Accounting Assistant Jobs in Sequim, WA (NOW HIRING)

Overview: The Accountant-Housing Department is a cross-trained multi-functional position responsible for assisting with tribal grants, contracts, and related accounting functions. This role is responsible for supporting accounting and grants staff to ensure fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, accurate financial reporting, and effective grant and contract management across tribal housing programs. The position works closely with program managers, fiscal staff as well as leadership to support funding sustainability and sound financial operations for the Tribe’s housing department.

Position Status: Exempt, Full-time w/Benefits

Salary Level: Minimum $30.00 and maximum DOE

Supervised by: CFO

Work Schedule: M-F, 8 am-4:30 pm

Work Location: Tribal Center

Essential Functions of the Job:

Accounting and Financial Management

• Perform and support general accounting functions related to Housing grant, tax credit partnerships project management for housing projects including accounts payable, procurement, document review, reconciliations, journal entries, tenant ledger billings and reconciliations.
• Support the Out-Sourced Bookkeeping Service provider with providing financial transaction information on the Housing department programs.
• Support the Out-Sourced Bookkeeping Service provider who will generate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports related to Housing grant and contracts for review by the CFO, Controller, Housing Program Manager and the tax credit partnership asset manager.
• Assist Out-Sourced Bookkeeping Service Provide with the preparation of audit schedules, worksheets, and supporting documentation for internal and external audit and two federal tax returns.
• Prepare all HUD required financial reports including SF425, IHP’s and APR’s and any amendments.
• Prepare all Washington State Housing Finance Commission reports for tax credit partnerships.
• Ensure Housing grant records are accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with accepted accounting principles, GASB, HUD and tribal policies.
• Support implementation and maintenance of internal controls related to grant and financial management.
• Prepare and maintain project cost workbooks and reports for housing unit repairs and new housing projects for use by Housing Program Manager.
• Work with the Customer Service Coordinator on the tenant ledger updates and recordation of rental income in the general and subsidiary ledgers of Accu Fund and QuickBooks.

Grants and Contract Administration

• Monitor, review, and evaluate all HUD grants and contracts to ensure compliance with tribal, federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and funding requirements, including 2 CFR 200.
• Monitor, review and evaluate the compliance and reporting with terms of the tax credit partnerships including subsidies and reserve accounting.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and support activities related to grant and contract management across departments.
• Work with Housing Program Manager to review, approve, and monitor grant and contract expenditures, ensuring alignment with approved budgets and sponsor requirements.
• Establish Housing budgets ensure all required financial and programmatic reports are completed and submitted.
• Support the finance team as needed with master grant and contract files, including award documents, correspondence, budgets, financial tracking, and reporting documentation.
• Assist with housing grant drawdowns, billings, reconciliations, and related cash management activities in coordination with the CFO, Controller, Grant Administrator and Senior Accountant.
• Review housing grant and contract reporting requirements and ensure timely and accurate submissions.
• Act as a technical resource for Housing grant program manager by supporting proposal development, budgets, and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with program and Finance staff to develop and implement Housing policies and procedures for proposal review, grant management, and quarterly and annual close processes.
• Conduct ongoing and quarterly monitoring of grant and contract budgets to ensure fiscal accountability and performance.
• Other duties as assigned in support of the Finance Departments reporting and compliance responsibilities

Coordination and Support

• Serve as a liaison with federal, state, tribal, and local funding agencies on housing related programs.
• Provide guidance and training to Housing program staff on grant compliance, budgeting, and financial procedures as needed.
• Ensure efficient and responsive financial and grant services that meet the needs of the Tribe and community members including financial resource services and education for financial literacy and pathways to home ownership.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or higher in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field desired (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, full charge bookkeeping or financial management, as well as grants preferably in a tribal government setting.
• Demonstrated experience working with federal, state, and local grants and contracts with emphasis on housing programs.
• Knowledge of PL 638 and the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
• Must be able to pass a background check with no disqualifying convictions.
• Must comply with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Drug-Free Workplace policies.
• Possess or obtain a valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Must be able to be bonded.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of grant and contract administration and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of full charge bookkeeping, GASB and general accepted accounting principles, practices, and standards.
• Familiarity with tribal, federal, and state regulations, including 2 CFR 200.
• Ability to monitor and manage multiple grants and budgets simultaneously.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, leadership, and external partners.
• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and report financial and programmatic data accurately.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and work at a desk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day).
• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 15–40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to occasionally drive for extended periods (up to 8 hours in a single day).

Other Requirements:

• Must have UA testing prior to employment

*As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, this position is Indian Preference in hiring.