Accountant

Chattanooga Housing Authority; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chattanooga Housing Authority seeks an Accountant to manage financial aspects of grant-funded projects, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with grant requirements. This full-time position supports the Finance Department and reports to the Director of Finance.

Responsibilities include monitoring budgets for CFP, ROSS/FSS, and CNI grants, performing monthly reconciliations, maintaining general ledger for grant accounts, coordinating HUD submissions, and training staff on HUD paperwork.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws governing the CHA’s financial practices.
• Ability to mediate issues and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong reporting skills and the ability to interpret financial data clearly.
• Familiarity with HUD requirements and CHA financial practices.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, with sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implements, and monitors grant administration for CFP, ROSS/FSS, and CNI grants.
• Compiles data for monthly, quarterly, and annual HUD and CHA reports.
• Ensures grant compliance and draws down HUD funding via LOCCS.
• Manages expenditures for contracts with consultants, contractors, and developers.
• Maintains grant general ledger accounts in accordance with GAAP.
• Performs monthly bank reconciliations and prepares grant close-out reports.

Skills

Financial regulations

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Reporting/data interpretation

HUD/CHA policies knowledge

Decision-making

Analytical thinking

Education

BA/BS in Accounting or Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Chattanooga Housing Authority seeks a qualified individual for the full-time position of Accountant. Applications will be accepted until Monday, October 19, 2026.

Position Description

The person who holds this position is responsible for a broad range of activities related to the management of the financial aspects of grant-funded projects, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with grant requirements, as well as other functions contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Finance Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The statements contained herein reflect general details to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relieve others, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

1. Develops, implements, and monitors all phases of grant administration for the Capital Fund Program (CFP), Resident Opportunity Self-Sufficiency (ROSS)/ Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), and Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) grants; develops, updates, and revises budgets for grants.
2. Compiles data for submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports; submits to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) Board of Commissioners, and other regulatory agencies.
3. Assures compliance with obligation and expenditure deadlines for all grants and funding sources; draws down HUD funding using the Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS).
4. Manages expenditures for all contracts with consultants, contractors, and developers.
5. Maintains separate general ledger accounts for all grant accounts (balance sheet and income statements) in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
6. Supports CHA staff when completing routine grant requirements; trains contractors to complete HUD paperwork and pay requests.
7. Uploads all CFP budgets and budget revisions into HUD’s EPIC program; submits annual Performance and Evaluation Reports and grant close-out reports in EPIC.
8. Performs monthly bank reconciliations.
9. Creates vendor retainage bank accounts; reconciles payments and authorizes the release upon contract completions.
10. Maintains CHA’s fixed asset schedules and reconciles to the general ledger annually; performs periodic reviews of property.
11. Exhibits and encourages behaviors that uphold CHA’s core values.
12. Keeps abreast of HUD, federal, state, and local rules and regulations impacting assigned programs and makes recommendations to the Director of Finance.
13. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the CHA Board, employees, residents, participants, landlords (as applicable), contractors, as well as city, state, and federal officials and works harmoniously with community stakeholders.
14. Attends and/or participates in various meetings related to the CHA as required.
15. Reports consistently to assigned work location(s) in accordance with established work schedule. Must be reliable.
16. Provides outstanding customer service by responding to phone calls, emails, and written correspondence in a timely, efficient, and appropriate manner.
17. Handles confidential matters with discretion.
18. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws governing the CHA’s financial practices.
2. Ability to mediate disputes among CHA employees and other parties; responds quickly to issues or questions.
3. Strong interpersonal skills and effective communication ability, both orally and in writing.
4. Ability to make presentations as required.
5. Ability to prepare and interpret comprehensive, accurate and concise reports and data.
6. Ability to communicate with people from a broad range of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
7. Ability to work independently and in-group settings and use sound judgment in decision-making and problem solving.
8. Knowledge of HUD and CHA policies and practices including HCVP budgets and utilization levels, internal controls, and financial administration. Knowledge of financial and accounting practices and transactions.
9. Knowledge of federal, state, and local government financial reporting requirements.
10. Skills in reviewing, examining, and evaluating accounting and financial practices and coordinating accounting and financial operations.

Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university. BA/BS degree in Accounting or Business Administration is preferred.
2. A minimum of five years’ experience in the accounting or finance fields.
3. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which, in the sole determination of the CHA, provides the required knowledge and abilities may be considered sufficient.

Physical/Mental Requirements

1. Level of manual dexterity sufficient to allow for operation of office equipment.
2. Ability to move, handle, or lift small objects around desk area.
3. Ability to lift boxes of up to 20 pounds.

Special Requirements

1. Must possess a valid driver's license, have reliable transportation and be insurable under CHA’s automobile insurance.
2. Criminal background checks and drug screening will be performed.
3. Demonstrated proficiency at Microsoft Word and Excel.
4. Must be bondable.

The CHA does not unlawfully discriminate in hiring or in any of the terms or conditions of employment because of an individual’s race, age, religion, gender, pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy, national origin, creed, color, military service or veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic that is protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.