Accounting Specialist 1

Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest with a population of about 420,000 residents.

About the role

The Housing Authority of Clackamas County (HACC) has an immediate opening for a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as an Accounting Specialist 1. This position will primarily support accounts payable, financial reporting, and customer service functions, while also providing backup support for accounts receivable activities. The Accounting Specialist 1 is the entry-level classification in the paraprofessional Accounting Specialist series. Work is performed following established procedures and specific instructions and includes assisting internal and external customers with questions related to assigned accounting functions.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional with strong organizational, communication, and time management skills and a foundational understanding of accounting and bookkeeping practices. You are comfortable working with financial records, spreadsheets, and accounting systems and have experience supporting accounts receivable functions. You take pride in accuracy, provide excellent customer service, and work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and processes invoices, payment requests, claims, vouchers, and other financial transactions for accuracy, authorization, and compliance with established procedures; reconciles amounts, identifies discrepancies, and enters financial information into YARDI.
• Prepares and processes purchase orders, including those related to Capital Funds, requisitions, bank deposits, travel reimbursements, and other financial documents; maintains spreadsheets and provides backup support for accounts receivable functions.
• Prepares and posts journal entries, cash receipts, deposits, checks, interest, and other financial transactions and adjustments; reconciles operating and reserve accounts and processes rent and tenant utility payments.
• Processes and reconciles payments and ACH transactions; calculates outstanding balances and payoff amounts; tracks construction draws and vendor payments; and maintains supporting invoice and journal entry documentation for audit purposes.
• Maintains accounting, purchasing, inventory, and other financial records; compiles financial information and prepares routine reports and account summaries, including processing Public Housing utility payments and gathering information for HUD Operating Fund (OpFund) reporting.
• Provides customer service to departments, vendors, tenants, and other internal and external customers; responds to inquiries, provides information related to assigned accounting functions, resolves routine issues, and assists with Port-In and accounts receivable reconciliation activities.

Requirements

• A minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience with basic accounting and bookkeeping. Any combination of relevant experience, education, and/or training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills may substitute for the required years of experience.
• Experience in a customer service environment and the ability to establish positive working relationships.
• Knowledge of basic financial recordkeeping methods and practices.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public sector accounting practices with working experience in Accounting and Finance in a governmental setting.
• At least 1 year working experience in Accounts Payable and Receivable.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Demonstrated experience using large enterprise software packages (ERP), such as Voyager/YARDI real estate and financial software, or similar accounting platforms effectively.
• Knowledge of HUD programs such as Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and Public Housing.
• Knowledge of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), including tenant Utility Reimbursement Payments (URP).
• Knowledge of landlord payment processing and related accounting procedures.
• Knowledge of 1099 reporting requirements and processing.
• Knowledge of bank reconciliation practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of electronic check deposit processing using Panini or similar check-scanning systems.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.
• Driving may be necessary for County business. For position(s) with occasional/incidental driving, incumbents must possess a valid driver’s license. Accommodation requests for an acceptable alternative method of transportation will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation. For position(s) with regular driving, incumbent(s) must also possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Pay

Annual Pay Range: $50,305.60 - $63,032.03

Hourly Pay Range: $24.185386 - $30.303862

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.

Schedule

This position is included in the County’s alternate workweek program, working 37.5 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off). Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.

This position is eligible for hybrid on-site/telework and based on the Department’s business needs. The exact amount of on-site/telework and schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager during time of offer. Telework locations cannot be located outside of Oregon or Washington. Washington residents must perform 50% of their time on-site at Clackamas County.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off Package, including 12 hours of vacation accrued per month. Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals.
• 8 hours of sick accrued per month.
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP): Employer-paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee’s share of the retirement contribution). OPSRP members get vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65.
• A choice of medical plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• A choice of dental plans.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Longevity pay.
• Other retirement savings options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan.
• A variety of additional optional benefits.

About the Department

The Housing Authority of Clackamas County (HACC) is a public corporation, established under the federal Housing Act of 1937 and the provisions of Chapter 456 of the Oregon Revised Statutes. Although it is a separate public corporation, the HACC falls under the administrative structure of Clackamas County government. Created in 1938, HACC was the first housing authority established in the State of Oregon. The HACC provides affordable, safe, decent, and sanitary housing opportunities in a fiscally responsible manner to low-income people in Clackamas County.

HACC is part of the Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) Department. Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) consists of six divisions, dedicated to ensuring healthy families and strong communities in Clackamas County.

Mission Statement: We lead and learn with equity in serving individuals, families, and communities by providing access to high-quality healthcare, housing, and services that strengthen social and economic resilience.

Vision Statement: Individuals, families, and communities are resilient and thriving.