Project Accountant

Project Accountant

Syracuse, NY (

Description

Annual Salary: $55,000 - $65,000

Position Summary

Christopher Community, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented and dependableProject Accountantto support the day-to-day accounting functions of the organization and its affordable housing portfolio.

This position will be responsible for processing accounts payable invoices, assisting with month-end reconciliations, maintaining accurate supporting documentation, and supporting the Controller with audits, financial reporting, and other accounting needs.

The ideal candidate will have a strong accounting foundation, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage recurring deadlines in a fast-paced nonprofit and affordable housing environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesAccounts Payable & Invoice Processing

• Receive, review, code, and process vendor invoices for payment.

• Ensure invoices include appropriate approvals and supporting documentation.

• Verify invoice coding by property, entity, department, general ledger account, and expense category.

• Match invoices to purchase orders, contracts, or recurring vendor arrangements when applicable.

• Follow up with property managers, department leaders, vendors, and internal staff regarding missing approvals, coding questions, or invoice discrepancies.

• Assist with vendor statement reviews and resolution of outstanding balances or duplicate invoices.

• Maintain organized accounts payable files and supporting documentation.

• Support timely and accurate payment processing in accordance with internal deadlines.

Month-End Close & Reconciliations

• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and other assigned balance sheet reconciliations.

• Assist with reserve account reconciliations, cash account reconciliations, prepaid expense schedules, accrued expense schedules, and other month-end support as assigned.

• Research and resolve reconciling items or unusual account activity.

• Assist with posting recurring journal entries or supporting schedules as directed by the Controller.

• Help ensure monthly financial records are accurate, complete, and supported by proper documentation.

• Support month-end close deadlines and help maintain organized close files.

Financial Reporting Support

• Assist the Controller with preparing financial reports, schedules, and supporting documentation.

• Help compile budget-to-actual reports, variance support, and property-level financial information.

• Provide backup documentation for expenses, account balances, and financial statement line items.

• Support preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting packages as needed.

• Assist with gathering information requested by leadership, property management, auditors, lenders, or other stakeholders.

Audit & Compliance Support

• Assist with annual audits and other compliance reviews by gathering invoices, reconciliations, bank statements, approvals, contracts, and other support.

• Maintain documentation in an organized and audit-ready manner.

• Help respond to auditor requests under the direction of the Controller.

• Support preparation of audit schedules and supporting workpapers.

• Assist with maintaining records needed for HUD, LIHTC, grant, lender, or other affordable housing compliance requirements.

Administrative & Process Support

• Maintain accurate electronic files using SharePoint, OneDrive, accounting systems, and other approved tools.

• Assist with improving accounting processes, documentation standards, and internal controls.

• Help identify missing information, coding errors, duplicate invoices, or recurring issues.

• Provide general accounting support to the Controller and finance team as needed.

• Cross-train in other accounting functions to support department coverage and reduce key-person risk.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.

• 2–4 years of accounting, bookkeeping, accounts payable, property accounting, nonprofit accounting, or related experience.

• Working knowledge of general accounting principles, accounts payable, reconciliations, and financial documentation.

• Experience processing invoices, reviewing supporting documentation, and preparing account reconciliations.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office tools.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring deadlines.

• Ability to communicate professionally with vendors, property staff, and internal team members.

• Ability to handle confidential financial information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit, property management, affordable housing, real estate, or government-funded programs.

• Familiarity with HUD, LIHTC, HCR, or other affordable housing programs.

• Experience using RealPage Accounting, OneSite, Yardi, MRI, QuickBooks, or similar accounting/property management software.

• Experience using SharePoint, OneDrive, or other electronic document management systems.

• Experience assisting with audits, compliance reviews, or financial reporting packages.

• Basic understanding of restricted cash, reserves, property-level accounting, or grant-funded programs.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Accounting Accuracy:Takes care to enter, code, reconcile, and review financial information correctly.

• Reliability:Follows through on assigned tasks and recurring deadlines.

• Organization:Maintains clean files, clear records, and complete supporting documentation.

• Curiosity:Willing to ask questions, learn systems, and understand how accounting work supports the organization.

• Communication:Follows up professionally with staff, vendors, and team members.

• Problem Solving:Researches discrepancies and helps resolve accounting issues.

• Confidentiality:Handles sensitive financial and organizational information appropriately.

• Teamwork:Supports the Controller and finance team during close, audit, reporting, and high-volume periods.

• Mission Focus:Understands that accurate accounting helps support safe, affordable housing for residents.

Salary Description

$55,000 - $65,000