Accountant III

Prosper Portland seeks an experienced accountant who will apply their knowledge and skill in municipal accounting and financial reporting to support the Finance Team in the accurate and timely creation of the agency's financials. This position will perform complex accounting for loan, grant, fixed asset and other revenue and expenditure allocations, requiring demonstrated organizational skills, an analytical disposition and a passion working and collaborating with multidisciplinary stakeholders. You will be a vital member of a team that supports the agency's work to complete neighborhoods and realize equitable prosperity for the City of Portland
The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive accounting capabilities and practical experience with lending, grant and real estate accounting, along with the flexibility and talent to manage multiple complex financial portfolios. This person will also be a strong communicator, a team-oriented contributor, a solutions creator and possess a commitment to racial and social equity

Note: We are accepting applications until 01/21/2026.

Summary:

This position is responsible for various detailed analyses, complex reconciliations, and the reporting of loans, grants, fixed assets and other financial information, including the preparation and publication of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. This position is jointly responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of financial information related to agency and City-wide program and project accounting. This position and the Accounting Team are integral in supporting the agency’s work to build an equitable economy for all Portlanders.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Performs high-level accounting related functions involving detailed interpretation and analysis. Responsible for accurate and timely preparation of complex accruals, revenue, and expenditure allocations, fund adjustments, and associated reports.

• Manages accounts receivable and accounts payable. Reviews loan balances and disbursements. Reviews advanced ledger entries and invoices for payment. Prepares quarterly reports on the loan portfolio and loan structures upon approval.

• Performs loan and grant accounting including legal document review, loan and grant record set-up, loan allowance calculations, reviews loan balances and disbursements, and maintenance in the loan and grant subsidiary system.

• Performs fixed-asset accounting including reconciling real estate assets between general ledger, fixed asset module, and real estate subsidiary system.

• Collaborates with accounting team members to prepare Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

• Conducts financial monitoring, maintenance, and reconciliation of various complex accounts.

• Leads and/or participates in accounts receivable and accounts payable process.

• Ensures transactions including advanced ledger entries and invoices for payment are properly recorded, supported, documented, and classified to present fairly the financial condition of the agency and that transactions submitted for processing comply with current Prosper Portland policies. Maintains automated financial and accounting related systems.

• Advises operational departments on the appropriate accounting treatment of transactions.

• Maintains key agency contacts with outside agencies, such as banking institutions, City Accounting and Finance staff, and City Treasurer's Office. Works with City of Portland and other agencies to provide timely and accurate financial information concerning grants and other agreements.

• Provides service and support to staff, vendors, and other external stakeholders.

• Serves as an agency resource related to their scope of work; may be designated the primary contact.

• Participates in or provides training to new and existing staff related to their scope of work.

• Works together with Chief Financial Officer, Finance Manager and Accounting Technical Lead to develop accounting and reporting policies and procedures and incorporates them into accounting systems and annual report.

• Makes recommendations and regularly participates in process and system improvements and upgrades; coordinates and/or assists with their implementation.

• Maintains Accounting Section business procedures and processes for assigned tasks that reflect changes in Prosper Portland policies, software updates, and Federal and State regulations.

• Prepares correspondence, technical reports, tables, charts, spreadsheets, forms, and other materials.

• Provides support to other accounting staff including assisting in their absence as assigned.

• Assists the agency with special projects, committees, and other relevant duties as assigned.

Scope

• Operates under a combination of general and minimal supervision. Many duties are routine and follow specific procedures or policies. This position determines day-to-day priorities and makes decisions within the scope of standing accounting practices. Receives general instruction on new assignments. Work is periodically reviewed.

• Follows policy and procedure for routine, established aspects of responsibilities. Deviations from the norm often require oversight.

• Accuracy is essential as errors can have a financial or operational impact on the agency.

• Work involves moderate to high degree of complexity due to the technical and more advanced skill required for general, fixed asset, and grant accounting, the need to follow established laws, regulations, and policy, tight timelines, frequent interruptions, and the need to prioritize multiple assignments.

• Position has no supervisory responsibilities; however, may oversee the work of or train student staff. Position may review the work of others to ensure accuracy and compliance with established policy and procedure.

• The position routinely handles confidential and sensitive information and must always ensure information security and maintain confidentiality.

Competencies

Putting People First, Inclusion & Collaboration

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build constructive and trusting relationships.

• Mission-Driven Service: Ability to provide excellent service by demonstrating a people-oriented mindset and a willingness to help. Ability to train and provide guidance to others.

• Teamwork: Ability to work with others inclusively and collaboratively.

• Communication: Effective use of both verbal and written communication. Ability to organize, simplify, and report data and information.

• Cultural Curiosity and Reflection: Ability to learn and use culturally responsive practices to understand, communicate, and work with people across cultures and identities. Honors and embraces differences and models inclusivity in one’s interactions.

• Advancing Equity: A demonstrated commitment to advancing social and racial equity. Ability to learn, understand, and attempt to apply equity to work.

Excellence, Innovation & Learning

• Knowledge: Strong knowledge of applicable accounting standards and procedures, including GAAP, GASB, FASB, and GFOA. Advanced knowledge of accounting and financial recordkeeping principles, practices, and systems, including related Federal and State Laws and Regulations. General knowledge of principles and practices of grant regulations, fixed asset accounting, and/or payroll. Advanced understanding and use of general accounting software, database applications, and Microsoft Office. Familiarity with business practices such as budgeting and records management. Basic understanding of public administration or working in the public sector.

• Technical Abilities: Advanced ability to prepare, analyze, and interpret complex transactions and financial data. Ability to perform complex reconciliations. Ability to prepare and maintain detailed spreadsheets and accurate financial reports. Ability to develop, document, and maintain accounting processes.

• Continuous Learning: Openness to new ideas. Ability to ask for help and learn from experiences.

• Problem Solving: Apply research, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills to evaluate work and find smart solutions. Exercises sound judgement in carrying out responsibilities. Ability to apply law, policy, and procedure to work.

• Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to shifting and competing work demands. Perseveres in the face of obstacles.

• Planning and Organization: Ability to organize work, set priorities, and monitor work independently. Detail-oriented.

• Accountability: Takes initiative and responsibility for actions. Follows through on commitments and meets deadlines. Maintains confidentiality.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience

Four years of progressive experience in accounting. An Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree will substitute for up to one year of experience.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to remain stationary for extended periods and frequently move throughout the office. The position often uses a computer and other standard office equipment. Position must communicate and interact with internal and external stakeholders.

Working Conditions

Normal working hours Monday through Friday [8 AM – 5 PM] in a combination of in-person and remote work; Additional hours may be needed to meet deadlines. Assignments are often completed under pressure, with frequent hard deadlines. Although rare, attendance and participation at early morning, evening, and weekend meetings and events may be necessary. The position is expected to engage in personal reflection around race, racism, and equity.