Senior Consultant, Public Housing Authority

BDO USA, P.C. • Woodbridge Township, NJ

5d • $90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Senior Consultant, Public Housing Authority performs and oversees the full-cycle general accounting function and provides light consulting for clients in the affordable housing sector. The role includes delivering accounting and financial reporting support, researching program regulations, and helping clients prepare housing subsidy applications and obtain federal program funding. The Senior Consultant also supports engagement planning, budgeting, client delivery, and proposal development while ensuring work meets client requirements and PHA quality standards.

The position includes coaching and providing performance feedback to less experienced consultants and supervising their work assignments on engagement teams. The role requires client interaction, careful review of financial information and work products, and effective use of the firm’s processes, systems, technology, and resources. Occasional office visits may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; an Accounting focus is preferred.
• At least three years of accounting experience required.
• Actively pursuing completion of CPA licensing required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, required.
• Solid understanding of the stages involved in performing an audit of a basic public and/or private company.
• Knowledge of internal accounting controls, professional standards, and regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication style and messaging for professionals at all levels within client organizations and the firm.
• Ability to multitask successfully while working independently and as part of a group.
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills, including the ability to break down complex issues and implement appropriate resolutions.
• Ability to work in a demanding, deadline-driven environment with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Understanding of grant programs and related rules and regulations.
• Solid project management skills.
• Ability to visit the office as needed.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of experience in public accounting.
• At least one year of supervisory experience.
• CPA license.
• Experience with various accounting applications and research tools.
• Accounting focus in undergraduate studies.

Responsibilities

• Suggest improvements to client programs and policies.
• Review workpapers and other work products to ensure they meet client requirements and PHA quality standards.
• Research program regulations and present findings to clients.
• Lead preparation and submission of housing subsidy applications and federal funding applications for client programs.
• Provide basic and advanced accounting services, including year-end and monthly reconciliations and HUD financial reporting and compliance work.
• Understand common financial statements and prepare draft financial information for review.
• Conduct basic financial statement analysis and understand business finance and accounting functions.
• Help manage engagement budgets to complete work on time and within clients’ expected costs.
• Plan basic engagements, including onboarding and client delivery, understand engagement economics such as billing and time entry, and follow best practices.
• Interact with clients to obtain information, documents, and data needed to complete assigned work.
• Identify and organize client financial information; prepare financial reports and schedules; and format reports for clear review by BDO management and clients.
• Review client information for accuracy, identify anomalies or gaps, and communicate significant issues to a supervisor.
• Support drafting proposals and other documents that explain proposed client solutions.
• Articulate BDO’s value proposition and understand its target market and client profile.
• Apply firm processes, systems, technology, and resources to manage workflow and ensure proper documentation and workpapers.
• Coach less experienced consultants.
• Provide verbal and written performance feedback to consultants.
• Supervise consultants’ work assignments on engagement teams.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• ESOP beneficial ownership opportunity as part of a qualified retirement plan.
• Comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits offerings; benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior