Senior Project Accountant

Lutheran Social Services; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Arrangement

Mentoring Opportunities

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services seeks a Senior Project Accountant in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In this role, you will support financial management for rental properties, ensuring accurate records of income and expenses. Collaboration with various teams and compliance with accounting standards are key responsibilities.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and over 3 years' experience. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, aligning with LSS's mission to support diverse communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (required).
• 3+ years of experience in financial accounting and/or auditing.
• Strong technical skills in GAAP accounting and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Record all rental income and related expenses.
• Prepare financial reports and audit projects.
• Collaborate with property managers to resolve issues.

Skills

GAAP Accounting

Financial Reporting

Microsoft Excel

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

3+ years of experience in financial accounting/auditing

Tools

Accounting Software

Spreadsheet Applications

Job description

Overview

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is a private, non‑profit human service agency serving more than 125,000 clients annually across Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Our services include outpatient behavioral health management, international, domestic and special needs adoptions, older adult services, support services for children, youth and families, community corrections programs, and support services for adults with disabilities and/or mental health concerns.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Project Accounting, the Senior Project Accountant supports the financial management of rental properties. Responsibilities include recording income, expenses, rent collection, preparing financial reports, leading project audits, and performing related duties as assigned. The role collaborates closely with General Accounting and Financial Services team members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Meticulously record all rental income for HUD and LIHTC properties, and related expenses such as maintenance, utilities, repairs, taxes, and other operational costs.
• Record construction draws for new project development, where applicable.
• Collaborate with operations team/property managers to resolve tenant subledger issues.
• Communicate with investors and external parties regarding project goals or concerns.
• Prepare and record monthly intercompany billing for project payroll expenses and other reimbursements and fees.
• Lead HUD and LIHTC audits for assigned properties; complete REAC annual reporting for HUD projects if needed.
• Review entity legal documents, such as Operating/Management Agreements, to ensure compliance and set up accounting practices for new projects.
• Work in a collaborative team environment toward common strategic goals.
• Maintain high ethical standards in financial accounting and reporting.
• Obtain and maintain a thorough understanding of the accounting software, financial reporting, and general ledger structure, including consolidated and non‑consolidated entities.
• Record monthly accruals and prepaid expenses as necessary.
• Manage the balance sheet, adhering to GAAP accounting and overseeing cash.
• Generate financial reports (income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements) to provide property owners and stakeholders with a clear financial picture; prepare monthly fluctuation analysis.
• Complete and/or review monthly account reconciliations for all balance sheet accounts.
• Manage banking transactions, including positive pay and transfers between restricted and unrestricted cash accounts.
• Maintain proper records of approvals and track allowance for doubtful accounts for tenant past‑due balances.
• Create and maintain an audit trail for all general ledger activities.
• Design, recommend, and coordinate implementation of internal control procedures.
• Assist in creating standardized accounting policies and procedures and provide training on changing business requirements.
• Participate in the budgeting process for each property.
• Forecast future cash flow, including income and expenses.
• Make recommendations to support project profitability.
• Prepare Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), when applicable.
• Assist in the consolidation of LSS annual financials and single audits, including schedules and reports.
• Serve as a resource/mentor to finance team members and demonstrate positivity.
• Be proactive and facilitate project assignments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Agency Requirements

• Comply with agency and departmental policies and regulations.
• Show respect and dignity toward individuals and families of varied ethnic, cultural, age, and economic backgrounds.
• Support the mission, vision, and values of the agency.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Position has no direct reports but will provide guidance to others as necessary.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (required).
• 3+ years of experience in financial accounting and/or auditing.
• CPA license is a plus but not required.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong technical skills in GAAP accounting, financial reporting, and analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables.
• Ability to investigate issues, apply accounting principles, and exercise sound judgment to recommend solutions.
• Proactive follow‑up on open items to reach resolution.
• Ability to read, review, and understand financial statements and records; make recommendations.
• Proficiency in explaining accounting concepts to non‑accounting colleagues.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including discussions with upper management, executives, and investors.
• Flexibility to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Exceptional work ethic and attention to detail.
• Capacity to mentor colleagues.
• High level of customer support.
• Strong collaboration across teams.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

The incumbent must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. A motor vehicle record (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.

Language Skills

Ability to read and understand English and U.S. Dollar currency. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents; respond to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or business community; present information effectively to customers, vendors, and employees.

Computer Skills / Technology

Proficiency in financial applications, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Work requires sitting and using hands; frequent talking or hearing; occasional standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, or crouching; occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. The environment includes office and outdoor weather conditions during travel. Noise level is usually moderate. Hybrid work arrangement: working from home is available for a substantial portion of the time, with occasional office presence for meetings or peak work periods.

Travel

Position does not require regular travel but may involve day and overnight trips as necessary.

Equal Opportunity

LSS is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment.