Associate Accountant

NRHA seeks qualified candidates for the position Associate Accountant. Performs professional and paraprofessional accounting duties. Prepares check requests and invoices for data entry.  Receives, reviews, and processes check requests related to NRHA contracts.  Prepares, produces, and disburses accounts payable checks. Conducts, runs, and maintains invoice/check edit.  Maintains contract register (CR).  Runs and distributes computer generated accounts payable queries/reports.  Maintains accounts payables hard-copy and electronic files.  Sets up and maintains loan accounts as directed.  Processes special account activity.  Participates in financial auditing efforts.  Performs routine contract and check payment research

Essential Functions

Prepares check requests and invoices for data entry: groups by payment type, checks for authorization signature and back up documentation; verifies back up agrees to check request; enters vendor number and due date on each voucher; assures budget has approved Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) and Comprehensive Grant requests; and verifies that funding has been approved for grant program check requests. Receives, reviews, and processes check requests related to NRHA contracts:  enters requests in the Contract Register; prepares requests for data entry to computerized Accounts Payable system; reviews and verifies accounts payable edits for all non-contract check requests; reviews and verifies check edits for purchase order invoices; and prepares and distributes vendor 1099 tax forms. Prepares, produces, and disburses accounts payable checks:  prepares and reconciles accounts payable reports: fills accounts payable vouchers, conducts reconciliation of the bank reconciliation monthly report, interfaces accounts payable to the General Ledger; enters payment data batches into computer; conducts edit run: produces checks, obtains approvals as needed; and disburses checks. 

Conducts, runs, and maintains invoice/check edit: compares edit to actual check request or invoice; verifies entered data; takes corrective action as needed; and files check requests and invoices in pending files; until they are due to be paid. Maintains contract register (CR):  reviews all contract verification for accuracy and completeness; collects W-9 forms for all contracts; reviews check requests for accuracy before data entry is made to the Accounts Payable system; performs monthly reconciliation of all retainage withheld on contracts to the General Ledger system; assists personnel in all departments with questions and information related to the Contract Register; and prepares reports related to contract register. Runs and distributes computer generated accounts payable queries/reports to assigned staff.

Maintains accounts payables hard-copy and electronic files:  matches canceled invoices and copies of checks for filing; files the checks and invoices from the check run; files the Accounts Payable copies of relevant documents. Sets up and maintains loan accounts as directed:   maintains database/register of payments and deposits; sets up account for new loans; monitors accounts; acts on problems; receives, records, and posts payments; prepares reports as directed; and reconciles loan transactions to the general ledger. Processes special account activity, including but not limited to travel expenditures. 

Participates in financial auditing efforts as directed. Performs routine contract and check payment research as assigned:  researches account activity; prepares query or report; and submits information to requestor per regulations and organization policy. Performs a variety of routine accounting functions, including but not limited to entering journal vouchers into the computer ledger system, performing ad hoc audits, and cross-training to serve as back-up on accounting subsystems. 

Performs other related work duties as required. 

Education, Experience, and Licenses

Bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting, bookkeeping, finance, or a related field. One to two years of progressively responsible accounts payable or related accounting experience. Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience necessary to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Comprehensive and current knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, practices and procedures.

Comprehensive and current knowledge of governmental accounting concepts, principles and practices.

Skill in preparing, interpreting, analyzing, and auditing standard financial reports and records.

Skill in the maintaining accurate and complete accounting records.

Operational knowledge of personal computer for use in word-processing, accounting system software, and electronic communications.

Human relations skills, including consulting, counseling, and negotiating, skills.  The jobholder must have the capacity to deal effectively with a wide variety of individuals, including those who exhibit skepticism or who do not cooperate with the jobholder. 

Oral and written communication skills to present and make comprehensible complex information regarding organization operations, of which some information may be highly technical in nature; provide clear work instructions; compose technical reports; make presentations before groups; and respond to questions on a variety of job-related matters.

Analytical ability to comprehend , understand, and interpret complex and technical information, such as accounting procedures, regulations, and finance information; and to comprehend, understand, and interpret organizational and environmental factors that could have potential effects on the success of projects and programs.

Ability to exercise independent judgment in the development and implementation of complex operational activities.

Ability to exercise initiative in the development and implementation of complex operational activities.