Accountant

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to perform accounting and fiscal reporting duties related to Authority financial operations. The incumbent is responsible for assisting the Director of Finance with general accounting functions, including accounts receivable and accounts payable, preparing forms and reports, maintaining the general ledger, and performing clerical tasks relating to the Authority’s accounting functions.

All activities must support the Biloxi Housing Authority (“BHA” or “Authority”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following is a listing of the key duties and responsibilities of this position, and the skills, experience, and knowledge required for the employee in this position. The listed duties should not be considered as a complete listing of all the work requirements, but a representative listing of the key duties of the position. Additional tasks to those listed below may be required, and individuals holding this position may be required to work in other areas of the housing authority to equalize or balance the workload, cover absences, or for other business needs of the housing authority.

1. Performs general accounts receivable and/or accounts payable functions for all Authority programs and funds. 
2. Maintains resident payments related to the Authority’s housing properties, including but not limited to: receiving tenant payments and preparing receipts; posting and adjusting corresponding account records; and ensuring that accounts are properly credited.
3. Posts charges for late payment of rent, sends out resident utility bills, and closes out books monthly. 
4. Assists with the monitoring of resident payments; distributes communication to residents regarding payments; issues notices to vacate as required. 
5. Ensures that invoices, vendor statements, and other documentation have been accurately submitted; prepares documents for internal processing and account recording; verifies documentation amounts and makes adjustments as needed. 
6. Reviews and processes invoices, as received, into the accounting system. 
7. Maintains accounting system data and generates documents and reports as needed; provides Authority staff information on vendor, tenant, and landlord accounts; reconciles accounts monthly by monitoring the general ledger and recording corrections to vendor, tenant, and landlord accounts. 
8. Prepares monthly reconciliation of depository and prepares bank deposits and delivers funds to Authority bank depository. 
9. Maintains accurate and organized vendor, tenant, and landlord records in accounting or archive software; obtains business forms as required. 
10. Prepares annual 1099 forms; prepares related forms and reports. 
11. Assists with the maintenance of an efficient management control and reporting system to reflect total program costs. Assists with the maintenance of various financial records and preparation of periodic reports for internal use, ensuring compliance with HUD requirements.
12. Assists with preparing the closing of the Authority’s general ledger, year-end financial statements, and physical inventory count. 
13. Assists with external reporting requirements to Federal or State agencies as required by contracts.
14. Maintains and reconciles staff travel expenses and credit card charges. 
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Education and/or Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or related field and a minimum of 3 years of experience in accounting. 
2. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which, in the sole determination of the BHA, provides the required knowledge and abilities, may be considered sufficient.