Job Description
About the Agency:
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation Development (HPD) promotes quality and affordability in the city's housing, and diversity and strength in the city’s neighborhoods because every New Yorker deserves a safe, affordable place to live in a neighborhood they love.
We maintain building and resident safety and health.
We create opportunities for New Yorkers through housing affordability.
We engage New Yorkers to build and sustain neighborhood strength and diversity.
HPD is entrusted with fulfilling these objectives through the goals and strategies of “Housing Our Neighbors: A Blueprint for Housing and Homelessness,” Mayor Adams’ comprehensive housing framework. To support this important work, the administration has committed $5 billion in new capital funding, bringing the 10-year planned investment in housing to $22 billion the largest in the city’s history. This investment, coupled with a commitment to reduce administrative and regulatory barriers, is a multi-pronged strategy to tackle New York City’s complex housing crisis, by addressing homelessness and housing instability, promoting economic stability and mobility, increasing homeownership opportunities, improving health and safety, and increasing opportunities for equitable growth.
Your Team:
The Office of Finance and Administration (OFA) leads the agency’s effort with the planning and management of the agency's resources and advises the Commissioner and senior team on how to improve efficiency and allocate funding to carry out HPD's mission. The financial segment of OFA is comprised of the Budget, Capital Planning, and Fiscal Affairs. These three divisions, work in conjunction to provide centralized support, consultation, and oversight on a broad range of financial issues for the entire agency.
Your Impact:
The Payment Inquiry Liaison will play a key role in supporting the Division of Fiscal Affairs Accounts Payable Division and will be responsible for serving as the primary point of contact for vendors seeking information regarding the status of their payments related to the ERP Community Development Block Program. This role involves addressing inquiries in a timely and professional manner, ensuring that vendors receive accurate and up-to-date information about their invoices and payment processes. The Specialist will collaborate closely with internal divisions to resolve payment issues and streamline communication between the agency and its vendors.
Additionally, the Analyst will be responsible for generating metric reports, updating procedures, and managing special projects to enhance Accounts Payable response to vendor inquires.
Your Responsibilities:
Duties and responsibilities of the selected candidate will include but not limited to the following:
Vendor Communication:
Respond to vendor inquiries regarding payment status, providing clear and accurate information about invoice processing timelines and payment schedules.
Act as the liaison between vendors and internal divisions to facilitate communication and resolve any issues related to payments.
Invoice Tracking and Management
Monitor the status of vendor invoices in the payment system, ensuring that all inquiries are addressed promptly.
Maintain detailed records of vendor communications and inquiries, tracking the status of each case until resolution.
Collaboration with Internal Divisions:
Work closely with the Accounts Payable team, Office of Enforcement Services, and Regulatory Compliance Division, and other relevant Divisions to obtain the necessary information for responding to vendor inquires.
Identify and escalate any persistent payment issues or discrepancies to management for further investigation and resolution.
Reporting and Analysis:
Generate reports on vendor inquiries, payment delays, and resolution times to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Utilize data to recommend process enhancements that can improve vendor communication and payment efficiency.
Process Improvement:
Assist in the development and documentation of standard operating procedures for handling vendor inquiries and payment processes.
Provide feedback on potential improvements to the vendor payment process based on interactions and common issues encountered.
Customer Service Excellence:
Maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service in all interactions with vendors.
Ensure that all communications reflect the agency's commitment to transparency and accountability in financial transactions.
Preferred skills
Highly organized with ability to handle multiple priorities and deliver assignments on time
Must be hands on, disciplined, and detail oriented with ability to work independently in a high-volume environment
Have accounts payable experience
Able to multitask
Ability to communicate effectively
Experience in use of HPDInfo (Agency Legacy System) and the City s Financial Management System (FMS) are a plus
Qualifications
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
