Description
Lead the performance and results of Housing Catalyst's Accounting department. This departmental leadership role oversees complex, high-impact financial programs that are critical to our mission and culture. This role is best suited for a hands-on accounting leader who thrives in a complex, deadline-driven environment and can balance technical accounting expertise with operational leadership.
About Housing Catalyst: Our work succeeds because of people passionate about affordable housing and its positive impact on lives and communities. We care deeply for those we serve-and for the employees who support them. We foster a supportive environment grounded in teamwork, compassion, honesty, accountability, and fun, with wellness, mindfulness, and professional development woven into daily work.
Why You'll Love Working Here:
- Wellness-forward culture: active Wellness Committee; annual health campaigns; Health Links Certified Healthy Workplace Leader in Colorado; periodic mindfulness classes.
- Great place to live and work: Fort Collins offers small-town convenience with big-city amenities-local restaurants, live music, diverse arts, and year-round events-plus 300 days of sunshine and a platinum-level, bike-friendly community with 50 parks and 280+ miles of trails.
- Competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement benefits, paid holidays, and PTO. Equal opportunity employer.
- Reduced Work Schedule program may be available per policy and role eligibility.
Core Responsibilities:
- Oversee all accounting and finance functions, including reporting, audits, fixed assets, and intergovernmental accounting.
- Coordinate debt service, accounts payable/receivable, grants, and investor reporting under applicable covenants.
- Prepare and oversee consolidated financial statements and cash flows across multiple entities, programs, and funding sources; manage the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
- Perform internal financial audits in accordance with GAAP and GASB; interpret and implement new pronouncements.
- Develop and maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and reporting procedures; improve systems, workflows, and reporting processes to support accuracy, efficiency, and timely deliverables.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team: hire, train, coach, mentor, set expectations, hold staff accountable for deliverables, and build bench strength.
- Manage competing reporting deadlines, maintain strong internal controls, and lead teams in high-volume, deadline-driven environments.
- Drive innovative process enhancements; cross-train staff to support business continuity.
- Uphold confidentiality and professional standards; maintain regular, prompt attendance; participate in ongoing development.
- May be reassigned in emergencies; perform other duties as required.
Work Model and Conditions:
- Standard office environment; moderate noise. Occasional overnight travel; periodic work outside regular hours.
- Role may be designated essential during suspended operations; if designated, nonexempt hours are paid at time and a half and work may be directed on-site or remotely per incident.
- Position may be eligible for hybrid telecommuting per policy and manager/role suitability assessment.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years in a senior accounting leadership role overseeing staff and complex financial reporting functions; government/nonprofit or public sector experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with HUD reporting, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), bonds, debt structures, and related regulatory and financial reporting requirements.
Licenses/Certifications:
- CPA strongly preferred. Candidates without a CPA should possess substantial experience in governmental, affordable housing, or other highly regulated multi-entity accounting environments.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Deep knowledge of GAAP, GASB, governmental accounting.
- Proven leadership: setting expectations, coaching, retention, and team development.
- Advanced ability to interpret complex standards and implement practical solutions.
- Strong communication, analytical rigor, and data-driven decision-making; high integrity and confidentiality.
- Proven ability to prioritize competing deadlines, maintain strong internal controls, and deliver accurate financial reporting in a high-volume environment.
- Experience with ERP/accounting systems in complex reporting environments; Yardi experience preferred.
Additional Policies and Conditions:
- May be required to work beyond regular hours as business needs dictate; occasional travel.
- Accurate timekeeping and compliance with company policies are required.
- Telecommuting eligibility depends on job duties, workspace, and manager approval; trial periods may apply.
- Position may be subject to financial background checks in compliance with FCRA and the Colorado Employment Opportunity Act.
EEO: Housing Catalyst is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, experience, and abilities.