Accountant I

Accountant I

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County's need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services, and daycare.

This is entry-level professional accounting work providing analysis and preparation of financial and budgetary statements and reports.

An employee in this class performs professional accounting assignments, which require analysis and selection of an appropriate course of action. Work in this class deals with recurring assignments to include journal entries, reconciliation of accounts, billing and preparation. Supervisory controls exist in the form of supervisors, but the employee functions in a proficient and independent manner in carrying out the accounting for his/her assignments. There are ample guidelines in the forms of H.O.C.'s policies and administrative regulations, government accounting, State and Federal tax laws, auditing and financial reporting procedures but it may be necessary to adapt or modify existing procedures/practices.

Job complexity primarily deals with the analysis and preparation of the financial data contained in the accounts. The scope and effect of this position derives from its impact on the accuracy and timeliness of the financial reports used by HOC and by outside agencies. These reports are also compiled into the comprehensive annual report, which reflects HOC's financial status and credibility. Personal contacts include staff throughout the agency, auditors, outside agencies for the purpose of explaining or providing information, and explaining information and procedures. Work is generally performed in an office environment with no apparent hazards to the employee.

Examples of duties:

• Prepare accounting data for posting to general ledger accounts from subsidiary records and supporting documentation.
• Prepare accounts receivable reconciliations to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting.
• Prepare analysis of financial statements and related reports.
• Monitor and analyze daily receipts and wire activity.
• Research and resolve coding issues, answer inquiries from other staff and outside agencies.
• Review and resolve Port-In discrepancies and suspense account balances.
• Prepare entries for all deposits, wires and other financial transactions.
• Prepare audit schedules as necessary.
• Make corrections to the tenant ledger as necessary.
• Maintain accurate and organized records.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications:

Experience:

• At least one year of experience as an Accountant.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related degree.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of, or ability to acquire knowledge of, governmental laws, rules, and regulations governing accounting activities at HOC.
• Knowledge of, or ability to acquire knowledge of, Inter Company reconciliation.
• Knowledge of computerized spreadsheet databases and computerized accounting systems.
• Ability to organize, analyze, and interpret financial data to solve accounting problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Salary Range: Grade 19- Min: $57,971 - Mid: $76,134 Max: $94,298 | Salary determined by departmental budget- Offer commensurate with experience.

HOC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. HOC promotes a drug-free workplace.

HOC conducts criminal background checks, employment reference checks, and where applicable, reviews driving records in determining suitability for employment. Selected applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employment is contingent upon drug and alcohol test results.