Accounting Manager

The Accounting Manager oversees the financial stability, accuracy, and reporting for all properties within the organization’s property management portfolio. This role provides strategic accounting leadership across a growing affordable housing portfolio and works closely with executive leadership, property management, asset management, and development teams.

While the Accounting Manager directly supervises Staff Accountants, this position plays a critical leadership role in mentoring staff, strengthening accounting operations, and fostering productive relationships with investors, lenders, auditors, community partners, and state agencies.  We are only hiring in MT, CO, WY and UT.  The main office and accounting team is in Missoula, MT.  Regular trips to Missoula will be required to connect with the team. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Collaboration

• Promote and model a company culture aligned with our mission, vision, and values.
• Partner with the Director of Property Management, CFO, Controller, and Asset Management to ensure financial stability and maximize property cash flow.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with investors, lenders, auditors, regulators, and community partners.
• Participate in the Deal Review Committee and internal training sessions as needed.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development support to accounting staff.

Financial Oversight & Reporting

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting and ensure timely submission for stakeholders and investors.
• Facilitate month‑end closing procedures in collaboration with Property Management and Staff Accountants.
• Review and post adjusting journal entries (AJEs) and annual waterfall calculations.
• Conduct quarterly financial reviews with Property Management and Asset Management teams.
• Ensure timely and accurate annual audits and regulatory filings.
• Ensure compliance with LIHTC requirements and other affordable housing regulations.

Accounting Operations & Systems

• Lead accounting transitions for newly developed or acquired properties.
• Establish accounting, depreciation, and reserve schedules for new properties.
• Assist with RealPage implementation and configuration.
• Set up property bank accounts and determine reserve structures, including operating, supportive services, and tax/insurance escrow accounts.
• Facilitate monthly and corrective cash transfers.
• Ensure accurate and timely filing of 1099s for partnership entities.

Planning, Compliance & Process Improvement

• Assist with the annual budgeting process (July–August).
• Support Development with breakeven analysis and operating underwriting.
• Evaluate and enhance accounting structure, policies, and procedures to support organizational growth.
• Drive workflow efficiency while maintaining proper segregation of duties.
• Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements.

Human Resources & Organizational Development

• Collaborate with senior leadership and HR on staffing, onboarding, performance management, and training for accounting personnel.
• Help anticipate staffing needs for upcoming property development and acquisitions.
• Establish and periodically review departmental policies, procedures, and documentation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct presentations for business or community groups as requested.
• Travel to property sites as needed to review accounting systems and procedures (approximately 5%).
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated experience with the Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program (required).
• Proven ability to manage, coach, and evaluate staff; effectively delegate and set performance expectations.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to contribute to organizational strategy and decision‑making.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to build trust with leadership, staff, regulators, and industry partners.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, BambooHR, RealPage, and general computer systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree and/or CPA certification.
• Ten (10) years of experience in accounting, finance, development, or related fields.
• Four (4) or more years of progressive management and leadership experience.
• HCCP or similar certification.
• Considerable working knowledge of affordable housing production programs.

Working Conditions

• Occasional day and overnight travel (approximately 5%).
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and use hands to handle or operate office equipment.
• Occasional walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Driving Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Additional licenses may be required depending on state, local, or property‑specific requirements.