GENERAL SUMMARY

 Responsible for carrying out accounting and financial reporting activities pertaining to accounts payable and payroll activities for approximately 200 employees. The Accountant I­ Payroll & Accounts Payable position supports the financial reporting, budget, and payroll processes by performing the following duties and/or through directly supporting other finance team members. This role also supports the Accountant Ill- Accounts Payable & Payroll position and directly reports to the Vice President, of Fiscal & Business Operations. Reports to the Vice President, Fiscal & Business Operations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES PAYROLL:

• Applies applicable payroll laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
• Performs payroll-related activities for the department including the review of timesheets, entry of PTO Payouts and hours, and other miscellaneous payments as well as calculating payrolls.
• Analyze payrolls for accuracy before submittal deadline and interprets the Houston Housing Authority policies and governmental regulations in connection with payroll procedures.
• Review and analyze payroll edit runs, making the necessary adjustments by maintaining control of the data.
• Receive and respond to internal and external requests for payroll related inquiries.
•   Provide assistance to auditors and internal personnel concerning all payroll related questions as they arise.
• Process supplemental payroll runs for terminating employees.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and answer any employee payroll queries.
• Prepare semi-monthly payroll checks for the Houston Housing Authority, Child Support, IRS and any court mandated deductions.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

• Import invoices to Enterprise document System and reconcile purchase orders.
• Verify GL account codes
• Input invoices for vendors, check requests, employee travel advances and mileage reimbursements once approved by Vice President Fiscal & Business Operations.
• Set up new vendors into computer system as needed
• Establish all Accounts Payable batches for weekly check run and monthly utilities.
• Review check listing for accuracy.
• Print and distribute checks
• Submit Positive Pay Files
• Scan invoices and Index check copies into OnBase.
• Provide assistance to vendors, auditors and other employees regarding accounts payable inquiries.
• Process recurring claims for office rent, telephone maintenance, child support payments.
• Create Commissioner's weekly check report for disbursements over $1OK.
• Provide assistance to auditors and internal personnel concerning Accounts Payable related questions as they arise.
• Monitor Accounts Payable email box
• Coordinate and update 1099 Vendor information, including tax identification number, before year-end.
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
• Knowledge of job-related financial accounting software.
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to interface with the Human Resources Department and be trusted to guard the confidentiality of payroll and personal information of the Houston Housing Authority employees.
• Ability to demonstrate judgment, tact and diplomacy in dealing with Houston Housing Authority matters pertaining to payroll and accounts payable information.
• Proficient with organizational/time management and multi- tasking abilities to ensure that time schedules are met.

COMPLEXITY/ SCOPE OF WORK

• The employee performs a wide variety of routine and repetitive tasks. The course of action is determined primarily by established procedures and regulations.
• Decisions regarding unusual circumstances are made in conjunction with the Finance Director, Accounting Supervisor, and/or the Vice President of Fiscal & Business Operations.

GUIDELINES

• The employee refers to the Houston Housing Authority and HUD guidelines and to computer accounting applications manuals in performing work. These guidelines cover most job-related situations although the employee occasionally is required to use independent judgment in making decisions. If guidelines do not cover asituation, the employee consults the supervisor or makes a decision based on the circumstances.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

• Employee does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.
• The employee receives direction and guidance from the Accountant Ill.
• Routine duties are initiated by the employee without supervisory direction.
• Instructions to the employee may be general or specific in nature.
• Problems or situations not covered by instructions are usually referred to the Vice President of Fiscal & Business Operations for resolution.
• The  employee's work is   reviewed occasionally for accuracy, completion, and compliance with policies and procedures.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

• The employee has regular contact with executive employees, other Houston Housing Authority employees, board members, and residents.
• Intermittently, the employee has contact with regulatory agency personnel and personnel from other Authorities, state and local agencies, contractors and business firms. The purpose of these contacts is to facilitate communications between executive staff members and other employees and persons outside the Houston Housing Authority.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Level of manual dexterity sufficient to allow for operation of a computer keyboard, computer mouse, telephone, facsimile machine, calculator, etc.
• Job functions may require the employee to occasionally lift light objects of up to 20 lbs.
• Work is principally sedentary, at a desk, but may involve some physical exertion, such as kneeling, crouching, or lifting to obtain files, records, supplies and materials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in accounting, or related field required.
• Two (2} years of experience in HUD or regulatory matters related to payroll purchasing or four (4) years of related work experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which in the sole determination of the Houston Housing Authority, constitutes the required knowledge and abilities.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.