Controller Jobs in Washington, DC

Controller Position

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.

The position assists the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in managing the Authority's financial operations and serves as a key advisor on accounting procedures, audit readiness, financial controls, and regulatory compliance matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned:

• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job 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

Education and/or 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.

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) conducts pre-employment screening on specified positions, which may include but is not limited to a criminal background check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, and certifications, and/or verification of work history.

This position has been designated by the department to require a drug and alcohol screening and background check. Finalist(s) for this position will be subject to drug and alcohol testing and will be required to consent to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have strong computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Outlook). Must be able to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks

Physical Demands

The work requires no unusual physical demands. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and listen. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The work is performed in an office and meeting and conference rooms. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The starting salary will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications, including education and professional experience, and will be set within the executive pay range.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.