Controller

Housing-Authority-of-the-City-of-Mi; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) seeks a Controller to lead the Finance Department, ensuring accurate financial reporting across public housing, HCV, and LIHTC/mixed-finance activities.

The role oversees general ledger, audits, internal controls, and monthly closings, serving as the CFO’s accounting partner. Requires extensive accounting leadership and knowledge of GAAP in a multi-fund government/nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• Seven years of progressively responsible accounting or financial-management experience.
• At least three years of supervisory or management experience leading accounting staff.
• Knowledge of GAAP, financial-statement preparation, audit requirements, internal controls, and GL reporting.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage day-to-day operations of the Finance Department.
• Oversee accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll review, grant accounting, fixed assets, and financial reporting.
• Lead technical accounting analysis and implementation of new accounting standards.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable governmental accounting standards.
• Coordinate audits and prepare schedules and supporting documentation.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Leadership

Audit coordination

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

Tools

Yardi

ERP systems

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: HACM - Milwaukee, WI 53202

Position Description

Controller

Finance and Accounting Department

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

Position Summary

The Controller directs the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee’s (HACM) accounting operations and ensures the integrity, timeliness, and transparency of financial information across public housing, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), and LIHTC/mixed-finance activities. The Controller leads financial reporting, the annual audit, accounting policy, internal controls, cash and balance-sheet reconciliation, and the accounting team. The position serves as the Chief Financial Officer’s (CFO) principal accounting leader and a strategic partner to the CFO on financial matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Administration

• Direct and manage day-to-day operations of the Finance Department.
• Serve as the senior financial administrator responsible for accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury administration, and compliance activities.
• Evaluate financial operations and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, compliance, and internal controls.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to executive leadership.

Accounting and Financial Operations

• Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll review, grant accounting, fixed assets, and financial reporting.
• Lead technical accounting analysis and implementation of new accounting standards.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of all accounting records and financial transactions.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and accounting adjustments.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes.
• Monitor interfund and inter-program transactions.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable governmental accounting standards.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare, review, and present monthly financial statements, management reports, and supporting analysis.
• Prepare financial reports for HUD, lenders, investors, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of all financial reporting requirements.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Coordinate annual operating, capital, grant, and development budget preparation.
• Assist with Agency-wide financial forecasting and long-range financial planning.
• Review budget-to-actual reports and provide variance analysis and recommendations.
• Monitor budget performance and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Review budget amendments and financial projections.
• Assist with debt management, capital planning, and financing initiatives.

Treasury and Cash Management

• Monitor Agency-wide cash flow, liquidity, and funding requirements.
• Manage operating subsidy funding and capital fund financial activities.
• Review bank reconciliations and banking activities.
• Review, prepare, and recommend fund transfers for CFO approval.
• Assist with cash management strategies and reserve monitoring.
• Review and process draw requests and supporting documentation for Operating Fund, Capital Fund, grants, and other funding sources.

HCV Contractor Financial Oversight and HUD Compliance

• Provide finance and accounting oversight of HCV program contractor.
• Monitor compliance with HUD financial management requirements, 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance) regulations, grant requirements, and federal, state, and local financial regulations.

Audit and Internal Controls

• Serve as the primary coordinator for all financial audits, regulatory reviews, and compliance examinations.
• Manage auditor requests and preparation of audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate responses to HUD financial reviews and monitoring activities.
• Develop and maintain strong internal control systems to safeguard HACM assets.
• Ensure implementation of audit recommendation and corrective action plans.
• Conduct periodic reviews of financial processes and risk management practices.

Leadership and Staff Development

• Supervise finance department personnel and provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Plan, assign, review, and evaluate employee performance.
• Participate in recruitment, hiring, disciplinary actions, and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of accountability, customer service, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Other Duties

• Assist with Board financial presentations and executive financial reporting.
• Assist the CFO in developing and implementing financial strategies that support HACM goals and objectives.
• Serve as acting financial lead during the absence of the CFO when delegated.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• Seven years of progressively responsible professional accounting or financial-management experience, including substantial responsibility for financial reporting, audit, controls, and staff supervision.
• At least three years of supervisory or management experience leading accounting staff in a complex, multi-fund, multi-entity, governmental, nonprofit, real-estate, or similarly regulated environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP, financial-statement preparation, audit requirements, internal controls, and advanced general-ledger and financial-reporting systems.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered in accordance with Authority policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or comparable professional credential.
• Experience with HUD-assisted housing programs, including Public Housing, HCV, Capital Fund, and HUD financial reporting.
• Experience with LIHTC, mixed-finance real estate, consolidations, development accounting, debt, or investor reporting.
• Experience implementing or improving Yardi.
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance, federal cost principles, grant management, and cost-allocation methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Apply sound accounting judgement to complex, multi-program and multi-entity transactions.
• Analyze detailed financial information and translate it into clear, actionable guidance for non-financial leaders.
• Establish priorities, meet recurring deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a high-volume environment.
• Lead through change, develop staff, hold others accountable, and build effective cross-functional relationships.
• Use spreadsheets, ERP systems, financial-reporting tools, and data-analysis applications at an advanced level.
• Communicate professionally and effectively in written reports, presentations, meetings, and interactions with internal and external stakeholders.