Director of Accounting

Description

Lead the performance and results of Housing Catalyst’s Accounting department. This departmental leadership role oversees complex, high-impact financial programs that are critical to our mission and culture. This role is best suited for a hands-on accounting leader who thrives in a complex, deadline-driven environment and can balance technical accounting expertise with operational leadership.

About Housing Catalyst: Our work succeeds because of people passionate about affordable housing and its positive impact on lives and communities. We care deeply for those we serve—and for the employees who support them. We foster a supportive environment grounded in teamwork, compassion, honesty, accountability, and fun, with wellness, mindfulness, and professional development woven into daily work.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Wellness-forward culture: active Wellness Committee; annual health campaigns; Health Links Certified Healthy Workplace Leader in Colorado; periodic mindfulness classes.
• Great place to live and work: Fort Collins offers small-town convenience with big-city amenities—local restaurants, live music, diverse arts, and year-round events—plus 300 days of sunshine and a platinum-level, bike-friendly community with 50 parks and 280+ miles of trails.
• Competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement benefits, paid holidays, and PTO. Equal opportunity employer.
• Reduced Work Schedule program may be available per policy and role eligibility.

Core Responsibilities:

• Oversee all accounting and finance functions, including reporting, audits, fixed assets, and intergovernmental accounting.
• Coordinate debt service, accounts payable/receivable, grants, and investor reporting under applicable covenants.
• Prepare and oversee consolidated financial statements and cash flows across multiple entities, programs, and funding sources; manage the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. 
• Perform internal financial audits in accordance with GAAP and GASB; interpret and implement new pronouncements.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and reporting procedures; improve systems, workflows, and reporting processes to support accuracy, efficiency, and timely deliverables. 
• Lead and develop a high-performing team: hire, train, coach, mentor, set expectations, hold staff accountable for deliverables, and build bench strength. 
• Manage competing reporting deadlines, maintain strong internal controls, and lead teams in high-volume, deadline-driven environments. 
• Drive innovative process enhancements; cross-train staff to support business continuity.
• Uphold confidentiality and professional standards; maintain regular, prompt attendance; participate in ongoing development.
• May be reassigned in emergencies; perform other duties as required.

Work Model and Conditions:

• Standard office environment; moderate noise. Occasional overnight travel; periodic work outside regular hours.
• Role may be designated essential during suspended operations; if designated, nonexempt hours are paid at time and a half and work may be directed on-site or remotely per incident.
• Position may be eligible for hybrid telecommuting per policy and manager/role suitability assessment.

Requirements

 Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience,  including at least 5 years in a senior accounting leadership role overseeing staff and complex financial reporting functions; government/nonprofit or public sector experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with HUD reporting, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), bonds, debt structures, and related regulatory and financial reporting requirements. 

Licenses/Certifications:

• CPA strongly preferred. Candidates without a CPA should possess substantial experience in governmental, affordable       housing, or other highly regulated multi-entity accounting environments. 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep knowledge of GAAP, GASB, governmental accounting.
• Proven leadership: setting expectations, coaching, retention, and team development.
• Advanced ability to interpret complex standards and implement practical solutions.
• Strong communication, analytical rigor, and data-driven decision-making; high integrity and confidentiality.
• Proven ability to prioritize competing deadlines, maintain strong internal controls, and deliver accurate financial reporting in a high-volume environment.
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems in complex reporting environments; Yardi experience preferred.

Additional Policies and Conditions:

• May be required to work beyond regular hours as business needs dictate; occasional travel.
• Accurate timekeeping and compliance with company policies are required.
• Telecommuting eligibility depends on job duties, workspace, and manager approval; trial periods may apply.
• Position may be subject to financial background checks in compliance with FCRA and the Colorado Employment Opportunity Act.

EEO: Housing Catalyst is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, experience, and abilities.