Controller

Controller

Seattle, WA (~~~) -Accounting & Finance

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Job Type

Full-time

Description

Shift: Office Day

Days Off : Saturday, Sunday

Work Location: Hybrid remote and in-person at 515 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

Insurance Benefits: Dental, Life, Long-term Disability, Medical

Other Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), ORCA card subsidy, Paid Time Off (34 days per year), Retirement Plan

About DESC:

DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) is a nonprofit organization working to end the homelessness of vulnerable people, particularly those living with serious mental or addictive illnesses. Through partnerships and an integrated array of comprehensive services, treatment and housing, DESC gives people the opportunity to reach their highest potential.

As the region's leading provider of services to multiply disabled, chronically homeless adults, DESC serves 2,000 people each day through a comprehensive continuum of care which includes emergency shelter and other survival services, mental health care and chemical dependency treatment, employment services and permanent supportive housing. This integrated service model is designed to help disabled homeless men and women secure and maintain appropriate, safe and affordable housing. DESC is recognized nationally and regionally as an innovator in developing solutions to homelessness.

JOB DEFINITION:

The Controller will serve as a key participant in Senior Management, providing leadership and coordination in the accounting and administrative activities of the organization.

DESC's accounting department manages an array of complex activity including real estate development/construction accounting, Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) partnerships, and funding contracts from federal and local governments. Under the supervision of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller position is responsible for the accounting operations of DESC, including the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the company's reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

A cover letter is required to apply for this position. Thank you!

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.

• Directly supervise two Accounting Managers and indirectly supervise a team of 15 accounting assistants, specialists, supervisors and accountants.

• Manage all accounting workflow through the department, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, federal contract invoicing and a representative payee program.

• Participate in the development and implementation of policies and procedures and internal controls for accounting operations.

• Identify and implement process improvements within the department.

• Ensure accounting records are up-to-date, accurate, and general ledger accounts are reconciled timely.

• Coordinate audit activity in relation to financial statement audits, 403(b) audits, IRS Form 990, and Uniform Guidance audits.

• Support the CFO in the preparation of accurate and timely monthly financial reports to management, the Board of Directors, LIHTC investors and public funders.

• Ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period and collate financial reporting materials for government, corporate, and foundation contracts/grants.

• Assist CFO and Finance Director in organizational cash flow planning and forecasting.

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal tax and reporting requirements.

• Recruit, mentor, train, manage and evaluate a diverse team, keeping a strong focus on DESC's social service mission.

• Maintain strong knowledge of DESC personnel policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreement.

• Other duties as assigned.

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 will be required to sit, communicate with other employees and vendors, is required to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds and to operate computer hardware systems. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Considerable stress may occur.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

DESC is committed to diversity in the workplace, and promotes equal employment opportunities for all staff members and applicants. The Agency will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, caste, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability in any employment practice, unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification. Minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Six years of progressively responsible accounting experience including at least three years of management and supervisory experience.

• Two years of experience in nonprofit or governmental fund accounting. A strong track record of learning new areas of accounting may substitute for this experience.

• BA in accounting, finance, or equivalent degree.

• Experience managing accounting workflow and implementing process improvements.

• Personal qualities of integrity and credibility and a willingness to submit to an in-depth prior employment confirmation and background check.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in support of supervisory and accounting workflow management.

• Ability to work flexible hours as required by program and staffing needs including evenings or weekends.

• Technology savvy with advanced knowledge of accounting software and Microsoft Office.

• Keen analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills which allows for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, board or other outside partners.

• Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including non-finance managers.

• Demonstrated respect for diversity and commitment to developing multicultural competency sensitivity.

• Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• CPA license (active or inactive).

• Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) or real estate development experience.

• Experience overseeing federal contract compliance, managing audits from independent CPAs and government agencies and working with complex organizational budgets.

• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance requirements.

• Experience with Abila MIP Accounting software, Paylocity, and Microsoft Access.

Salary Description

$115,810.56 - $131,038.08 annually