Controller

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is seeking an experienced and visionary financial leader to serve as its Controller. This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact on affordable housing and the lives of DC residents by leading the fiscal operations of a premier housing agency.

The Controller serves as the senior financial operations manager for the District of Columbia Housing Authority (the Authority) and is responsible for overseeing the daily administration and integrity of accounting operations, financial reporting, budget controls, internal controls, payroll oversight, and financial compliance activities.

The incumbent ensures accurate financial reporting, compliance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and District of Columbia financial requirements, governmental accounting standards, and federal grant regulations while supporting the Authority’s fiscal accountability and operational effectiveness.

As Controller, you will direct a broad portfolio of financial operations and strategic initiatives, including:

Manages and oversees the daily operations of the accounting and financial management functions including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll reconciliation, cash management, grants accounting, and financial reporting activities.

Lead technical accounting analysis and implementation of new accounting standards.

Prepares, reviews, and maintains accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, schedules, reconciliations, and reports in accordance with GAAP, GASB standards, HUD regulations, District of Columbia regulations and laws, and Housing Authority policies.

Oversees preparation and submission of HUD-required financial reporting including Financial Data Schedule (FDS), REAC submissions, eFASS reporting, Capital Fund financial reporting, operating subsidy reporting, and other federally mandated financial reports.

Monitors compliance with HUD financial management requirements, 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), Single Audit requirements, federal grant regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local financial laws and standards.

Coordinates and manages financial audit activities including independent audits, HUD reviews, monitoring visits, Inspector General requests, and external compliance examinations while ensuring timely resolution of audit findings and corrective actions.

Establishes, implements, and monitors internal accounting controls, financial procedures, and compliance measures to safeguard assets, ensure fiscal accountability, and reduce risks related to fraud, waste, abuse, and financial mismanagement.

Assists in the development, monitoring, and administration of operating, capital, and grant budgets by analyzing expenditures, revenue trends, budget variances, and funding utilization to support sound fiscal management.

Oversees cash flow management, banking activities, account reconciliations, investment monitoring, and financial transactions to ensure proper accounting and effective management of Authority resources.

Supervises accounting and finance staff, including assigning work, monitoring performance, providing technical guidance, conducting evaluations, and supporting staff development and operational efficiency.

Reviews and approves financial transactions, journal entries, reconciliations, procurement-related fiscal documentation, and payment activities to ensure accuracy, compliance, and adherence to established controls and policies.

Collaborates with department leadership, program managers, auditors, consultants, and external agencies to provide financial guidance, resolve accounting issues, and support organizational initiatives and reporting requirements.

Assists the Chief Financial Officer in developing financial policies, improving financial systems and reporting processes, implementing operational efficiencies, and supporting strategic financial initiatives for the Authority.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a closely related field and at least 7 years of progressive experience in public sector accounting, budgeting, and financial management; or the equivalent combination of education and experience in affordable housing or federally funded environments which meet the minimum qualifications requirement may be substituted.  Public accounting experience at a major firm preferred.  Leadership and supervisory experience are required. 

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure is required. 

Key Competencies:

Comprehensive knowledge of government accounting principles and practices and HUD financial reporting requirements and regulations

Knowledge of accounting for governmental entities, limited partnerships and not-for-profit entities

Knowledge of compliance requirements associated with federal, state and local grants accounting and reporting processes

Demonstrated skill to generate complex journal entries for transactions such as real estate sales, purchases or transfers, debt and equity transactions and mixed-finance development initiatives

Demonstrated skill to understand, interpret and apply supervisory, managerial and administrative policies, procedures and protocols

Demonstrated skill to prioritize, organize and streamline accounting processes in order to maximize efficiency of time and people

Demonstrated skill to develop, review, evaluate modify and implement effective internal control systems from a risk-based perspective

Ability to prepare technical accounting memoranda and position papers for executive leadership and external auditors

Ability to prepare all required financial statements, supplemental schedules and note disclosures in accordance with applicable reporting standards and grantor requirements

Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with subordinates, peers, management, administration, Boards of Commissioners and all external associated parties

Ability to train, engage, encourage, motivate, inspire, evaluate and sometimes discipline staff in a manner which produces positive outcomes

Ability to effectively work with procurement, budgeting, operations and other personnel in a manner which provides a seamless flow of information

Technical Skills:

 Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to learn additional software systems as required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Starting salary is based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, including education and professional experience, and will be set within the executive pay range. DCHA offers a comprehensive benefits package consistent with District of Columbia government employment.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

 DCHA conducts pre-employment screening on specified positions, which may include criminal background checks, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and/or verification of work history. This position requires a background check as a condition of employment.