Accountant III

Job Description

Job Description

Grand Forks Housing Authority

Position Title: Accountant III

Department: Business Services Group
Reports To: Director of Finance

Location: Grand Forks (No Remote Option)
FLSA Status: Exempt (Full-Time)
Salary & Benefits: Commensurate with experience; Comprehensive benefit package included

Position Overview

The Senior Accountant performs advanced professional accounting work supporting the Grand Forks Housing Authority’s (GFHA) financial operations, with primary responsibility for maintaining accurate and compliant financial records across multiple programs, projects, and properties. This role applies standard accounting practices, including governmental, grant, and fund accounting, to ensure proper tracking, reporting, and stewardship of public and programmatic resources. The position manages multiple project and property-level ledgers, including related and component entities, ensuring financial activity is accurately recorded, reconciled, and reported in accordance with applicable regulations and funding requirements.

Operating within the affordable housing environment, the Senior Accountant supports complex funding structures such as grants, subsidies, and project-based financing, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks while delivering timely and reliable financial information. The role contributes to financial reporting, budget development, cash flow monitoring, and audit preparation, while supporting the Authority’s mission through sound financial management, transparency, and accountability.

Essential Functions

Accounting & Fund Management

• Maintain, reconcile, and analyze multiple general ledgers, including program, project, and property-level accounts, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards.
• Perform fund accounting activities, including tracking and reporting of restricted and unrestricted funds.
• Record, review, and code financial transactions, including receipts, disbursements, and journal entries.
• Manage accounting for multiple properties, programs, and affiliated or component entities, ensuring accurate financial reporting across entities.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and supporting schedules.

Grant & Program Accounting

• Monitor and account for grant-funded programs and project-based funding sources, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and reporting requirements.
• Track expenditures by funding source and ensure proper allocation and classification of costs.
• Prepare financial reports related to grants, subsidies, and program funding.
• Assist with grant audits and regulatory reviews by preparing required documentation and schedules.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Assist in the preparation and administration of the Authority’s annual operating and project budgets.
• Monitor budget performance, analyze variances, and prepare budget-to-actual reports.
• Prepare cash flow projections and expenditure forecasts across multiple funds and programs.
• Process and track budget amendments, transfers, and adjustments.

Cash Flow & Investment Support

• Monitor cash balances across funds, programs, and properties to ensure adequate liquidity.
• Support cash management activities, including forecasting and coordination of fund transfers.
• Assist in preparing investment-related reports and tracking investment activity in accordance with policy.

Audit & Compliance

• Support the annual audit process, including preparation of financial schedules, reconciliations, and workpapers.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, financial policies, and applicable governmental and funding regulations.
• Maintain documentation to support audits, financial reviews, and reporting requirements.

Systems & Reporting

• Utilize financial and property management systems to maintain accurate records and produce reports (e.g., Yardi or similar systems, if applicable).
• Assist in maintaining and improving accounting systems, reporting processes, and internal controls.
• Generate ad hoc financial analyses and reports as requested.

Coordination & Support

• Serve as a financial resource to internal departments regarding account activity, expenditures, and financial procedures.
• Assist departments in proper classification of revenues and expenditures in accordance with fund and grant requirements.
• Provide guidance on financial processes and system usage as needed.

Other Duties

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards
• Fund accounting and financial reporting for multiple funds/entities
• Grant accounting and compliance requirements
• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Financial systems and reporting tools

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management abilities

Abilities:

• Analyze and interpret complex financial and accounting data
• Manage multiple funds, projects, and reporting requirements simultaneously
• Prepare detailed financial statements and reports
• Work independently and meet deadlines in a regulated environment
• Utilize financial software and systems to generate reports and maintain records

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably in governmental, nonprofit, or affordable housing environments
• Experience with fund accounting and grant management required
• Experience with property or housing-related accounting systems (e.g., Yardi) preferred

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry and document handling
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching
• Ability to lift and carry light objects (up to 20 pounds)
• Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to perform job duties effectively

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based work environment
• Occasional extended hours to meet reporting deadlines
• Participation in meetings, training sessions, and audits

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.