Financial Controller

Position Summary

The Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, internal controls, and audit functions for Rochdale Village. This position ensures the accuracy of financial records, compliance with applicable regulations, and provides strategic financial guidance to management and the Board. The Controller supervises accounting staff and plays a critical role in maintaining the financial stability of the cooperative community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Direct and oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Monitor cash flow, investments, and reserve accounts.
• Ensure timely bank reconciliations and account analysis.
• Review and approve journal entries and account reconciliations.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Lead the annual operating and capital budgeting process.
• Prepare long-range financial forecasts and cash flow projections.
• Analyze budget variances and provide recommendations to management.
• Assist department heads with budget preparation and expense management.

Audits and Compliance

• Coordinate annual financial audits and tax return preparation.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and consultants.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain and strengthen internal control procedures.

Cooperative and Property Management Accounting

• Oversee maintenance fee billing, collections, and arrears reporting.
• Monitor housing assistance, subsidy programs, and grant accounting, when applicable.
• Manage accounting related to capital improvement projects and reserve funds.
• Ensure proper accounting treatment for cooperative housing operations.

Payroll and Benefits Administration

• Oversee payroll processing and payroll tax compliance.
• Review employee benefit plan financial reporting.
• Coordinate financial aspects of retirement plans, audits, and regulatory filings.

Leadership and Management

• Supervise and mentor accounting department staff.
• Establish departmental goals and performance standards.
• Develop and implement accounting policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with executive management and department leaders on strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• Master's degree a plus.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of GAAP.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with Yardi, MRI, or similar property management/accounting software.
• Knowledge of payroll systems and financial reporting tools.
• Strong understanding of cooperative housing accounting and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with New York State Mitchell-Lama housing regulations, reporting requirements, and compliance standards.
• Ability to analyze and manage financial operations within a Mitchell-Lama cooperative environment.

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• 3+ years in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience in cooperative housing, real estate, property management, or multifamily residential operations strongly preferred.
• Experience with audits, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Prior experience working in a Mitchell-Lama cooperative or affordable housing environment is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Mitchell-Lama rules, regulations, occupancy requirements, carrying charge structures, capital assessments, reserve funds, and interactions with regulatory agencies.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of the operational and financial requirements of a New York State Mitchell-Lama cooperative housing corporation.
• Experience presenting financial information to Boards of Directors and Finance Committees.
• Ability to work closely with management and resident-elected board members on long-term financial planning and compliance matters.
• Knowledge of HPD, DHCR, and other regulatory agencies governing Mitchell-Lama housing developments.

Please share your resume via email to the address below:

cary.smith @ellimanpm.com