Controller

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller serves as the agency’s primary lead and subject matter expert on all accounting and financial management matters, providing leadership and direction for all accounting, treasury, debt management, and financial reporting functions for a housing authority with total assets in excess of $900 million and an annual budget of over $380 million. The Controller manages a division of over 20 team members that is responsible for developing and oversight of all financial policies and procedures to ensure that agency-wide financial management and operations are carried out in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Representative Duties

• Support, expand and uphold the agency's equity and social justice values and objectives in approach to work, supervision and hiring, decision-making and determining priorities.
• Manage all financial management functions and accounting activities of SHA including Accounting and Reporting for agency programs and General Accounting systems, including but not limited to; Accounts Payable and Receivable, Fixed Asset Management, Banking and Debt Management, Investment/Cash Management, and Payroll Operations.
• Manage the preparation and accounting for the annual and unscheduled audits of SHA funds and operations by external auditors including the State Auditor's Office, HUD Office of the Inspector General and CPA firms.  
• Provide oversight and expertise to ensure accounting and reporting compliance, on SHA financial management issues; provide interpretation of established GAAP and regulatory accounting policies to management and staff to assure proper accounting treatment, practice, and reporting GAAP and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. 
• Direct the Accounting Division; supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned managers and supervisory staff; interview and make selection for hiring, transfers, reassignment, termination, and disciplinary actions; plan, coordinate and approve technical and other appropriate training for all subordinates. 
• Oversee SHA’s tax credit partnerships and other component units. Ensure that all accounting, financial and investor reporting, and partnership tax returns are completed accurately and on time. 
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls over all SHA financial resources and financial systems and operations including proper authorization, processing, and recording of financial transactions.  
• Oversee and coordinate the timely processing, analysis and forecasting of operating results, including but not limited to agency wide revenue, debt service and expenditure forecasts. Prepare and maintain a variety of narrative and statistical reports on these forecasts and expenditures.  
• Facilitate the participation of staff to develop, implement, and continuously improve service delivery to ensure attainment of the core strategies and mission of the agency; coach and support staff in the development and implementation of work plans and/or initiatives working cooperatively and interdependently with others and all departments.
• Ensure that all safety and health rules, standards and procedures are observed; conduct monthly self-inspections of work areas and practices to eliminate potentially hazardous conditions; arrange for, conduct and ensure that accident investigations of all accidents are formally reported on or within the next work day of when the accident occurred; monitor and enforce the agency’s Safety and Health Program, and actively support and participate in the Emergency Preparedness program and tasks. 
• Serve as CFO in the absence of the CFO.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Government Accounting Standards Board Statements, Low-income Housing Tax Credit regulations, and federal grant management policies and practices.
• OMB Circular A-133 single audit requirements and compliance supplements.
• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the operations of housing authorities and public entities.
• Automated financial accounting, management, and reporting systems.
• Budget preparation and control.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Principles and practices of administration, supervision, and training.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Operation of a computer and assigned software.

Ability to:

• Manage the functions and accounting activities of a large government agency.
• Oversee the responsibility for the accounting and financial reporting of SHA operating and capital funds, with an annual budget of over $122 million.
• Assure agency-wide financial management and operations are in compliance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations.
• Manage, supervise, and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive system of internal controls over the financial resources, systems, and operations of a large organization.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Meet schedules and timelines, work independently and plan and organize work.
• Prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports.
• Work respectfully and courteously with staff, residents, and the general public.

Education, Experience and Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required; however, four additional years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the required degree.
• Ten years of accounting or financial management experience including six years in a management or supervisory capacity. MTW Housing Authority experience desired, but not required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
• Valid Washington State driver's license with insurable driving record.