Senior Project Accountant

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is a private, non‑profit, human service agency providing a variety of services throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Over the years, LSS has grown to become one of the largest human service agencies in the two state area serving more than 125,000 clients annually. We are looking for passionate, mission‑driven individuals to help provide services including outpatient behavioral health management, international, domestic and special needs adoptions, older adult services, support services for children, youth and families, community corrections programs and support services for adults with disabilities and/or mental health concerns. Motivated by the compassion of Christ, we help people improve the quality of their lives. Are you motivated to serve by sharing your talents? If you would like to help us achieve our mission, please consider this opportunity. JOB SUMMARY Under the direction of the Manager of Project Accounting, the Senior Project Accountant will support a specialized area of accounting focused on the financial management of rental properties, including recording income, expenses, rent collection, preparing financial reports, leading project audits and other projects and duties as assigned. The position works in concert with General Accounting and Financial Services team members. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This list of duties and responsibilities is not all‑inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary. Meticulously record all rental income for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties, as well as expenses related to property maintenance, utilities, repairs, taxes, and other operational costs. Record construction draws for new project development, if applicable. Collaborate with operations team/property managers to resolve issues in tenant subledgers. Communicate/collaborate with investors and other external parties regarding project goals or concerns. Prepare and record monthly intercompany billing for project payroll expense and other reimbursements and fees. Lead HUD and LIHTC audits for assigned properties; complete real estate assessment center (REAC) annual reporting for HUD projects if needed. Review entity legal documents such as Operating/Management Agreements to ensure proper adherence to agreements and to set up accounting practices for newly established projects, with consulting support. Work in a collaborative team environment, working towards common strategic goals. Maintain high ethical standards in financial accounting and reporting. Obtain and maintain a thorough understanding of the accounting software, financial reporting and general ledger structure, including consolidated and non‑consolidated entities which will involve intercompany and elimination accounting and proper mapping to financial reports and statements. Record monthly accruals as needed for each project, as well as proper recording of prepaid expenses. Manage the balance sheet including proper adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) accounting and oversight of cash. Generate financial reports, such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, to provide property owners and stakeholders with a clear picture of the property's financial performance. Prepare income statement fluctuation analysis monthly for each project. Complete and/or review monthly account reconciliations for all balance sheet accounts. Manage banking transactions, including positive pay and transfers between restricted and unrestricted cash accounts. Maintain proper record of approvals and tracking over allowance for doubtful accounts for tenant past due balances. Create and maintain audit trail of all activities involving the general ledger. Design, recommend and coordinate implementation of internal control procedures to ensure proper transaction recording. Assist in the creation of standardized policies and procedures to support accounting practice within the general ledger that is shared across projects and initiate employee training for changing business requirements. Participate in the budgeting process for each property. Forecast future cash flow, including income and expenses. Make recommendations to help support profitability of projects. Complete Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax 990 tax reporting, if applicable. May proactively assist in the preparation of the LSS consolidated annual financial and single audits, including preparation of schedules and reports. Be a resource/mentor to finance team members and demonstrate positivity. Be proactive and facilitate project assignments. Other duties as assigned. ADDITIONAL AGENCY REQUIREMENTS Must comply with agency and departmental policies and regulations. Must relate to individuals and families of varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, and economic circumstances with respect and dignity. Must support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Agency. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Position has no direct reports but will provide guidance to others as necessary. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required. CPA license is a plus, although not required. Strong technical skills in the areas of GAAP accounting, financial reporting, and analysis. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, specifically using v‑lookups and pivot tables. Ability to investigate issues, apply accounting principles and use sound judgement to make recommendations for solutions. Must be proactive and able to follow up on open items to reach a resolution. Ability to read, review, and understand financial statements/records and make recommendations as needed. Ability to break down accounting concepts and explain information to non‑accounting colleagues. Effective written and verbal communication skills, including participating in discussions with upper management, executive levels of leadership and/or investors. Demonstrate flexibility and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Exceptional work ethic and proper attention to detail are essential to be successful in this role. Capable of mentoring colleagues. Ability to provide a high level of customer support. Talent for effectively collaborating among team members and across teams. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS The incumbent of this position must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and must meet LSS auto insurance requirements. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to communicate both in verbal and written format, effectively and efficiently in the job. The employee must be able to read and understand English and US Dollar currency. The employee must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. The employee must be able to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. The employee must have the ability to effectively present information to customers, vendors and other employees of the organization. COMPUTER SKILLS/TECHNOLOGY To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge and proficiency in the use of software and financial applications, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, carrying and moving printed records and printer paper. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The incumbent of this position works in a hybrid environment. Working from home is available for a substantial portion of work time, however, there may be times when it is required to be in the office for team support and meetings and during peak work times. The environment is an air‑conditioned office. The incumbent will also be exposed to outdoor weather conditions when traveling on company business. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. TRAVEL Position does not require regular travel but may be asked to travel on day and overnight trips as necessary. OUR COMMITMENT LSS is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. We proudly support our Mission, Vision, and Values in all that we do. LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. LSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr