Staff Accountant II

About NRHA

Founded in 1940, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) provides low-income families in Norfolk, Virginia with safe and well-maintained housing. It also plans and administers large-scale residential redevelopment programs within Norfolk.

NRHA is an award-winning public housing authority that has been effective in obtaining private investment partners to fund new neighborhoods; improving low-income public housing; planning and building mixed-income communities; and offering programs that support residents receiving rental assistance on their path to self-sufficiency. NRHA aims to create and apply meaningful housing and neighborhood development programs to serve all residents of Norfolk, Virginia.

NRHA looks for people who want to work in a challenging and progressive environment and make a positive difference in the community.

Summary

The Staff Accountant II is a mid-level professional responsible for performing a full range of accounting duties requiring independent judgment, technical accuracy, and analytical skill. This position plays a key role in maintaining the financial integrity of the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) by ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), HUD regulations, and internal control policies. The incumbent assists with preparing and analyzing financial statements, performing complex reconciliations, monitoring departmental budgets, managing fund accounting, and supporting audits. The Staff Accountant II also serves as a resource and mentor to junior accounting staff, helping to improve workflow efficiency and adherence to financial procedures.

Essential Functions

• Maintain accurate and organized financial records, ensuring transactions are properly recorded, documented, and classified according to GAAP and HUD guidelines.
• Prepare and post journal entries for recurring, adjusting, and accrual transactions; review entries for accuracy and completeness.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations for general ledger accounts, including cash, investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and interfund transactions.
• Assist in the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and supporting schedules for management, the Board of Commissioners, and external agencies.
• Monitor and track departmental budgets and expenditures, ensuring compliance with approved allocations and funding restrictions.
• Support grant and fund accounting activities, including cost allocation, revenue tracking, and financial reporting to HUD and other funding entities.
• Participate in the preparation and coordination of the annual audit, including compiling workpapers, supporting schedules, and explanations for external auditors.
• Review and analyze variances between actual and budgeted expenditures; identify potential issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining internal controls and financial procedures to improve accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Support the year-end closing process, ensuring timely reconciliations, accruals, and reporting.
• Provide training, guidance, and technical assistance to junior accounting staff and clerical personnel.
• Utilize accounting software (e.g., Yardi, Emphasys, or similar) to record transactions, extract data, and generate reports.
• Prepare ad hoc financial analyses, reports, or special projects as assigned by management.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial, personnel, and organizational information.
• Perform other related financial and administrative duties as required to support departmental and agency objectives.

Performance Standards

• Maintain accurate financial records, prepare journal entries, and reconcile accounts in compliance with GAAP.
• Assist in timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements with minimal errors.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure alignment with HUD and grant requirements; support fund reporting and cost allocation.
• Provide accurate and complete documentation for audits; assist in resolving audit findings promptly.
• Enter and manage data in financial software (e.g., Yardi, Excel) efficiently and with precision.
• Support the year-end closing process through accurate reconciliations and timely reporting.
• Follow established financial policies and ensure compliance with internal controls.
• Communicate effectively with finance staff and provide guidance to junior team members as needed.
• Balance multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver consistently high-quality work.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold NRHA's ethical standards in all financial activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. Two (2) to four (4) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably within a housing authority, government, or nonprofit setting.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Subject to a background check and reference verification prior to hire.
• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to NRHA’s code of conduct and ethics policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Intermediate to advanced understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), fund accounting, and financial reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of HUD financial management and reporting procedures, including Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), and other federal grant programs.
• Understanding of cost allocation methodologies, restricted funds, and multi-fund accounting.
• Familiarity with federal and state regulatory compliance in a public-sector or nonprofit finance environment.
• Knowledge of internal control frameworks and audit procedures.
• Proficiency in accounting software systems (Yardi, Emphasys, or comparable ERP systems).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis tools, formulas, and pivot tables.
• Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to prepare clear financial reports and explain complex financial data.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to apply accounting principles to complex financial transactions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to interpret and apply HUD and other funding agency financial guidelines.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and provide training to others.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism in all financial matters.
• Ability to adapt to evolving technologies, financial systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive financial information.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, see, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Job requires depth, color, and texture perception.

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

NRHA will consider equivalent substitutes for education and/or experience, provided that the candidate can demonstrate that he/she has obtained the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the job.

NRHA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The compensation offer will be determined by the candidate's work history and skill set. Benefits include VRS retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; long-and short-term disability insurance; tuition reimbursement options; public service loan forgiveness, and much more.

Those candidates who are selected for interview will be contacted directly by telephone. All other candidates will receive an email communication after the position is filled.

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Housing Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.