Housing Programs Payments Accountant-Investigator

Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

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

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.
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.
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

Serves as the primary backup to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Finance Supervisor
Supports the monthly Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) check process
Prepares the bank transmission file for the positive pay system
Coordinates the timely processing of payment adjustments requested by rental assistance staff
Supports the timely preparation of budgets, requisitions, year-end settlements, and other financial reports
Assists in monitoring regulatory updates and incorporating HUD requirements
Supports the monthly preparation of journal entries and account reconciliations
Maintains current knowledge of all regulations, policies, and procedures governing Section 8 program administration
Processes portable accounts receivable payments, manages delinquency collections, and reconciles portable accounts payable and payments
Conduct fraud investigations
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
Pursue the appropriate course of action in fraud cases and represent Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA)
Maintain work/investigative files
Analyze and prepare repayment agreements for clients.