Account Specialist

Summary

Responsible for providing assistance to the Program Director in performing reviews and corrections to accounts and related administrative task and other assigned duties pertaining to manage a case load and this is to ensure we are in accordance with the Authority’s Public Housing, Moderate Rehabilitation, Housing Choice Voucher, Project Based Voucher, Low Income Housing Tax Credit and Market Rate leasing and occupancy policies and procedures in accordance with HUD, federal, local and other applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures. The duties listed below illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements regarding duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment in association with this position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts in-depth reviews of Authority TARs and Rental Assistance accounts to ensure that all of our records are in compliance with HUD Regulations.
• Completes a detailed checklist for each file reviewed to ensure errors/cures have been appropriately addressed.
• Completes move out, review any balances due and process security deposit returns.
• Assist the Community Legal Liaison Specialist with the preparation of the Suit list, Billing and paperwork.
• Answers inquiries concerning policies and practices associated with tenant accounts receivables, housekeeping and quality control inspections and lease enforcement and evictions.
• Prepare and distribute the notices of rent violations, utilities disconnection violations, abatements and assists Program Director with lease enforcement.
• Reviews interim transfer and re-certification accounts, evaluates, verifies, and calculates information and rent for re-certification and move-in to ensure TARs account and rental assistance is correct.
• Maintains account information such as present rent, and coordinates other collections due, late payment notification, and reconciliation of rent and other charges collected throughout the month with appropriate personnel.
• Collects and processes rental payments and repayment agreements.
• Assist the HQS inspector with the administrative work load.
• Accountable for consistent adherence to strong Authority standards regarding the ethical, responsible, and appropriate use, care, and safeguarding of Authority materials, supplies, resources, and other assets.
• Assist with the preparation of reports for the Board Book.
• Maintain case load, process Annual recertification and assist the Intake Department with Leasing when needed.
• Performs other duties as required including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise balance the workload.

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Services, Education or related field with three (3) years experience in Section 8 or Public Housing or the equivalent combination of education and/or experience which meet the minimum qualifications requirement may be substituted
• Occupancy Specialist Certification, Rent Calculation Certification and Tax Credit must be obtained within one (1) year of employment or other allowable period of hire as authorized by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable HUD regulations and Authority rules and procedures regarding the determination of eligibility, the calculation of the tenant rent, income limits, voucher limits, and the documentation of information to substantiate the eligibility process.
• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted business principles, practices, and techniques.
• Ability to read and comprehend complex material.
• Thorough knowledge of data collection and analysis methods and related statistics methods.
• Ability to analyze data; prepare reports, graphs, charts, spreadsheets and to summarize findings.
• Skilled in operating computer equipment, applicable Authority software packages and general office machines.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal effectively with situations that require good communications skills, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and persons outside the Authority.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Supervision Given and Received

The Asset Management Accountant Specialist receives broad instructions from the Director of Asset Management and Program Manager. The employee initiates and follows through on activities without supervisory direction. Deadlines, priorities, and objectives are developed in consultation with the Director of Asset Management and/or the Program Manager.

Problems or situations not covered by instructions are either dealt with independently or in consultation with the supervisor. The employee produces reports on demand detailing activities completed, progress, obstacles, and expected completion dates. The employee’s finished work is spot-checked for attainment of objectives and compliance with policies and procedures.

The employee has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may from time to time be assigned to lead specific projects.

Guidelines

Guidelines followed by the Asset Management Accountant Specialist include established policies and procedures, applicable reference materials, published laws, regulations, handbooks, notices, training materials, and audit information results. Materials used vary with the issues involved, and independent research is necessary depending on the activity and/or program requirements.

Complexity

Most of the work performed by the employee is routine, but varies from project to project. The employee identifies work that needs to be done, prioritizes, coordinates efforts and performs the tasks. Occasionally, the employee makes decisions regarding unusual circumstances, conflicting data or other non-routine circumstances. In those cases, the employee adapts procedures or develops new approaches to the work within area of expertise or consults the supervisor.

Decisions and issues facing the employee involve whether applicable rules have been applied correctly and whether the outcome is consistent with correct application of program rules. Difficulty may arise when an issue is not a clear violation of program rules and procedures, when multiple files are involved, or when extensive research and analysis is required. Broad general knowledge and sound judgment are required to successfully achieve Authority and quality control objectives.

Scope and Effect

The employee's work affects other Authority departments, all of the Authority's housing programs, its residents, and can determine to a great extent the quality of housing and services provided by the Authority. Successful accomplishment of tasks by the employee can enhance the Authority's ability to maintain quality standards in all aspects of its operations and to achieve its goal of providing housing that is decent, safe, and sanitary, and to render adequate services for its residents.

Personal Contacts

Most of the employee's contacts are with Authority employees, tenants, applicants, and outside agencies. Contact is made to verify, give, obtain, clarify, provide and/or gather information; coordinate, advise, motivate, influence, justify, defend, negotiate, or resolve matters or issues.

Physical Demands

• Work is principally sedentary, but may involve some physical exertion, such as kneeling, crouching, lifting to obtain relatively heavy files and records, and eyestrain from working with computers and other office equipment.
• Must be able to sit or stand for up to eight hours at a time while performing work duties.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, push, and pull in the performance of office-related duties.
• Must be able to use fingers bilaterally and unilaterally to operate office equipment.
• Must have vision and hearing corrected to be able to perform essential job functions.
• Must maintain punctuality and attendance as scheduled.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions in an environment that will sometimes include increased levels of work-related stress.

Work Environment

Work involves the normal risks or discomfort associated with an office environment and is usually in an area that is adequately cooled, heated, lighted, and ventilated.