Director of Accounting

Housing Catalyst•Fort Collins, CO

About The Position

At Housing Catalyst, we’re all about making a difference through affordable housing, and we know that starts with a passionate team. We’re looking for a strategic Director of Accounting to help us ensure our mission stays on solid financial ground. This role leads the full scope of accounting operations for a complex affordable housing portfolio, including both LIHTC and non-LIHTC properties across multiple entities and partnerships. The Director of Accounting is responsible for overseeing consolidated financial reporting, investor and lender reporting requirements, and compliance with bond, loan, and tax credit regulatory agreements. The position requires strong technical accounting expertise, including the ability to research, interpret, and implement complex GAAP and GASB pronouncements. This leader must think strategically, provide forward-looking financial insight to executive leadership, and effectively prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university—preferably in Accounting, Finance, Business, or something similar.
At least 10 years of relevant experience in accounting, including some leadership roles.
A solid grasp of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and government accounting practices.
Some familiarity with HUD reporting requirements, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and financial tools like bonds and loans.
Proven management and leadership skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively.
Strong analytical abilities to pull together information from various sources and make sound decisions.
The ability to understand and apply complex GAAP/GASB announcements.
Must be able to walk, stand, sit, bend, do some light lifting, and handle manual tasks as required for office work.
Effective communication, both verbal and written, is essential.
Should be prepared to manage the mental and emotional aspects of a leadership role.

Nice To Haves

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, or the ability to get one within 30 days of starting.
Experience in affordable housing, the public sector, or nonprofit finance would be a plus.
Previous involvement with HUD, LIHTC, or similar housing programs is beneficial.
Direct experience in affordable housing finance with LIHTC structures preferred.
Experience working with investor reporting and regulatory compliance preferred.
An advanced degree (like an MBA, MPA, or a related field) is also preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership: Provide strategic financial leadership, oversee consolidated reporting, lead technical GAAP/GASB implementation, and deliver forward-looking financial analysis to support executive decision-making.
Team Development & Mentorship: You’ll take charge of a team of professionals—hiring, coaching, and mentoring them to build a strong group and create a culture of continuous learning and cross-training.
Complex Portfolio Management: Direct accounting for a multi-entity LIHTC and non-LIHTC affordable housing portfolio, including partnership reporting, investor and lender requirements, debt service, and covenant compliance.
Systems & Innovation: Your goal will be to boost efficiency by designing and rolling out innovative workflow improvements. This means updating our accounting systems and internal controls to keep us growing and functioning smoothly.
Financial Reporting & Internal Controls: Oversee preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), external audits, internal controls, and accounting policies to ensure accurate, compliant, and reliable financial reporting.
Cross-Department Collaboration: Collaborate with peers across all departments and executive leadership to support transactions, new projects, and portfolio performance.

Benefits

Paid Holidays & Wellness Days: You’ll get 10 paid holidays, a floating holiday, and a chance to earn a paid Wellness Day every year.
Generous Vacation Time: You start off with 6.15 hours of vacation for every two-week pay period, and that increases the longer you’re with us.
Retirement Security: We contribute 10% of your gross salary to a 401(a) tax-deferred account (with a 3-year vesting schedule) through Mission Square. You’ll need to contribute at least 6.2% yourself.
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: You receive $280 every pay period to help with group medical, dental, and vision premiums, which often means you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket for coverage. If you want to cover dependents, that’s available for an extra charge. Medical coverage kicks in on the first of the month after you’re hired.
Medical Expense Reimbursement: We also help out with high deductibles through a Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan.
Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts: You can set aside pre-tax dollars for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover medical expenses, dependent care, and transit or parking costs.
Life Insurance: We provide employer-paid term life insurance equal to a year’s salary, plus options for supplemental life and AD&D coverage.
Disability Coverage: You’ll get employer-paid short-term disability (up to 11 weeks at two-thirds salary) and long-term disability (up to $7,500 each month).
Employee Assistance Program: We offer free counseling and support services for you and your family.
Educational Support: You can get up to $5,000 a year in tuition reimbursement to help with professional development.
Wellness Program: You’ll have access to a comprehensive health and safety program, recognized by Health Links Colorado as a Certified Leader in wellness.