Controller

Overview

Controller Jobs in Reading, PA at Berks County Housing Authority

Title: Controller

Company: Berks County Housing Authority

Location: Reading, PA

Controller / Finance Manager

Berks County Housing Authority

Position Summary

The Controller / Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the Housing Authority, including accounting, accounts payable, bank reconciliations, financial reporting, budgeting, audit preparation, HUD reporting, procurement and contract tracking, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

This position supervises the Accounts Payable staff member and ensures timely and accurate processing of vendor payments, maintenance of financial controls, and compliance with Housing Authority policies, HUD regulations, and procurement requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Accounting Department, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, general ledger activity, financial reporting, and payroll coordination as applicable.
• Supervises the Accounts Payable employee, including assigning work, reviewing performance, providing guidance, and ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and vendor payments.
• Reviews and processes vendor payments, including printing checks, verifying payment documentation, and ensuring payments are properly approved and coded to the correct programs, grants, properties, or funding sources.
• Reviews Positive Pay activity with the Authority’s bank on a daily basis to verify issued checks, identify exceptions, and prevent fraudulent or unauthorized transactions.
• Maintains and monitors a documented system of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard Housing Authority funds and minimize financial risk.
• Oversees preparation of periodic financial reports for management, the Board of Commissioners, HUD, funding agencies, and other required entities.
• Ensures financial records and reports comply with generally accepted accounting principles, HUD requirements, grant requirements, and applicable financial reporting standards.
• Assists with preparation of the annual operating budget, program budgets, grant budgets, and financial forecasts; monitors budget-to-actual performance and reports significant variances to management.
• Provides financial analysis related to Housing Authority operations, including program funding, contracts, procurement, capital projects, property management activities, and administrative expenses.
• Maintains tracking systems for contracts, procurement activity, vendor agreements, purchase orders, bid documents, insurance requirements, and contract expiration or renewal dates.
• Assists with procurement compliance, including review of purchasing documentation, cost reasonableness, proper approvals, and adherence to Housing Authority procurement policies and applicable federal requirements.
• Coordinates with department heads and program staff to ensure contracts, invoices, purchase orders, and funding allocations are accurate and properly documented.
• Prepares, reviews, or assists with HUD-required reports, including financial submissions and Housing Choice Voucher-related reporting.
• Maintains or assists with Voucher Management System reporting for the Housing Choice Voucher program, including review of HCV financial data, leasing, HAP-related expenses, administrative fees, and other required VMS entries.
• Works with external auditors and provides schedules, reports, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for the annual audit of the Housing Authority and related entities.
• Files or assists with monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, including financial board reports, HUD reports, grant reports, and other required submissions.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements, including HUD regulations, procurement standards, audit requirements, and internal Housing Authority policies.
• Maintains accurate financial files, audit documentation, procurement records, contract files, and supporting documentation for payments and reports.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises one Accounts Payable employee and is responsible for training, oversight, workflow management, performance feedback, and ensuring proper internal controls within the accounts payable process.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field required.
• Five to ten years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience preferred.
• Prior experience with a housing authority, HUD-funded programs, governmental accounting, nonprofit accounting, or public-sector finance strongly preferred.
• Experience with accounts payable, bank reconciliations, budget preparation, audit support, procurement tracking, and grant or program reporting required.
• Experience with HUD systems, Housing Choice Voucher financial reporting, or VMS reporting preferred.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of HUD programs, housing authority operations, governmental accounting, or grant-funded programs preferred.
• Ability to supervise staff and ensure accountability, accuracy, and timely completion of work.
• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes, vendor payment controls, check processing, and bank reconciliation procedures.
• Ability to review Positive Pay exceptions and identify potential payment issues or fraud risks.
• Ability to maintain contract, procurement, and vendor records in an organized and compliant manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Proficiency with accounting software and financial reporting systems.
• Ability to handle confidential financial and personnel information with discretion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Berks County Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer.