Controller

JOB OVERVIEW

The Controller is HACH’s chief accounting officer and leads its day-to-day accounting operations. The Controller is responsible for the general ledger, the month-end and year-end close, financial statement preparation, federal award and grant accounting, internal controls, cash management, and coordination of the annual independent audit.

The Controller keeps the Authority’s financial records accurate, timely, and in full compliance with HUD program requirements, the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and generally accepted accounting principles for governmental entities. The role works closely with the Chief Financial Officer, the Executive Director, department directors, independent auditors, HUD, the Connecticut Department of Housing, banks, and insurers.

It supports reporting to the Board of Commissioners.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting Operations and Financial Reporting

• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts across all funds and programs, including the Public Housing Operating Fund, Capital Fund Program, Housing Choice Voucher program, and state and local funding sources.
• Direct the monthly, quarterly, and annual close; prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare accurate, timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP for governmental entities, including applicable GASB pronouncements such as pension and other post-employment benefit (OPEB) reporting.
• Produce regular financial reports for the CFO, Executive Director, department heads, and Board of Commissioners that turn technical data into clear, decision-ready information.

Federal Award and Grant Accounting

• Administer accounting and financial compliance for all federal awards, including Public Housing operating subsidy, Housing Choice Voucher Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) and administrative fees, the Capital Fund Program, and special-purpose vouchers and grants (such as Mainstream, VASH, FUP, and Emergency Housing Vouchers).
• Prepare and submit the unaudited and audited Financial Data Schedule (FDS) through HUD’s Financial Assessment Subsystem (FASS-PH), and support Voucher Management System (VMS) reporting, Operating Fund subsidy submissions, and Capital Fund reporting.
• Manage federal draws and cash reconciliation through HUD’s Line of Credit Control System (eLOCCS).
• Ensure compliance with 2 CFR Part 200, coordinate the annual financial audit and Single Audit (Subpart F), and prepare the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).
• Monitor grant spending against budgets and award terms; prepare drawdowns, reimbursement requests, and close-out packages.
• Provide accounting support for Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) conversions and other asset repositioning activities, as applicable.

Budgeting, Cash Management, and Financial Analysis

• Support the CEO in developing the annual agency and program-level budgets; monitor actual results against budget and prepare variance analyses with recommended corrective actions.
• Forecast cash flow and manage cash, banking relationships, and the investment of funds consistent with Connecticut statutes and HUD requirements, safeguarding agency assets.
• Support the Capital Fund 5-Year Action Plan and annual Capital Fund budgets with project-level cost tracking for rehabilitation and construction activities.

Internal Controls, Audit, and Compliance

• Design, document, test, and continuously strengthen internal controls, including segregation of duties and safeguards over rent collections, HAP disbursements, payroll, and procurement.
• Lead preparation for and response to the annual independent audit, HUD reviews, and monitoring visits; resolve findings through corrective action plans.
• Coordinate with external audit and consulting firms engaged by the Authority.
• Support procurement compliance and review contracts for financial terms and payment accuracy.
• Oversee payroll accounting in coordination with the payroll vendor and Human Resources.

Supervision and Leadership

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate accounting staff; build a culture of accuracy, accountability, and professional development.
• Establish and maintain the Authority’s financial policies and procedures manual.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.

EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Public Administration.
• Active CPA license, or ability to obtain a Connecticut license by reciprocity.
• Experience with a public housing authority, HUD-assisted housing, state or local government, or another public-sector entity subject to Single Audit requirements.
• Direct experience with HUD financial reporting systems (FASS-PH, eLOCCS, VMS) and RAD conversions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Expert knowledge of GAAP for governmental entities, including GASB standards applicable to housing authorities.
• Working knowledge of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), HUD requirements for Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program, and the Connecticut General Statutes governing housing authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage the full accounting cycle through audit issuance, including financial statements and the SEFA.
• Strong supervisory, coaching, and performance-management skills.
• Advanced proficiency with accounting/ERP systems, spreadsheet analysis, and reporting tools; ability to evaluate and implement financial system improvements.
• Excellent written and oral communication, including presenting financial information to a Board of Commissioners and non-financial managers.
• Uncompromising integrity and a commitment to confidentiality, ethics, and transparent public stewardship.

Pay: From $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person