Housing Programs Payments Accountant-Investigator at Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

08 Jul, 26

Salary

71619.0

Posted On

09 Apr, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Accounting, Fraud Investigation, Financial Reporting, Budgeting, Reconciliation, Section 8 Compliance, HUD Regulations, Data Analysis, Interviewing, Case Management, Collections, Record Keeping, Communication, Regulatory Compliance

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Description SUMMARY Assists the supervisor with all accounting duties in the Housing Payment process and in HUD accounting documentation; Investigates cases of program fraud and abuse, by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. ACCOUNTING DUTIES: Serves as the primary backup to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Finance Supervisor by gaining and maintaining a thorough understanding of all HAP Finance Supervisor functions. Supports the monthly Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) check process by reviewing and processing tenant activity and outgoing administered files, identifying discrepancies, and implementing corrective actions. Prepares the bank transmission file for the positive pay system to ensure that only Agency-issued checks are honored by the bank Coordinates the timely processing of payment adjustments requested by rental assistance staff, ensuring accuracy and proper disbursement. Supports the timely preparation of budgets, requisitions, year-end settlements, and other financial reports, ensuring HUD forms are completed and submitted on schedule. Assists in monitoring regulatory updates and incorporating HUD requirements into the administration of Section 8 Housing Assistance programs. Supports the monthly preparation of journal entries and account reconciliations for housing assistance payment transactions, ensuring completeness and accuracy. Maintains current knowledge of all regulations, policies, and procedures governing Section 8 program administration and assists in implementing new federal requirements to ensure ongoing compliance. Processes portable accounts receivable payments, manages delinquency collections, and reconciles portable accounts payable and payments, including maintaining all related spreadsheets and records. FRAUD INVESTIGATOR DUTIES: Conduct fraud investigations; interview applicants, tenants and owners as appropriate; re-compute over paid subsidy when income has been under reported or otherwise misrepresented. Analyze selected files and report findings and coordinate corrective actions with Rental Assistance. Develop and implement systems concerning detection of abuse and tracking and monitoring actions to resolve problems. Coordinate and share information with housing authorities and investigative agencies to identify, address, and prevent program abuse. Pursue the appropriate course of action in fraud cases and represent Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) at meetings, informal hearings, and civil or criminal court proceedings. Maintain work/investigative files; maintain system for referrals and tracking/reporting of the investigative, hearing, and grievance process. Analyze and prepare repayment agreements for clients. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or a bachelor's degree with at least 9-hours of accounting from a four-year college or university; and two years of professional level accounting experience. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Valid driver's license Must be eligible for bonding Certification in Sec. 8 Occupancy and Rent Calculation, and Housing Quality Standards (HQS) obtained within first 12 months of employment. Membership of Association of Certified Fraud Examiners obtained within first 12 months of employment. OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of federal, state and local fiscal regulations, policies, procedures and rules relating to the Section 8 program. Knowledge of investigative techniques, practices and procedures. Ability to understand, interpret and apply laws, regulations and policies as set forth by Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) or HUD in accounting and investigative work. Ability to prepare standard reports from records and evidence. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the general public, tenants, landlords, and local, state and federal officials. Ability to travel.

Responsibilities

The accountant assists with housing assistance payment accounting, financial reporting, and HUD documentation while managing journal entries and reconciliations. Additionally, the role involves investigating program fraud, conducting interviews, and representing the agency in legal proceedings.