Accountant I

Description

Open externally until August 21, 2026.

Class

Title:

Accountant I

Position Title:

Staff Accountant

Accountable To:
Assistant Controller

Department:
Finance

Band: C

Grade: 4

Subgrade: 2

Come join one of the nation’s highest ranked housing agencies. Be a part of an innovative and creative team of individuals committed to serving the community by providing affordable, quality housing.

The St. Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) has been serving the community for over 45 years. St. Paul PHA is an independent agency that owns and operates affordable rental housing for low-income families and individuals throughout the City, with subsidies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The PHA provides approximately 4,273 affordable rental units in hi-rise buildings, townhomes, and scattered site single family and duplex homes.

The PHA administers 5,242 Housing Choice Vouchers, paying over 45 million annually in federal rent subsidies to private owners who rent units to eligible families and individuals with very low incomes.

The PHA helps families and individuals with low incomes achieve greater stability and self-reliance by providing safe, affordable, quality housing and links to community services.

The PHA offers a generous employee benefits package.

• paid vacation and sick leave
• eleven paid designated holidays and two paid floating holidays
• health and dental insurance coverage
• an employer pension contribution equal to 7% of employee's salary (employee contributes 5%)

Additional benefits vary by contract or Supervisory and Confidential (S&C) policies.

Class

Summary:

This is a broad level Accounting classification where incumbents perform duties of a specialized nature requiring both knowledge and experience.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Accountant I is the second level of a four level accounting series and is distinguished from the Administrative Support Professional by its responsibility for performing duties of a specialized nature requiring both knowledge and experience, and is distinguished from the Accountant II, which has lead responsibilities.

Position Summary:

Incumbent is responsible for maintaining encumbrance databases, entering accounts payable, accounts receivable, preparing and entering journal vouchers to general ledgers, as well as performing other essential related accounting functions.

• Responsible for day-to-day transactional accounting activities related to Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, assuring accurate and timely processing, maintaining compliance with internal controls and recording as required by GASB.
• Maintain non-tenant accounts receivable.
• Responsible for preparing, reviewing and posting of general ledger and Bankbook entry of journal vouchers.
• Provide necessary support to process disbursements.
• Maintain and administer both the "realtime" work authorization and purchase order encumbrance databases.
• Mail out Section 8 checks and Low Income Public Housing (LIPH) rent statements.
• Must abide by all Board approved policies, policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment, executive communications, administrative procedures, and safety procedures established by the PHA.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

• Basic accounting and budgeting techniques;
• Familiarity with financial transactions and reporting requirements of government organizations;
• customer service techniques.

• Prioritizing and handling multiple projects;
• Preparing clear and concise reports and memos;
• Maintaining accurate files and records
• Using computers and related software applications;
• Performing mathematical calculations and verifying accounting data
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public etc. Sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

• Education:
  
  BA degree or 4 years of vocational and advanced vocational education in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Experience:
  
  One year of relevant experience in jobs at the B Band level or above such as such as general…