individuals throughout the City, with subsidies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The PHA provides approximately 4,273 affordable rental units and administers 5,242 Housing Choice Vouchers, paying over 45 million annually in federal rent subsidies.

About the role

This is a broad level Accounting classification where incumbents perform duties of a specialized nature requiring both knowledge and experience. The Accountant I is responsible for maintaining encumbrance databases, entering accounts payable, accounts receivable, preparing and entering journal vouchers to general ledgers, as well as performing other essential related accounting functions.

Responsibilities

• Perform day-to-day transactional accounting activities related to Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, ensuring accurate and timely processing, compliance with internal controls, and recording as required by GASB.
• Maintain non-tenant accounts receivable.
• Prepare, review, and post general ledger and Bankbook entry of journal vouchers.
• Provide necessary support to process disbursements.
• Maintain and administer both the "realtime" work authorization and purchase order encumbrance databases.
• Mail out Section 8 checks and Low Income Public Housing (LIPH) rent statements.
• Abide by all Board-approved policies, including those prohibiting discrimination and harassment, executive communications, administrative procedures, and safety procedures established by the PHA.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic accounting and budgeting techniques.
• Familiarity with financial transactions and reporting requirements of government organizations.
• Customer service techniques.
• Skill in prioritizing and handling multiple projects.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and memos.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate files and records.
• Experience using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and verify accounting data.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interaction with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.

Qualifications

• BA degree or 4 years of vocational and advanced vocational education in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• One year of relevant experience in jobs at the B Band level or above, such as general ledger, budget, payroll, accounts receivable, or related experience; and/or relevant education. Additional relevant experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant graduate degree.
• Two years of relevant technical-level experience in accounting.
• Demonstrated experience working with ethnically, culturally, and economically diverse populations.

Licensing & Physical Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License and vehicle.
• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Includes jobs requiring walking or standing to a significant degree, sitting most of the time with arm or leg controls, or working at a production-rate pace.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Eleven paid designated holidays and two paid floating holidays.
• Health and dental insurance coverage.
• Employer pension contribution equal to 7% of employee's salary (employee contributes 5%).
• Additional benefits vary by contract or Supervisory and Confidential (S&C) policies.