Position: Compliance Specialist
Reports to the Director of Compliance and Vice President of Compliance
The Compliance Specialist will provide oversight and will review all Tenant Recertifications and/or Initial Certifications in accordance with all Federal, State, and Local regulatory requirements and will also review, approve, and submit all responses to outside agencies or lender reviews.
The Compliance Specialist will have assigned properties. Under the guidance of the Director of Compliance and Vice President of Compliance, the Compliance Specialist collaborates with members of the integrity team and ensures adherence to all applicable regulatory guidelines
This role involves monitoring and reviewing tenant files, tracking compliance data, providing compliance guidance, and implementing best practices to prevent and resolve non-compliance issues. The Compliance Specialist plays a critical role in supporting onsite staff and ownership entities to develop and sustain effective compliance systems. Must have Emphasys and OneSite experience and work in a fast-paced environment.
Job Function:
- Review and approve all Initial Certifications.
- Review and approve all Re-Certifications/Renewals.
- Conduct random reviews of Resident Files at the site for order and completeness.
- Guide Community Management Staff on compliance-related issues as needed.
- Review and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports that have been prepared by Community Management Staff.
- Review and submit all audit/review responses that have been prepared by Community Management Staff.
- Assist with the development and facilitation of internal compliance forms, policies, procedures, and training.
- Ensure compliance with affordable housing programs, including but not limited to LIHTC, Section 8, Home, Emphasys and OneSite, TCAP, NSP, 1602 Exchange, Bond, and Public Housing Authority Program.
- Monitor and audit tenant files to confirm adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Review and approve all Move-Ins, Unit Transfers, Annual and Interim Certifications to verify compliance within required timelines.
- Ensure timely submission of Compliance-related documents, including 50058’s, MTW’s, 50059’s, and TIC’s.
- Monitor deadlines for annual recertifications and other compliance-related reporting.
- Generate and review monthly EIV reports, ensuring onsite staff completes required compliance monitoring.
- Assist with preparing responses and gathering supporting documentation for Management and Occupancy Reviews (MOR) and other audits.
Job Requirements:
- College Degree preferred with experience in the affordable housing industry or at least 2 years of work experience in the affordable housing industry.
- Currently hold an HCCP and other nationally recognized Tax Credit Certification or equivalent certification preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal skills and advanced math skills are required.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Proficiency in either OneSite or Yardi is preferred.
- Must have the ability to multitask.
- Some overnight travel is required.
File Audits & Quality Assurance
- Conduct ongoing audits of tenant files, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program requirements.
- Provide corrective action recommendations to Community Managers and the Community Leasing Specialist team for any identified compliance issues.
- Maintain and update compliance records in Onesite and applicable state agency systems.
- Ensure that all required paperwork for Initial Qualifications, Syndicator Reviews, Lender Reviews, Move-ins, Recertifications, and Internal Transfers aligns with Federal, State, and Local regulatory standards.
Training & Support for Onsite Teams
- Act as a compliance resource for Community Managers, ensuring they understand program requirements and deadlines.
- Conduct monthly site visits to review file compliance and perform sample audits of Move-Ins, Annual, and Interim Certifications.
- Provide ongoing support and guidance to onsite teams to enhance their compliance knowledge and effectiveness.
- Foster teamwork and collaboration between Community management staff and compliance leadership.
Reporting & Compliance Monitoring
- Track and monitor compliance data using spreadsheets, ensuring accurate and up-to-date reporting.
- Generate and analyze compliance reports to track portfolio status and compliance trends.
- Submit timely and accurate compliance reports to regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders.
- Maintain Compliance records in both OneSite and online state agency systems.
- Adapt to changing regulations, organizational structures, and work priorities to ensure continued compliance.
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the compliance function.
- Maintain confidentiality and integrity in handling compliance-related matters.
- Ensure all activities comply with company policies and local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
This job description should not be considered all-inclusive. It is merely a guide of expected job duties and responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities described are not permanent and may be modified at any time. At the request of management, an employee may be asked to perform additional duties within the scope of our work with little to no advance notice.
Our Mission:
Provide quality affordable housing for low and moderate-income families.
Provide an environment for its team members to excel and be recognized and rewarded for their accomplishments.
Provide the Principals and Partners with a fair return on their efforts and investments
Core Values:
EXCELLENCE | INTEGRITY | RESPONSIBILITY | RESPONSIVENESS |RESPECT | CHARACTER
Skills Required
- At least 2 years of work experience in the affordable housing industry, or a college degree preferred with affordable housing experience
- HCCP and another nationally recognized Tax Credit Certification or equivalent certification
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Advanced math skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Proficiency with OneSite or Yardi
- Ability to multitask
- Some overnight travel
- Experience with Emphasys and OneSite
What We Do
Columbia Residential is an integrated real estate company comprised of master planning, development, project management, construction management, property and asset management, and tax credit compliance disciplines with a focus on mixed-finance, multi-family rental property. This holistic model supports and fuels our innovative style of community development and has resulted in a diverse array of award-winning properties throughout the southeastern United States including Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. Columbia Residential was founded in 1991 in Atlanta, Georgia, with a focus on Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties. Columbia Residential now owns and manages more than 6,400 units in 50 properties in four states, of which 17 properties are for seniors. Columbia employs more than 250 individuals, the largest portion of which is within the Property Management Company functioning in on-site property management positions. Columbia Residential is led by principals James S. Grauley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Aaron Swain, President of Property Management and Operations; and Carmen Chubb, President, who bring more than 50 years of combined, long-standing industry development experience to the organization. Grauley, Swain, and Chubb are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the company, including its ownership, development, and management responsibilities.
