Position Description

Director of Finance
Location Headquarters
Job Code 2024FEB26
# of Openings 1
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                     DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

ABOUT THE POSITION: The Director of Finance is responsible for all aspects of the agency’s financial reporting and analyses, internal controls, budget, financial compliance, banking, audit, and tax functions. This position, along with the Controller (LCSNW), coordinates the daily operations of all accounting functions to ensure efficiency and accuracy, as well as managing accounting department staff. The Director contributes significantly to the overall success of the agency by strategically directing and effectively managing all financial aspects of the organization’s undertakings. As a member of the leadership team, the Director provides leadership, and subject matter expertise and actively participates in defining the agency’s overall strategic direction in areas of operational infrastructure and financial strategies that promote long-term sustainability.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Compass Housing Alliance develops and provides essential services and affordable housing for individuals and families experiencing housing instability in the greater Puget Sound region. We envision a world in which every person lives in a safe and caring community. Compass offers an open, supportive, and challenging work environment committed to promoting the dignity and well-being of each person that we serve. We consider the diversity of the staff, guests, residents, and community partners to be an important asset. We recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to the organization. Compass is proud to be an affiliate agency of Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW). LCSNW partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope by providing support services in key areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, refugees, and support to aging adults and people with disabilities to live independent lives. To learn more about the agency visit www.compasshousingalliance.org.   

LOCATION: South Lake Neighborhood (Seattle, WA)
**This position offers a location hybrid model with at-home and in-office days

REPORTS TO: President

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (plus evenings & weekends as needed for emergencies)

SALARY RANGE: $115,000-$137,500 DOE and within Compass range

FULL TIME BENEFITS INCLUDED: Unlimited Orca Transportation Pass, Medical/Prescription/Vision, Dental, $500 Health Flexible Spending Account 4 Weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) & 11 Paid Holidays, Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. The employee in this position must be able to read, write, and understand English.

Budget & Project Management

o   Prepare annual budget spreadsheets and assist the President and Executive leaders in budget development.

o   Perform cash flow projections and advise on cash flow management, including treasury management and banking relations.

o   Develop scenario planning budget options for ongoing decision-making of projects for Senior Leadership.

o   Assist Program Directors and others with the preparation of budgets for program and project funding applications.

o   Manage accounting software systems (e.g., Abila MIP), ensuring accurate daily transactions and general ledger maintenance.

o   Collaborate with the Director of Asset Management and Chief Operations Officer on financing new housing projects, refinancing, and other complex financial transactions.

o   Manage financial portions of project monitoring reports for funders and ensure compliance with all financial and contract reporting requirements.

o   Work closely with the President on strategy development and execution.

o   Staff the Finance and Audit Committees of the Board of Directors.

Direct Accounting and Finance Department

o   Collaborate with Lutheran Community Services Northwest to lead and manage all finance and accounting functions for Compass Housing Alliance.

o   Oversee the work product of the accounting staff, ensuring adherence to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

o   Monitor accuracy of staff work in recording transactions, reviewing receipts, disbursements, and payroll transactions.

o   Ensure correct account distribution and prepare month-end and recurring journal entries.

o   Coordinate review with accounting staff and management to maintain dual control of all accounting transactions.

o   Provide both internal financial and process improvement groups to develop and identify improved methods of operational savings and to explore new improved models that more cogently and accurately illustrate the agency’s financial position.

o   Present on agency finances at Finance Committee, Executive, and Board meetings.

Banking, Property & Fixed Assets Accounting Management

o   Oversee agency banking, including checks, wires, and payments preparation.

o   Oversee the reconciliation of general checking and accounts monthly.

o   Monitor accounting records maintained by third-party property management companies.

o   Manage accounting for fixed assets, loans, construction, and development projects.

o   Ensure accurate and complete accounting records as per regulations and grantor/lender requirements.

Financial Reports, Audits & Compliance

o   Prepare and ensure the accuracy and timeliness of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for the Board, management, external grantors, and creditors.

o   Interpret financial and budget reports, compile and analyze accounting data, and ensure the maintenance of chronological records of financial statements and related information.

o   Provide daily cash balance review and reporting, banking cash management, accounts payable approval, and contributions oversight.

o   Ensure accurate and timely filing of tax and annual reports with government agencies.

o   Manage preparation for annual external audits, cost certifications, and responses to regulatory inquiries.

o   Coordinate and oversee all audits to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Leadership

o   Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the work. All employees are expected to make efforts in their work and in their conduct to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level.

o   Maintain a favorable working relationship with all other agency employees to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate.

o   Project a favorable image of the organization to promote its aims and objectives and foster and enhance public recognition and acceptance of all its areas of endeavor.

o   Perform all duties and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner in accordance with established agency policies to achieve the overall objectives of this position.

o   Serve as a member of the executive management team.

o   Facilitate regular team Staff Meetings.

o   Keep immediate supervisor promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters of significance.

o   Take prompt corrective action where necessary or suggest alternative courses of action which may be taken.

o   Handle conflict situations proactively and effectively, modeling good conflict resolution skills.

o   Create a climate where staff are challenged, supported, and motivated to do their best to help the individual, team, program, and agency meet its goals.

o   Build strong teams that apply their diverse skills and perspective to achieve common goals in a mutually supportive fashion.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Carry out supervisory duties in accordance with the agency policies and applicable laws. May directly supervise finance staff. Responsibilities include the following: Interview, hire, and train staff; plan, assign and direct work; monitor performance; provide recognition to staff; provide coach/counseling and discipline, when necessary; address complaints and resolve problems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

·        Ability to effectively convey financial, banking, and other accounting technical problems and solutions with staff who have varying degrees of financial expertise.

·        Ethical, relationally oriented behavior and positive leadership.

·        Strong working knowledge of housing non-profit accounting, finance, and budget functions.

·        Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), legislation affecting nonprofits, and audit experience.

·        Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment where direction may change quickly or frequently while maintaining standards of high quality.

·        Capable of big-picture thinking, able to quickly grasp and understand complex problems and lead teams to solutions.

·        Critical thinking with the ability to hold competing options and challenge habitual thinking.

·        Manage difficult interpersonal situations effectively and know when to seek out support from your manager when needed.

·        Ability to follow agency policy and procedures to maintain safety and security within the facility.

·        Ability to set and maintain boundaries in a professional manner.

·        Model sound interpersonal boundaries and emotional intelligence.

·        Promote a team environment that values, encourages, and supports differences.

·        Relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people, while valuing their differences.

·        Strong problem solving, time and project management skills are required to be successful in this role.

·        Work independently and as part of a team, particularly to exercise sound decision making in the absence of supervision, with strong collaboration skills.

·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to communicate effectively about technical problems and solutions.

·        Aptitude for learning new technology skills with Microsoft products and other internet-based software.

·        Ability to learn new functions on office equipment and devices (printer, scanner, projector, mailing machine, copier).

EDUCATION
AND/OR EXPERIENCE

·        A minimum of 6 years of experience in finance, with specific knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and capital financing, required.

·        A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field (MBA or graduate-level degree preferred) required.

·        CPA or CFA designation, desired.

·        Experience with property accounting, acquisition transactions, and audits, desired.

·        Proficiency in accounting software (Abila MIP preferred), Paylocity and MS Excel, required.

·        Extensive experience with the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) program, desired.

·        Awareness and/or training around issues of equity, intersectionality, and belonging, desired.

·        Familiarity with topics of housing instability, mental health, substance use, sexual assault, and/or domestic violence. Experience working in an environment where language may be a barrier, desired.

·        Valid WA driver’s license, proof of car insurance, and a driving record that meets Compass standards, required.

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.

o   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.

o   The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger/ handle/feel/type, and reach with hands and arms. Requires the ability to occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry supplies up to 20 pounds.

o   Work takes place in an office environment where long periods of sitting, working on a computer, walking to various work areas, going up and down stairs, and standing are required.

o   Travel to program sites and meetings outside the office and around the county are necessary.

Mental efforts like attention to detail, interacting with others in-person and through email, using critical thinking skills to strategize, develop and implement business plans, create, and edit documents, listen, and participate verbally at meetings. 

In compliance with the ADA Amendment Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department via phone at 206-474-1100 or via e-mail at HRInfo@compasshousingalliance.org.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is normal. Compass programs are housed within a human services environment in the Greater Seattle area. Our diverse client/guest/resident community includes many single, formerly homeless adults who lack any family support system. Compounding the constraints of poverty, our community includes individuals who are physically and/or mentally disabled, persons living with AIDS, those who struggle with chemical dependencies, veterans, and vulnerable, elderly adults. Working at Compass will mean that you will be in close proximity to the people we serve.

This position is eligible for occasional remote work per manager approval.

Compass facilities are monitored with camera surveillance equipment for safety and security purposes. The cameras will generally be utilized only in public areas where there is not a reasonable expectation of privacy.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Compass Housing Alliance maintains practices and policies that eliminate barriers to equal employment opportunity and strives to ensure that applicants and employees are treated without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, gender identity, genetic information, honorably discharged veteran or military status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, political ideology, sensory, physical or mental disability, caste status, the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability and all other groups protected by law. Compass’s policies and practices are intended to promote diversity and equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment, such as: recruitment, selection, compensation, hours of work, work schedules, benefits, training, retention, promotions, demotions, transfers, advertising, layoff, and termination. All employees of the agency are required to comply with the provisions of these policies. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

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