Senior Controller

**In addition to the salary posted above, this position is currently receiving an additional 5% premium pay due to the position being in King County.

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission is seeking a Senior Controller to lead our financial operations and support our mission to advance affordable housing across Washington State. The Senior Controller is an executive-level position, reporting to the Senior Director of Finance. This is a unique opportunity to bring innovation and leadership to a high-impact agency during a time of exciting growth and modernization.

The Senior Controller leads all accounting operations and financial reporting for the Commission, managing a talented finance team and overseeing a portfolio that includes:

• $8.5 billion in outstanding bonds
• $744 million in program-related investments
• $1+ billion in mortgage-backed securities sold annually.
• A general operations fund of $27 million
• Agency-wide budgets exceeding $39 million in revenue

This position plays a critical leadership role in internal controls, financial strategy, and compliance with GAAP, GASB, FASB, and state regulatory standards. You’ll oversee the preparation of financial statements, manage internal and external audits, and provide strategic input on policy and budget development. The Senior Controller also supports our affiliate agency the Washington Higher Education Facilities Authority.

The Senior Controller will report to the Senior Finance Director and act with full authority in their absence.

WHO WE ARE:

The Commission is a market-driven and self-supporting agency created to provide below-market rate financing for building, purchasing, or preserving affordable housing and nonprofit capital facilities. The Commission functions as a financing conduit between developers, lenders, first-time home buyers, real estate professionals, and nonprofit organizations to provide affordable financing for homes, rental housing, civic and social services facilities, energy conservation projects and first-time farmers and ranchers.

We believe that creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment is important and vital to the success of the Commission. We believe in working together to create an environment free from harassment and discrimination and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead daily financial operations, including overseeing the Division’s General Operations, Bond Portfolio Management, and Program-Related Investments.
• Manage and develop a team of approximately 10 professionals, providing strong leadership, team building, problem solving and interpersonal guidance. Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture aligned with the Commission’s DE&I values.
• Oversee the Commission’s full accounting function, including preparation and distribution of timely and accurate financial statements, bond reporting, and budget execution.
• Manage and improve internal control structures, and act as the agency’s internal control officer.
• Lead the annual accountability and single audits with the State Auditor’s office and oversee independent audit processes.
• Oversee Commission reserves and investment programs to ensure strong returns and alignment with approved policies.
• Implement and manage fiscal procedures for new and existing housing finance programs, including the Home Advantage mortgage program and seller/servicer initiatives. Assure proper and accurate recording, reconciliation and reporting.
• Partner in evaluating new programs and managing risk to safeguard the Commission’s financial health and mission impact.
• Oversee compliance with bond and loan covenants, assuring proper flow and accounting of funds to maintain agency credibility so critical in the marketability of our bond issues.
• Develop and implement fiscal policies and evaluate technical accounting guidance.
• Partner with the Senior Finance Director in modernizing and operationalizing financial systems and processes.
• Lead contract negotiations with auditors and trustees.
• Represent the Commission and Senior Finance Director at industry conferences and meetings

We are most interested in candidates who meet or exceed the following criteria:

• 5+ years of experience in a senior-level Accounting or Controller role, including building, developing and managing a high-performing team that delivers timely and accurate work
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and FASB standards with demonstrated ability to effectively operationalize new accounting guidance
• Proven track record in establishing and maintaining internal controls, as well as leading audits, budgeting, strategic planning, and financial operations and analysis
• Proficient in leveraging technology and automated accounting systems to enhance financial operations
• Compassionate leader who is skilled in motivating and developing staff
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively cross-functionally
• A fast learner; can manage through complexity; adaptable and able to quickly adjust to evolving priorities
• Passion for continuous improvement and solving pain points
• Exercises sound judgment; transparent and proactively addresses challenges

PREFERRED/DESIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• CPA license
• GFOA’s Certified Public Finance Officer designation
• Certified Governmental Financial Manager or Management Accountant
• Experience in tax-exempt bonds and investments, public-sector finance, mortgage-backed securities, loan and mortgage financing, debt accounting

BENEFITS:

We offer a generous benefits package that includes a full array of family medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance coverage; a state retirement plan; deferred compensation; 12 paid holidays; paid vacation, sick and military leave; subsidized bus, train, or ferry passes; credit union memberships; alternate workweek schedules, and telecommuting.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

For a confidential conversation or to submit your application with resume and cover letter. Please contact our recruitment partner: LeAnna Spriestersbach at LeAnna@anvilrockconsulting.com.

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission is committed to providing equal employment, job assignments and promotional opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to all staff as needed. Women, black, Indigenous and people of color, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, all honorably discharged veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the WSHFC Recruiting Partner at LeAnna@anvilrockconsulting.com.