Senior Project Accountant

Overview

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is a private, non‑profit human service agency serving more than 125,000 clients annually across Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Our services include outpatient behavioral health management, international, domestic and special needs adoptions, older adult services, support services for children, youth and families, community corrections programs, and support services for adults with disabilities and/or mental health concerns.

Reporting to the Manager of Project Accounting, the Senior Project Accountant supports the financial management of rental properties. Responsibilities include recording income, expenses, rent collection, preparing financial reports, leading project audits, and performing related duties as assigned. The role collaborates closely with General Accounting and Financial Services team members.

• Meticulously record all rental income for HUD and LIHTC properties, and related expenses such as maintenance, utilities, repairs, taxes, and other operational costs.
• Record construction draws for new project development, where applicable.
• Collaborate with operations team/property managers to resolve tenant subledger issues.
• Communicate with investors and external parties regarding project goals or concerns.
• Prepare and record monthly intercompany billing for project payroll expenses and other reimbursements and fees.
• Lead HUD and LIHTC audits for assigned properties; complete REAC annual reporting for HUD projects if needed.
• Review entity legal documents, such as Operating/Management Agreements, to ensure compliance and set up accounting practices for new projects.
• Work in a collaborative team environment toward common strategic goals.
• Maintain high ethical standards in financial accounting and reporting.
• Obtain and maintain a thorough understanding of the accounting software, financial reporting, and general ledger structure, including consolidated and non‑consolidated entities.
• Record monthly accruals and prepaid expenses as necessary.
• Manage the balance sheet, adhering to GAAP accounting and overseeing cash.
• Generate financial reports (income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements) to provide property owners and stakeholders with a clear financial picture; prepare monthly fluctuation analysis.
• Complete and/or review monthly account reconciliations for all balance sheet accounts.
• Manage banking transactions, including positive pay and transfers between restricted and unrestricted cash accounts.
• Maintain proper records of approvals and track allowance for doubtful accounts for tenant past‑due balances.
• Create and maintain an audit trail for all general ledger activities.
• Design, recommend, and coordinate implementation of internal control procedures.
• Assist in creating standardized accounting policies and procedures and provide training on changing business requirements.
• Participate in the budgeting process for each property.
• Forecast future cash flow, including income and expenses.
• Make recommendations to support project profitability.
• Prepare Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), when applicable.
• Assist in the consolidation of LSS annual financials and single audits, including schedules and reports.
• Serve as a resource/mentor to finance team members and demonstrate positivity.
• Be proactive and facilitate project assignments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Comply with agency and departmental policies and regulations.
• Show respect and dignity toward individuals and families of varied ethnic, cultural, age, and economic backgrounds.
• Support the mission, vision, and values of the agency.

Position has no direct reports but will provide guidance to others as necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (required).
• 3+ years of experience in financial accounting and/or auditing.
• CPA license is a plus but not required.

• Strong technical skills in GAAP accounting, financial reporting, and analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables.
• Ability to…