Seattle Social Housing Developer Staff Accountant Seattle, WA · Full time Company website

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The Seattle Social Housing Developer is creating permanently affordable, high-quality homes that strengthen communities and expand opportunity. We’re looking for passionate, mission-driven people who want to make a real impact in housing justice. If you thrive in collaborative environments and are excited to help shape Seattle’s future, explore our open roles and join us in making homes affordable forever.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW 

The Seattle Social Housing Developer (SSHD) is a Public Development Authority (PDA) committed to creating, owning, and stewarding permanently affordable, mixed-income housing that is publicly financed, publicly controlled, and free from market speculation. 

As we lay the foundation for this transformative model, guided by international examples and rooted in public accountability, we are building a team to define a new standard for equitable, sustainable, and community-centered social housing development in Seattle. Our goal is to expand access, strengthen the social fabric of our city, and ensure housing that is affordable forever and inclusive by design for current and future generations. 

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Staff Accountant will be the first dedicated member of SSHD’s accounting and finance team, working closely with the Chief Financial Officer and outside CPA firm to support the organization’s day-to-day accounting operations and evolving financial infrastructure. 

This position will be responsible for bank and balance sheet reconciliations, payroll processing, accounts payable, vendor administration, journal entries, financial reporting, tax support, and ad hoc financial analysis. The Staff Accountant will also help establish and improve accounting procedures, documentation, and internal controls as SSHD grows. 

The person in this role should be comfortable working independently and taking an initial approach to solving problems while also recognizing when to ask questions or seek support. The ideal candidate is a clear communicator who can manage detailed accounting work, explain financial information to varied audiences, and adapt effectively within a dynamic and evolving organization. 

POSITION DETAILS 

Job Title: Staff Accountant 

Department: Finance 

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Compensation & Benefits 

Salary Range: Grade 11 $36 - $48 an hour 

The Seattle Social Housing Developer offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a retirement plan for state and local government employees. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Accounting Operations 

• Prepare and run payroll, maintaining accurate payroll records and coordinating the timely resolution of payroll-related issues. 
• Reconcile bank accounts, including transactions associated with payroll and other operating activities. 
• Prepare and reconcile balance sheet accounts, investigate discrepancies, and make or recommend appropriate corrections. 
• Process invoices for payment, confirm required approvals, and maintain complete supporting documentation. 
• Set up and maintain vendors within the accounting system, including collecting and reviewing required vendor documentation. 
• Prepare, document, and post recurring and nonrecurring journal entries. 
• Maintain accurate, complete, and organized accounting records. 
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close activities. 
• Assist with cash management and other day-to-day accounting responsibilities as needed. 

Financial Reporting & Analysis 

• Prepare periodic financial statements, management reports, account schedules, and other financial materials. 
• Present financial reports and accounting information to the CFO and other internal stakeholders. 
• Prepare ad hoc financial and accounting analyses, reports, and presentations to support organizational planning and decision-making. 
• Research accounting discrepancies and clearly communicate findings and recommended solutions. 
• Help ensure financial reporting is accurate, timely, consistent, and supported by appropriate documentation.

Tax, Audit & External Coordination 

• Prepare and support the filing of applicable taxes and financial reports in coordination with the CFO and outside CPA firm. 
• Serve as a primary day-to-day contact for the outside CPA firm, responding to requests and coordinating timelines and deliverables. 
• Prepare account schedules, supporting documentation, and other materials for tax filings, audits, and external financial reviews. 
• Assist with maintaining compliance with applicable accounting, reporting, tax, and recordkeeping requirements. 
• Coordinate with external partners and internal stakeholders to resolve accounting and reporting questions. 

Department & Systems Development 

• Help establish and document SSHD’s accounting workflows, procedures, and internal controls. 
• Review existing processes and propose improvements that strengthen accuracy, efficiency, transparency, and accountability. 
• Implement approved accounting and operational process improvements. 
• Help identify and address gaps in accounting systems, documentation, and financial procedures. 
• Support the continued development of SSHD’s finance and accounting function as the organization and its portfolio grow. 
• Work independently to manage day-to-day responsibilities while exercising sound judgment about when to escalate questions or request assistance. 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Accounting Knowledge: Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and standard accounting practices, including reconciliations, journal entries, accounts payable, payroll, and financial reporting. 
• Accounting Systems: Proficiency with QuickBooks or a comparable accounting platform. 
• Financial Analysis: Ability to prepare, analyze, and interpret financial reports, account activity, and supporting schedules. 
• Technology Proficiency: Strong Excel skills and comfort learning and using new financial systems, productivity tools, and AI-enabled technology. 
• Accuracy & Organization: Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate, organized, and well-supported financial records. 
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate financial information clearly and professionally to both financial and nonfinancial audiences. 
• Initiative & Judgment: Willingness to investigate issues and attempt solutions independently while recognizing when questions, collaboration, or additional guidance are needed. 
• Process Improvement: Ability to identify inefficiencies and recommend and implement practical improvements to accounting procedures and controls. 
• Adaptability: Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, evolving organization where systems and responsibilities will continue to develop. 
• Collaboration: Ability to build productive working relationships with the CFO, outside CPA firm, vendors, colleagues, and other organizational partners. 
• Discretion & Confidentiality: Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive payroll, vendor, employee, and organizational financial information appropriately. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Minimum three (3) years of professional accounting experience. 
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience. 
• Demonstrated experience with bank reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries, accounts payable, and financial reporting. 
• Experience preparing or supporting payroll processing. 
• Experience using QuickBooks or a comparable accounting system. 
• Experience preparing financial reports, analyses, and supporting documentation. 
• Experience managing multiple priorities and working with a high degree of accuracy and accountability. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience with construction accounting or commercial real estate development accounting. 
• Experience supporting tax filings, audits, or other external financial reviews. 
• Familiarity with governmental, nonprofit, public development authority, or fund accounting. 
• Experience creating documented accounting procedures and internal controls. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

• Must pass a background check. 
• Must reside in King County; may not reside in any Seattle Social Housing Developer property. 
• Ability to work occasional flexible hours during payroll processing, financial close, audit, tax, or other time-sensitive reporting periods. 

BUILDING EQUITY THROUGH HOUSING AND HIRING 

As part of Seattle Social Housing’s overall commitment to racial equity, we work for affordable housing development that is grounded in justice. We see the hiring of this position, and all positions, as an opportunity to be a more equitable and racially just organization. 

Seattle Social Housing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. People of color, Native and Indigenous people, trans and LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, and other individuals who bring critical perspectives from historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Application Notice 

We do not have a set closing date for this position. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the posting will be removed once we have identified a strong pool of qualified candidates. We encourage you to apply early.