Accounts Payable Specialist III at Norfolk Redevelopment And Housing Authority – Norfolk, Virginia

About NRHA 

Founded in 1940, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) provides low-income families in Norfolk, Virginia with safe and well-maintained housing. It also plans and administers large-scale residential redevelopment programs within Norfolk.

NRHA is an award-winning public housing authority that has been effective in obtaining private investment partners to fund new neighborhoods; improving low-income public housing; planning and building mixed-income communities; and offering programs that support residents receiving rental assistance on their path to self-sufficiency. NRHA aims to create and apply meaningful housing and neighborhood development programs to serve all residents of Norfolk, Virginia.

NRHA looks for people who want to work in a challenging and progressive environment and make a positive difference in the community.

Summary

Accounts Payable Specialist III is a senior-level position responsible for overseeing complex AP operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leading process improvement initiatives. This role acts as a key liaison between the finance department and external vendors.

 Essential Functions 

Lead the accounts payable process, ensuring compliance with housing authority policies and HUD regulations. Manage full-cycle accounts payable including invoice coding, approvals, and payments in a timely and accurate manner. Manage high-volume and high-value vendor accounts and payment schedules. Reconcile vendor statements and resolve escalated payment disputes. Prepare and analyze AP-related financial reports and dashboards. Oversee preparation of 1099s and year-end close procedures. Identify and implement process improvements and internal controls. Train, mentor, and support AP team members. Coordinate with auditors and prepare detailed audit schedules. Match purchase orders, receiving reports, and invoices. Enter data into accounting software and maintain payable records. Prepare checks and process electronic payments. Review and resolve invoice discrepancies and issues

Assist with month-end closing tasks. Maintain organized filing systems for payables documentation. Monitor payment terms to maximize discounts and avoid late fees. Assist with policy development and compliance monitoring. Collaborate with procurement and other departments to resolve AP issues. Perform other duties as assigned

Performance Standards

• Accuracy & Timeliness:99% of invoices processed on time; 100% policy and HUD compliance
• Vendor Management:Monthly reconciliations; disputes resolved within 3 business days
• Reporting:Timely,accuratereports and variance explanations
• Year-End &1099s:On-time, error-free submissions
• Process Improvement:2+ improvements or control updates per year
• Team Support:Train and guide staff with minimal supervision
• Audit:Schedulessubmittedon time; audit requests handled in 2 days
• Collaboration:Resolve interdepartmental AP issues within 2 business days
• Records:File all documents within 2 days;maintainaudit-ready systems
• Reliability:95%+ attendance; meets deadlines independently 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field and/or 5+ years of accounts payable experience, preferably in public sector or housing authority

Special Requirements

•  Mustpossessa valid driver’s license.
• Subject to a background check and reference verification prior tohire.
• Mustmaintainconfidentiality and adhere to NRHA’s code of conduct and ethics policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of accounting principles and financial recordkeeping
• Knowledge of federal and state compliance regulations related to public funds
• Proficiencywith Microsoft Office, especially Excel
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures
• Familiarity with governmental or housing authority accounting preferred
• Experience with financial ERP systems (e.g., Yardi, Oracle, SAP)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, see, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Job requires depth, color, and texture perception.

NRHA will consider equivalent substitutes for education and/or experience, provided that the candidate can demonstrate that he/she has obtained the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the job.

NRHA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The compensation offer will be determined by the candidate's work history and skill set. Benefits include VRS retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; long-and short-term disability insurance; tuition reimbursement options; public service loan forgiveness, and much more.

Those candidates who are selected for interview will be contacted directly by telephone. All other candidates will receive an email communication after the position is filled.

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Housing Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.