Accountant I

Under the direction of the Controller, and Vice President of Finance, the Accountant I performs and manages accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general and technical accounting duties. The Accountant I helps maintain the accuracy of the general ledger, assists with audits and the budget creation processes. This is an entry level position, incumbents in this category work under close supervision. As the requisite skill and knowledge is developed, greater independence is exercised. The work requires handling day to day accounting activities and a basic understanding of standards and recommendations established by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Tredway Commission (COSO), Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and Texas State of Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Employees at this level receive support, instruction and/or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Assignments are given with detail guidelines and their work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements, and the methodology used in arriving at the end result. The work is reviewed by the Accountant II, Accountant III, Controller, or the Vice President of Finance.
Must be able to meet critical time deadlines by assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands. This position will provide support to the Finance team by assisting in various finance functions.
Maintains all materials related to vendor invoices, including validation of purchase order requests, receiving records, verification of proper expense account classification, posting of all invoices to computer for payment, and generation and distribution of checks to vendors at least four times per month.
Assists with research, filing, data entry, and recording and maintaining accurate and complete financial records Computer input and coding of accounts payable invoices.
Requests manual checks as needed.
Files all accounts payable/accounts receivable.
Communicates with vendors as needed
Verifies the accuracy of invoices to determine pricing.
Reviews vendor statements for outstanding invoices and adjustments. Works with vendors and divisions to clear outstanding items or resolve any billing disputes.
Processes vendor payments by issuing checks and/or ACH.
Downloads and transmits positive pay fraud detection file electronically to the bank.
Aids appropriate personnel to resolve issues regarding general ledger expenditure activity.
Oversees procurement card accounting including statement submittal, division payment approval, and monthly statement payment. Reviews the statements for accuracy, completeness, and to ensure expenditures are within established the Authority's policy. Contacts division personnel to resolve issues found during the review.
Responsible for the management and acts as the designated custodian of petty cash by requesting replenishments requests and ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Assist with preparation of annual 1099's.
Maintains vendor files, including contracts for services and paid item Matches invoices to purchase orders.
Runs trial report of payables to check for accuracy
Maintains records of HCV and public housing FSS program participants, including monthly contributions, forfeitures, interest income, and any other activities.
Correctly reconcile all funds collected, prepares bank deposits on a daily/regular basis, and ensures financial activities are reflected in the bank accounts
Computers input of HCV receivables, retro payments, and portables.
Makes deposits for receivables.
Runs occupancy reports.
Generates portability transactions.
Transfers Section 8 receivables for the Section 8 module.
Runs monthly process for Section 8.
Prints portability statements.
Generates Monthly AR charges and invoices
Assists other accounting staff as required and trains authority personnel in processing items for payment and the use of correct general ledger expenditure account coding.
Performs routine clerical work as required, which may include preparing/typing reports, copying and filing documents, entering computer data, answering the telephone, greeting and assisting internal customers, processing daily mail, emailing information, assembling materials, ordering supplies, etc.
Performs other related duties as assigned and/or required.
EDUCATION AND LICENSING/CERTIFICATION:
An Associate's Degree in accounting or related field from an accredited college or university, or completion of a training course specific to accounting. Minimum five (5) years progressive experience in an accounting environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Knowledge of basic accounting procedures and processes
Knowledge of general office procedures and practices, business English and math.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and courteous relationships with other employees and other business contacts.
Above average analytical and reasoning abilities.
Ability to coordinate several concurrent activities simultaneously.
Strong interview and talent evaluation skills are required.