Controller

Posted on: 03/24/2026

Location: On-site at our Main Office in the International District of Seattle

Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Pay Range: $140,000-$160,000 annually

Position Type: Exempt, non-union position

The Controller will be a key leader in the organization, overseeing all financial, accounting, and compliance functions for a growing portfolio of low-income housing properties. This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, managing cash flow, and maintaining strict compliance with regulatory requirements, including those related to tax credits (e.g., Low-Income Housing Tax Credits - LIHTC), grant funding, and government subsidies. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in non-profit and/or real estate accounting, specifically within the affordable housing sector.

Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Reporting

• Direct and manage all accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.

• Prepare and publish timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for the entity and for individual properties, ensuring compliance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and relevant regulatory accounting standards.

• Coordinate the annual audit process with external auditors, preparing all necessary schedules and documentation.

• Manage the preparation of annual operating budgets and monitor financial performance against budget, providing variance analysis and recommendations to management.

• Oversee cash management, including banking relationships, treasury functions, and monitoring covenant compliance.

Compliance and Regulatory Reporting

• Ensure strict compliance with the financial reporting requirements of LIHTC, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and other grantors and funding sources.

• Prepare and file all required tax returns, including Form 990, and coordinate tax compliance for all partnerships/properties.

• Monitor and implement changes in accounting and regulatory requirements relevant to affordable housing.

• Maintain accurate records for fixed assets, depreciation, and complex financing structures, including tax credit equity and various debt instruments.

Internal Controls and Process Improvement

• Develop, document, and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies to ensure the integrity of all financial transactions and reporting.

• Identify opportunities for process efficiencies, automation, and system improvements within the accounting function.

• Manage and mentor the accounting staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Other Duties

• Act as a financial liaison to the Property Management team, providing financial analysis and support for property operations.

• Participate in financial due diligence for new property acquisitions and development projects.

• Prepare financial reports for the Board of Directors and Finance Committee.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller or Assistant Controller role.

• Demonstrated experience in affordable housing, LIHTC, and/or non-profit real estate accounting.

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting principles.

• Proficiency with enterprise-level accounting software (e.g., Boston Post, MIP Accounting) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

• Experience managing compliance with HUD programs, HOME funds, and/or municipal financing.

• Experience with partnership accounting structures specific to LIHTC syndication.

Benefits for this position (pro-rated for part time employees):

• Generous vacation and sick leave

• 10 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday

• Employer-Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision (with HRA, HSA & FSA options)

• Employer-Paid Life and AD&D Insurance

• 401k offered for unionized employees (through OPEIU8)

• 403b offered for non-union employees

• Employee Assistance Program

• Travel Assistance Program

• Aflac offered for all employees.

About us:

The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) has a 30-year history and track record of owning and managing low-income housing; developing innovative solutions to homelessness; advocating for housing justice; providing supportive services; and operating hygiene services for homeless people at our Urban Rest Stops. LIHI staff have developed over 5,000 affordable housing units and manages over 3,000 units including rental housing, permanent supportive housing and transitional housing. The populations served include: families, singles, seniors, veterans, young adults, immigrants, low wage workers, and people living with physical and mental disabilities. LIHI is one of the largest nonprofit housing organizations in the state. Our properties are located in Seattle, King County, and five adjacent counties. LIHI is a national leader in sponsoring tiny house villages as a crisis solution to homelessness. Annually, the tiny house villages and shelters serve 2,000 homeless people and our hygiene programs serve over 8,000 homeless people. LIHI staff is collaborative, dynamic, and dedicated to taking bold steps in ending homelessness and creating supportive communities for people to thrive.