Finance Director

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Finance Director (FD) applies advanced accounting knowledge and expertise in strategic financial management to carry out the Agency’s financial goals. The Finance Director, as a member of the leadership team, is actively involved in creating financing strategies to support the agency’s investments in housing, neighborhoods and people. Responsible for oversight of the accounting department, this position manages multiple projects, programs, systems and processes necessary for effective mitigation of risk, timely processing of transactions and accurate reporting of financial information to a wide variety of internal and external customers. Independent judgment is exercised daily and general guidance is provided for special projects and new assignments. Work products are subject to annual independent audits, inspection by grantor agencies and review by equity investors.

All activities must support Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation’s (“KCDC” or “Authority”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises 2-4 direct reports and has indirect supervision of 9 staff (senior level accountants, accountants and accounting technicians).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

• Works with the leadership team to create financial strategies, goals, policies, and procedures to support KCDC’s investment in housing, neighborhoods, and people and ensure ongoing compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations governing KCDC programs.
• Plans, develops, and implements financial policies and procedures to ensure proper internal controls that mitigate risk associated with fraud and comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations governing KCDC programs as well as GAAP and Governmental Accounting Standards and practices (GASB).
• Evaluates financial management systems, processes, procedures, technology, and software, identifies improvements, and implements changes to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of the accounting department.
• Provides management oversight of the accounting department and ensures efficient and effective financial management and reporting.
• Plans, assigns, supervises and reviews the work of professional and clerical employees performing various accounting functions. Ensures internal controls and procedures are followed.
• Confirms accuracy and timeliness of financial reports and statements for stakeholders such as KCDC’s leadership team, agency staff, Board of Commissioners, investors, government officials, and the public and makes sure the information complies with the requirements for each type of report.
• Provides training for accounting department staff to ensure they have the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to achieve the department’s goals and objectives. Ensures training is provided to agency staff on accounting policies, procedures, and processes.
• Ensures accounting department staff provides excellent service to internal and external customers including creation of budgets, timely transaction processing, accurate reporting, and assistance with other accounting related matters.
• Manages audit and budget processes for KCDC and external stand-alone entities under the agency’s management. Facilitates communication between the auditors, employees, and stakeholders; Prepares and/or reviews required auditor schedules and analyses, and responses to questions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of real estate finance, including familiarity with common debt and equity structures used in the development of multifamily housing and public financial incentives such as tax increment finance (TIF) and payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) agreements.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), General Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and other accounting methods as required for HUD and Federal reporting.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules, and regulations regarding government finance and accounting, affordable housing, and KCDC funding streams.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision.
• Knowledge of the financial operations of the agency and its funding streams.
• Ability to provide strong leadership and motivate staff especially during times of change.
• Ability to assign, delegate, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates.
• Ability to train others on policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and processes.
• Ability to develop internal controls for the safeguarding of KCDC assets and reporting of financial position and formulating systems, policies and procedures involving fiscal control in accord with the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) model.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to make sound judgments and decisions on complex issues.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others including superiors, subordinate employees, internal customers, external customers, Board of Commissioners, stakeholders, and the general public.
• Ability to demonstrate good time management, problem solving and organizational skills in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to adapt easily to change.
• Ability to prepare, review and/or approve detailed and complex reports, funding applications, and budgets.
• Ability to interpret and implement laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures related to departmental programs and activities.
• Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Proficient in the use of Yardi or other affordable housing management software.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or closely related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a financial management role in the affordable housing industry with at least three (3) years of experience supervising accounting staff.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.
• Preference may be given to those with advanced degrees and experience using Yardi software.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS

• Preference may be given to those with Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and/or certifications in the affordable housing industry.