Controller

About the job

The incumbent is responsible for directing financial reporting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, general accounting, cash management, fixed assets, inventory, budgets, development period accounting, and financing assignments related to real estate development. The incumbent is responsible for owning accounting procedures that support the internal departments in their various program activities and service delivery. This position supervises a team of other accounting staff.

Education & Experience

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be highly organized, skilled in the usage of accounting, reporting, e-mail, internet, database, spreadsheet, and word processing software. Must be capable of developing financial forecasting and other financial models using software tools. Must be able to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks. Must be a quick learner able to execute on competing priorities in an organized and timely manner. Must be willing to become expert-level in all things related to affordable housing finance. Must be able to lead the finance team to desired outcomes in a deadline-oriented environment.

• CPA with real estate audit experience required.
• Minimum eight years of progressively responsible experience in real estate finance and accounting.
• Construction and development accounting experience required.
• Yardi experience required.

Job Competencies:

• Knowledge of and the ability to understand and apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (“GASB”) principles, and other accounting methods as required for HUD and federal reporting requirements
• Comprehensive knowledge of modern principles, practices and techniques of accounting, budgeting, performance monitoring, analysis, trending, financing, loans, mortgages and financial reporting and cost allocations
• Knowledge of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, HUD public housing, EOHLC programs, and local funding programs. 
• Preferred to have knowledge of the specialized accounting regulations and program requirements for various funding sources. Willing to accept applicants without this experience who have a strong propensity for it demonstrated by prior work experience.
• Knowledge and application of the principles and practices of financial administration, including budgeting and reporting.
• Knowledge of procurement policies, information systems and grants management.
• Ability to perform financial analysis and modeling to assist both the planning and monitoring of the organization itself as well as its various lines of business, including housing development, housing operations, fundraising, and resident services.
• Ability to develop and implement reporting tools and presentations to inform management of agency financial status, financial opportunities, and other relevant matters
• Ability to exercise initiative, use sound judgment in analyzing situations, and make decisions in a timely manner
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, tenants, officials, vendors, and the general public.
• Ability to lead department of 2-3 staff and keep monthly reporting on-schedule
• Work with third party accountants and auditors to complete monthly, quarterly, and annual financial schedules, reporting, and audits.

Responsibilities & Duties:
General Ledger/Financial Reporting/Treasury

• Oversee the Accounting Team to drive timely and accurate reporting. 
• Own process and procedure to ensure accounting team is operating efficiently at all times.
• Main point of contact with external accounting/audit firms with year-end requirements, ensuring that all requested audit schedules and work-papers are prepared in accordance with agreed upon audit schedule; assist with financial statements and tax returns. 
• Effectively coordinate processes and drive outcomes between departments, including Property Management, Fundraising, Resident Services, and Real Estate.
• Directly manage development/construction stage accounting matters.
• Effectively communicate and present any critical financial matters to the CFO/Head of Real Estate.
• Own treasury process to maintain maximum liquidity at the parent company.

Budgeting/External Reporting

• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget for Board approval, in consultation with the CFO/Head of Real Estate
• Prepare all external reporting for lenders, investors and other third parties.

Real Estate Development Finance

• Maintain real estate development set of books. Maintain schedule and provide information and reporting to auditors for related cost certification process. Assist auditors during cost certification process.
• Assist with underwriting new projects with oversight from the CFO/Head of Real Estate.