Staff Accountant (Contract)

Ledgent Finance & Accounting's client is actively seeking a skilled Staff Accountant to join their team on a contract basis in California. The Staff Accountant will specialize in property accounting, supporting a portfolio of affordable housing properties subject to Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) reporting and compliance requirements.

Compensation: $40-43/hr
Position Overview

The Staff Accountant is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong documentation practices, and adhering to agency-specific guidelines. This role is integral in maintaining the integrity of property-level financials, supporting reimbursement and reserve activity, and partnering closely with internal teams and HACLA stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly financial statements and reports for assigned properties in accordance with HACLA requirements.
• Perform account reconciliations (bank, balance sheet, and operating accounts) and resolve discrepancies.
• Support accounts payable processes, ensuring proper coding, approvals, and adequate supporting documentation.
• Monitor and analyze budget vs. actual performance, identifying variances and providing explanations.
• Assist with reimbursement requests and reserve draws, ensuring compliance with HACLA documentation standards.
• Track and reconcile cash activity, including operating accounts and restricted/reserve accounts.
• Ensure all financial transactions are accurately coded and properly supported in alignment with agency expectations.
• Maintain organized and audit-ready documentation for all financial activity.
• Respond to HACLA asset management inquiries, providing clear explanations of financial activity and supporting materials.
• Collaborate with property management, operations, compliance, and site teams to ensure accurate reporting and issue resolution.
• Assist with audit support and regulatory reporting as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 2+ years of accounting experience, preferably in property accounting or affordable housing.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
• Experience with multi-entity or portfolio-based accounting preferred.
• Familiarity with HACLA, HUD, or affordable housing programs is a strong plus.
• Experience with reimbursement processes, reserve accounts, and agency reporting preferred.
• Proficiency in Excel and accounting systems (Yardi, MRI, or similar preferred).

Key Skills & Competencies

• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple properties and deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial data clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and respond effectively to agency requests.
• Commitment to maintaining accurate, compliant, and well-documented financial records.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment supporting multi-property operations.
• Frequent collaboration with internal departments and external agency contacts (HACLA).

Nice to Have

• Experience working with government-funded or regulated housing programs.
• Exposure to audit processes or compliance-heavy environments.
• CPA or progress toward certification (not required).

For those interested in a challenging and rewarding role within a respected organization, this opportunity offers a chance to contribute to meaningful projects in the affordable housing sector.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.