Internal Close Date: August 11, 2026
Grade Level: 8A
Salary: $28.21 - 41.38 per hour
Salary Note: Starting pay rates are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity. New employees typically start in the lower half of range, but experts in their field may be considered for starting pay rates in the top half of the range.
Department/Location: Finance/ 1001 N Washington Ave N
Summary
The primary purpose of this position is to provide support to the Authority in the areas of financial accounting, budgeting, and reporting. Under the supervision of the Supervisor, Manager, or the Assistant Director of Finance, the incumbent is responsible for analyzing general ledger accounts, reconciling financial data, preparing journal entries, entering charges and receipts, preparing financial reports, preparing budget estimates, and completing tasks necessary for the month-end and year-end closing process.
Accountant I is the entry-level in the professional accounting series that allows the incumbent to develop journey-level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine accounting duties while learning PHA program accounting. As experience is gained, there is more diversity in assignments and greater independence of action within established guidelines and accounting procedures. This classification is alternatively staffed with Accountant II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher-level class.
All activities must support the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority’s (“MPHA” or “Authority”) mission, vision, and values.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.
- Assists in the preparation and completion of budgets. Monitors budgets in conjunction with staff on a monthly basis and works with MPHA program managers to resolve funding issues.
- Assists in the implementation of new accounting systems. Assists in testing and resolving accounting and program-related information systems.
- Develops and maintains a variety of regular budget reports and special reports as required. Completes financial and operational reports as required by contributors. Performs financial analysis and budget to actual variance analysis.
- Prepares general ledger entries in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, HUD requirements, and agency policy. Enters charges and receipts to sub-ledger systems. Analyzes sub-ledger systems and resolves errors.
- Prepares financial information for use by Executive staff, HUD, and the city of Minneapolis. Prepares and maintains a variety of financial and statistical reports.
- Routinely provides account analysis to ensure transactions are properly recorded. Supports MPHA staff in determining the eligibility and proper classification of transactions. Completes monthly reconciliations of sub-ledger accounts to the general ledger. Assists other Finance staff with account analysis and journal entry reclassifications.
- Ensures the timely request for reimbursement of funds from HUD, the city of Minneapolis, and other grantors. Monitors and reconciles reimbursement requests to the general ledger.
- Responds to a variety of inquiries related to the budget. Enters accounting transactions, maintains journal entry documentation, and completes tasks required for the month-end accounting close.
- Assists in the preparation of annual audits; provides documentation to auditors.
- Maintains and updates data needed for insurance placement, utility consumption, utility allowances, and Annual Contribution Contracts.
- Provides technical assistance to MPHA program managers in the analysis and interpretation of financial information.
- Maintains a good working relationship with all staff, promotes and provides excellent customer service, and communicates with staff in a professional manner.
- Performs other related duties assigned.
Behavioral Competencies
MPHA expects all employees to exhibit the following behavioral skills:
Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors, and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; and recognizes working colleagues as customers.
Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite obstacles and opposition.
Effective Communication: Employee is prepared, clear, concise, and organized in all facets of communication in order to fully establish understanding. Actively listens and understands the audience to adapt message appropriately. Communicate information with appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
Initiative: Proactively seeks solutions to resolve unexpected challenges. Actively assists others without formal/informal direction. Possesses the capacity to learn and actively seeks developmental feedback. Applies feedback for continued growth by mastering concepts needed to perform work.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment requires a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with persons from diverse economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds, including new immigrants, limited English language proficiency clients, and clients with a variety of mental health issues and other disabilities.
Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field. Experience in financial accounting, budget preparation, and financial reporting and analysis is preferred. Government or non-profit accounting experience preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Some positions may require possession of a valid driver’s license. Those positions may also require use of a personal vehicle and evidence of individual automobile insurance coverage, or the ability to be insurable under the Authority’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate. Must pass a criminal history background check.
Technical Skills
To perform this job successfully, the employee should have strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook and a computerized accounting system). Must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting; standing; reaching and grasping; operating computers and other office equipment; moving about the office; and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to exchange information in person, in writing, and via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds.
