Project Accountant

Position Summary

Christopher Community, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Project Accountant to support the day-to-day accounting functions of the organization and its affordable housing portfolio.

This position will be responsible for processing accounts payable invoices, assisting with month-end reconciliations, maintaining accurate supporting documentation, and supporting the Controller with audits, financial reporting, and other accounting needs.

The ideal candidate will have a strong accounting foundation, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage recurring deadlines in a fast-paced nonprofit and affordable housing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable & Invoice Processing

• Receive, review, code, and process vendor invoices for payment. 
• Ensure invoices include appropriate approvals and supporting documentation. 
• Verify invoice coding by property, entity, department, general ledger account, and expense category. 
• Match invoices to purchase orders, contracts, or recurring vendor arrangements when applicable. 
• Follow up with property managers, department leaders, vendors, and internal staff regarding missing approvals, coding questions, or invoice discrepancies. 
• Assist with vendor statement reviews and resolution of outstanding balances or duplicate invoices. 
• Maintain organized accounts payable files and supporting documentation. 
• Support timely and accurate payment processing in accordance with internal deadlines. 

Month-End Close & Reconciliations

• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and other assigned balance sheet reconciliations. 
• Assist with reserve account reconciliations, cash account reconciliations, prepaid expense schedules, accrued expense schedules, and other month-end support as assigned. 
• Research and resolve reconciling items or unusual account activity. 
• Assist with posting recurring journal entries or supporting schedules as directed by the Controller. 
• Help ensure monthly financial records are accurate, complete, and supported by proper documentation. 
• Support month-end close deadlines and help maintain organized close files. 

Financial Reporting Support

• Assist the Controller with preparing financial reports, schedules, and supporting documentation. 
• Help compile budget-to-actual reports, variance support, and property-level financial information. 
• Provide backup documentation for expenses, account balances, and financial statement line items. 
• Support preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting packages as needed. 
• Assist with gathering information requested by leadership, property management, auditors, lenders, or other stakeholders. 

Audit & Compliance Support

• Assist with annual audits and other compliance reviews by gathering invoices, reconciliations, bank statements, approvals, contracts, and other support. 
• Maintain documentation in an organized and audit-ready manner. 
• Help respond to auditor requests under the direction of the Controller. 
• Support preparation of audit schedules and supporting workpapers. 
• Assist with maintaining records needed for HUD, LIHTC, grant, lender, or other affordable housing compliance requirements. 

Administrative & Process Support

• Maintain accurate electronic files using SharePoint, OneDrive, accounting systems, and other approved tools. 
• Assist with improving accounting processes, documentation standards, and internal controls. 
• Help identify missing information, coding errors, duplicate invoices, or recurring issues. 
• Provide general accounting support to the Controller and finance team as needed. 
• Cross-train in other accounting functions to support department coverage and reduce key-person risk. 

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required. 
• 2–4 years of accounting, bookkeeping, accounts payable, property accounting, nonprofit accounting, or related experience. 
• Working knowledge of general accounting principles, accounts payable, reconciliations, and financial documentation. 
• Experience processing invoices, reviewing supporting documentation, and preparing account reconciliations. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office tools. 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring deadlines. 
• Ability to communicate professionally with vendors, property staff, and internal team members. 
• Ability to handle confidential financial information with discretion. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit, property management, affordable housing, real estate, or government-funded programs. 
• Familiarity with HUD, LIHTC, HCR, or other affordable housing programs. 
• Experience using RealPage Accounting, OneSite, Yardi, MRI, QuickBooks, or similar accounting/property management software. 
• Experience using SharePoint, OneDrive, or other electronic document management systems. 
• Experience assisting with audits, compliance reviews, or financial reporting packages. 
• Basic understanding of restricted cash, reserves, property-level accounting, or grant-funded programs. 

Required Skills & Competencies

• Accounting Accuracy: Takes care to enter, code, reconcile, and review financial information correctly. 
• Reliability: Follows through on assigned tasks and recurring deadlines. 
• Organization: Maintains clean files, clear records, and complete supporting documentation. 
• Curiosity: Willing to ask questions, learn systems, and understand how accounting work supports the organization. 
• Communication: Follows up professionally with staff, vendors, and team members. 
• Problem Solving: Researches discrepancies and helps resolve accounting issues. 
• Confidentiality: Handles sensitive financial and organizational information appropriately. 
• Teamwork: Supports the Controller and finance team during close, audit, reporting, and high-volume periods. 
• Mission Focus: Understands that accurate accounting helps support safe, affordable housing for residents.