Controller

This position will supervise and coordinate complex accounting activities, analytical studies and special projects; to evaluate and implement business and financial information systems.  To assist with and coordinate annual independent public audit and any other financial and accounting reviews or audits; to supervise the accounting staff of the Housing Authority; to coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public; and to develop and implement assigned area policies and procedures.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Receives administrative direction from the Finance Director of the Housing Authority.
• Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical and clerical staff.

Essential Functions Statement:

• Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

     Essential Functions:

1. Assist Finance Director with management of general ledger, bank reconciliations, cash flow management, financial reporting, audit, and various other accounting functions.
2. Coordinate and review the work plan for assigned accounting staff. Assign work activities and projects; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
3. Coordinate the organization, staffing and operations of accounting activities, analytical studies and special projects, including various audits by federal, state, and local entities.
4. Train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
5. Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; identify resource needs; review with appropriate management staff; implement improvements.
6. Perform a variety of analytical duties in support of the Housing Authority; perform a variety of budget and accounting analyses, studies and research projects; gather and analyze data; make recommendations; prepare reports; take appropriate actions
7. Review all general accounting transactions, including adjustments and modifications to accounts for corrections, increases, decreases and transfers; approve fixed assets and grant accounting.
8. Review and approve year-end accrual transactions and advise all accounting sections of proper year-end procedures.
9. Maintain the Housing Authority’s general ledger based on generally accepted accounting principles, GASB, and HUD; interpret financial information and prepare special studies as assigned.
10. Perform complex professional accounting activities in compliance with applicable standards and specifications including general ledger reconciliation, financial reporting and record keeping; review and analyze various records and reports; respond to inquiries or complaints.
11. Develop and implement new systems, methods, procedures and monitor progress in meeting department goals and objectives.  Conduct updates with management staff, make adjustments as needed.
12. Coordinate accounting activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations.
13. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Public Housing Authority accounting.
14. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications:

     Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of Housing Authority accounting program.
• Applications of generally accepted accounting principles, GASB, and HUD.
• Operational characteristics of automated accounting systems and associated mainframe software.
• Principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
• Principles of Housing Authority budget preparation and control.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

     Ability to:

• Supervise, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Maintain the Housing Authority’s general ledger based on generally accepted accounting principles, GASB and HUD.
• Review and approve a variety of general accounting transactions.
• Administer and maintain the local financial system.
• Interpret and explain Housing Authority accounting policies and procedures.
• Provide recommendations to established Housing Authority accounting policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of community groups and the general public.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

• Five years of responsible governmental accounting experience including two years of administrative and/or lead supervisory experience.

     Training:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in finance, business administration, or a related field.

Working Conditions:

     Environmental:

• Office environment.

     Physical:

• Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time.

**Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.  Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties and/or responsibilities performed within the job.