Controller

Job Description

About NRHA

Founded in 1940, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) provides low-income families in Norfolk, Virginia with safe and well-maintained housing. It also plans and administers large-scale residential redevelopment programs within Norfolk.

NRHA is an award-winning public housing authority that has been effective in obtaining private investment partners to fund new neighborhoods; improving low-income public housing; planning and building mixed-income communities; and offering programs that support residents receiving rental assistance on their path to self-sufficiency. NRHA aims to create and apply meaningful housing and neighborhood development programs to serve all residents of Norfolk, Virginia.

NRHA looks for people who want to work in a challenging and progressive environment and make a positive difference in the community.

NRHA seeks qualified candidates for Controller.

Summary

Oversees the financial operations and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. This position is responsible for accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, policies and procedures, audits, and overall financial planning as well as plays a key role in strategic planning and works closely with other departments to support program operations and financial accountability.

Serves as lead technical authority on financial policy development and execution. Analyzes and evaluates existing and alternative fiscal and financial management practices. Directs and analyzes studies of general economic, business, and financial conditions. Oversees financial audit and other audit functions. Supervises subordinate Finance department staff. Confers with and advises senior management on financial management matters. Represents the organization before external parties.

Essential Functions

Responsible for accounting, financial management systems, policies, procedures, and practices: accounting, and financial policies; oversees financial auditing operations; represents the organization to the public on issues involving financial matters; monitors and takes corrective action on accounting, and financial management systems; negotiates with internal and external parties on procedures and contracted services; acts to assure compliance of financial operations with legal and professional practice standards; and approves financial reports that are submitted to external parties, including but not limited to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Develop and maintain accurate financial records in accordance with GAAP, GASB, and HUD regulations. Ensure compliance with HUD accounting and reporting requirements, including FDS (Financial Data Schedule) submissions. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

Oversees, guides, and participates in the daily financial operation functions: reviews and approves transactions to ensure sound financial processes and adequate cash flow are in place; monitors cash flow and status; approves wire transfer and investment transactions; approves disbursements per policies, approves bi-weekly payroll; reviews financial performance reports; and responds to customer financial operations issues.

Supervise accounting staff and oversee payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger functions. Provides general supervision of activities of subordinate staff to ensure effective operation of the Finance department in all accounting areas: may perform full range of supervisory activities, including but not limited to assigning and coordinating work; acting on employee problems; and hiring, promoting, developing, disciplining, and rewarding employees.

Analyzes and evaluates existing and alternative fiscal and financial management practices: identifies and recommends changes of major importance; and determines, establishes, and implements procedural changes in financial management.

Directs and analyzes studies of general economic, business, and financial conditions and their general impact on the organization’s policies and operations; works closely with internal and external officials and administrators and representatives of private and public agencies to ensure support for and coordination of economic development activities.

Oversees financial audit and other audit functions: coordinates annual financial audit with Finance department staff; participates in selection of auditing firm; participates in planning and implementation of audit schedule; monitors audit activity; resolves issues related to the successful completion of audits; communicates with representatives from auditing firm; and reports results to senior management and the Board of Commissioners.

Performs routine administrative tasks as required: completes internal and external forms; composes and submits correspondence, emails, memoranda, and reports; reviews, comments, and approves forms, memoranda, reports, and other documents; and acts to assure proper documents management.

Assist with grant reporting, compliance, and tracking of restricted funds. Implement and maintain financial software systems. Participate in strategic planning and decision-making as a key member of the leadership team.

Undertakes or supervises special assignments as directed.

Performs other related work as required.

Education, Experience, and Licenses

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or Master’s degree preferred but not required. Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or related field.

Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.

Experience in public housing, governmental accounting, or nonprofit sector strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong knowledge of HUD regulations, GAAP, and GASB.

Proficiency with financial software (e.g., Yardi, Emphasys, or similar systems) and Microsoft Excel.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Comprehensive and current knowledge of public-sector budgeting, accounting, and financial management systems, particularly those related to federal, state, and local financing of public housing and redevelopment projects and programs.

Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to provide clear work instructions, compose technical reports, and respond to questions on a variety of job-related matters.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, see, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Housing Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week

Full-time