Controller

Columbia Housing Authority•Columbia, SC

11d•$79,600 - $143,300

About The Position

The Controller serves as Columbia Housing’s senior financial leader and chief financial administrator, overseeing accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury management, grant compliance, audit coordination, and financial operations. The Controller is the principal financial advisor and strategic partner to the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer (COO/CFO), exercises independent judgment in directing financial operations, supervises Finance Department staff, and supports executive decision-making. The Controller may act on behalf of the COO/CFO in financial matters when delegated. The role is responsible for the integrity of financial records and safeguarding Agency assets while ensuring compliance with HUD regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards, federal and state requirements, and Columbia Housing policies and procedures. The Controller promotes fiscal accountability, operational efficiency, and sound financial management throughout the Agency. The position leads accounting operations and financial reporting; coordinates operating, capital, grant, and development budgets; monitors cash flow and funding; manages HUD-related funding and reporting activities; coordinates audits and regulatory reviews; maintains internal controls; and serves as a liaison with external financial stakeholders. The Controller also supervises, coaches, and develops Finance Department personnel and supports financial matters related to development initiatives. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field and at least six years of experience in public sector accounting, budgeting, and financial management, including at least three years of managerial or supervisory experience in finance and budgeting. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. A current CPA license is preferred. Some positions may require a valid driver’s license and insurability under Columbia Housing’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate. Strong computer skills, including advanced Excel proficiency, are required. The position is performed in an office environment with a moderate noise level and includes frequent stationary work, routine office movements, onsite and offsite meetings, and occasional lifting or transport of up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
At least six years of experience in public sector accounting, budgeting, and financial management.
At least three years of managerial or supervisory experience in finance and budgeting.
Knowledge of HUD and federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as applicable Agency policies and procedures.
Knowledge of accounting processes, including transactional accounting, review, reporting, and budgeting.
Knowledge of grant compliance requirements affecting accounting and reporting.
Knowledge of accounting for governmental entities, limited partnerships, and not-for-profit entities.
Ability to generate complex journal entries for real estate sales, purchases or transfers, debt and equity transactions, and mixed-finance development deals.
Ability to interpret and apply supervisory, managerial, and administrative policies, procedures, and protocols.
Ability to prioritize, organize, and streamline accounting processes to use time and staff efficiently.
Ability to develop, review, evaluate, modify, and implement risk-based internal control systems.
Ability to prepare financial statements, supplemental schedules, and note disclosures in accordance with applicable reporting standards and grantor requirements.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with staff, management, Boards of Commissioners, and external parties.
Ability to train, motivate, evaluate, and, when necessary, discipline staff effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, vendors, consultants, contractors, residents, HUD, community partners, and local, state, and federal officials, including people from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, advanced proficiency in Excel, Outlook, accounting and financial software, and Internet use; ability to learn additional software as required.
Some positions may require a valid driver’s license and the ability to be insured under Columbia Housing’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate.

Nice To Haves

Current Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
Knowledge of networking, including routers, remote communications, and servers.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department.
Serve as the senior financial administrator for accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury administration, and compliance activities.
Assist the COO/CFO with developing and implementing financial strategies that support Agency goals and objectives.
Evaluate financial operations and recommend improvements to efficiency, compliance, and internal controls.
Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and best practices.
Provide financial analysis and recommendations to executive leadership.
Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll review, grant accounting, fixed assets, and financial reporting.
Ensure accounting records and financial transactions are accurate and complete; review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and adjustments.
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes and monitor interfund and inter-program transactions and allocations.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable governmental accounting standards.
Prepare, review, and present monthly financial statements, management reports, and supporting analyses for executive leadership and Board meetings.
Prepare and submit Financial Data Schedule reports and other HUD-required financial reports; prepare reports for HUD, lenders, investors, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
Review budget-to-actual reports, provide variance analysis and recommendations, and ensure financial reporting is timely and accurate.
Coordinate annual operating, capital, grant, and development budget preparation; assist with forecasting and long-range financial planning.
Monitor budget performance, recommend corrective actions, review budget amendments and financial projections, and assist with debt management, capital planning, and financing initiatives.
Monitor Agency cash flow, liquidity, and funding requirements; review bank reconciliations and banking activities; and assist with cash management and reserve monitoring.
Review, prepare, and recommend fund transfers for COO/CFO approval and review and process draw requests with supporting documentation.
Manage Operating Subsidy funding and Capital Fund financial activities, including Capital Fund draw requests and supporting documentation; coordinate Capital Fund budget revisions and EPIC submissions for COO/CFO review and approval.
Manage Housing Assistance Payment funding utilization; monitor Restricted Net Position and Unrestricted Net Position; and prepare, review, and submit Voucher Management System reports.
Monitor compliance with HUD regulations, grant requirements, Agency financial policies, and federal, state, and local financial regulations; coordinate responses to HUD reviews and monitoring activities.
Coordinate financial audits, regulatory reviews, and compliance examinations, including auditor requests, audit schedules, and supporting documentation.
Develop and maintain internal controls, implement audit recommendations and corrective action plans, and periodically review financial processes and risk management practices.
Serve as the primary liaison with HUD, auditors, lenders, investors, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies on routine financial matters; coordinate external reporting requirements.
Assist with financial matters relating to RAD conversions, mixed-finance developments, tax credit partnerships, and other Agency development initiatives.
Supervise Finance Department personnel; provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and professional development; assign and review work and evaluate performance.
Participate in recruitment, hiring, disciplinary actions, and succession planning; foster accountability, customer service, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Assist with Board financial presentations and executive financial reporting.
Serve as acting financial lead during the COO/CFO’s absence when delegated.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.