Controller
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
Salary: $8,775.00 - $11,876.00 Monthly
Location : King County - Seattle - Downtown Business, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-02315
Department: Housing Finance Commission
Opening Date: 03/31/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
**In addition to the salary posted above, this position is currently receiving an additional 5% premium pay due to the position being in King County.
We are currently recruiting for up to two Controller positions for the Finance Division. This position will offer a challenge to an experienced financial professional with strong leadership skills. The Controller manages the accounting function for all of the Commission programs, assures the preparation and distribution of timely and accurate financial statements and bond disclosure reports for the outstanding bond indebtedness of the Commission. This position oversees the annual budget process and participates in policy development and implementation. The Controller must maintain a current knowledge base of GAAP, FASB, and GASB standards as they apply to operating and bond funds of the Commission to assist in the maintenance of the financial integrity of the Commission. The Controller will also perform a similar role for our Affiliate Agency: the Washington Higher Education Facilities Authority.
The Finance Division of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (the "Commission") monitors, records, summarizes, and reports all financial transactions, oversees the system of internal controls to ensure that assets are safeguarded and that financial activities conform to Federal and State regulations, and monitors and manages outstanding bond debt. The duty station for this position is Seattle, WA. The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of teleworking and complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees are required to come onsite at least once a week and may need to come in more frequently based on division needs. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance of our worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Who we are:
The Commission is a market-driven and self-supporting agency created to provide below-market rate financing for building, purchasing, or preserving affordable housing and nonprofit capital facilities. The Commission functions as a financing conduit between developers, lenders, first-time home buyers, real estate professionals, and nonprofit organizations to provide affordable financing for homes, rental housing, civic and social services facilities, energy conservation projects, and first-time farmers and ranchers.
We believe that creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment is important and vital to the success of the Commission. We believe in working together to create an environment free from harassment and discrimination and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.
Duties
Principal Responsibilities:
Provide strong leadership, team building, problem solving, and interpersonal guidance to division members. Support the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and professional development opportunities. Support effective communications throughout the organization.
Design, implement, and manage procedures and processes to ensure appropriate internal control, proper and accurate recording, reconciliation, and reporting of existing programs and new initiatives. Lead the independent audit process, including preparation and oversight of workpapers, footnotes, statement layout, and end product. Lead the State Auditor's office annual accountability and single audits as necessary.
Manage the application of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), & Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) pronouncements, as applicable.
Oversee the daily activities of the Division's General Operations and Program-Related Investments programs and manage the Bond Portfolio Management of the Commission. Oversee the preparation and distribution of timely and accurate financial statements, bond reporting, and required reporting to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. Monitor and improve the internal control structure.
Supervise the management and monitoring of Commission reserves and Program-Related Investments to assure the agency realizes an effective return from those resources and invests them in accordance with approved policies. Review interim financial statements of General Operations, Program Related Investments, and Bond Portfolio Management (including parity reports) to ensure errors and/or omissions are addressed.
Oversee compliance with the bond and loan covenants, assuring the proper flow and accounting of funds to maintain agency credibility so critical in the marketability of our bond issues.
Design, implement, and manage procedures and processes to assure proper and accurate recording, reconciliation, and reporting of new and existing programs related to our Single-Family programs, particularly as it relates to our Seller/Servicer efforts.
Qualifications
We are most interested in candidates who meet or exceed the following criteria:
Desirable Skills:
A combination of skills, abilities, experience, and education may be substituted to demonstrate that you are qualified for this position.
Supplemental Information
Benefits:
We offer a generous benefits package that includes a full array of family medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance coverage; a state retirement plan; deferred compensation; 12 paid holidays; paid vacation, sick, and military leave; subsidized bus, train, or ferry passes; credit union memberships; alternate workweek schedules, and telecommuting.
Application Procedures:
Applicants who meet the qualifications are asked to submit all the following items to be considered for this position:
Web Site:
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The recruitment process will remain open until filled. First review of applications is April 14, 2025.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Do you have proven experience in a same or similar role where you were significantly responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal controls?
02
Do you possess a strong understanding of GAAP, FASB, GASB standards, and auditing principles?
03
Have you had experience managing tax-exempt bonds and investments?
04
Are you familiar with contemporary management theory and strategic planning principles?
05
Do you understand and acknowledge that this position does not offer relocation assistance or any other bonuses, and that individuals must reside in Washington State to be considered?
06
This position requires the incumbent to come onsite at our downtown Seattle office at least once per week and more frequently based on the division's needs. Can you meet this requirement?
07
How did you hear about this job opportunity?
Required Question
Location : King County - Seattle - Downtown Business, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-02315
Department: Housing Finance Commission
Opening Date: 03/31/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
**In addition to the salary posted above, this position is currently receiving an additional 5% premium pay due to the position being in King County.
We are currently recruiting for up to two Controller positions for the Finance Division. This position will offer a challenge to an experienced financial professional with strong leadership skills. The Controller manages the accounting function for all of the Commission programs, assures the preparation and distribution of timely and accurate financial statements and bond disclosure reports for the outstanding bond indebtedness of the Commission. This position oversees the annual budget process and participates in policy development and implementation. The Controller must maintain a current knowledge base of GAAP, FASB, and GASB standards as they apply to operating and bond funds of the Commission to assist in the maintenance of the financial integrity of the Commission. The Controller will also perform a similar role for our Affiliate Agency: the Washington Higher Education Facilities Authority.
The Finance Division of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (the "Commission") monitors, records, summarizes, and reports all financial transactions, oversees the system of internal controls to ensure that assets are safeguarded and that financial activities conform to Federal and State regulations, and monitors and manages outstanding bond debt. The duty station for this position is Seattle, WA. The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of teleworking and complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees are required to come onsite at least once a week and may need to come in more frequently based on division needs. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance of our worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Who we are:
The Commission is a market-driven and self-supporting agency created to provide below-market rate financing for building, purchasing, or preserving affordable housing and nonprofit capital facilities. The Commission functions as a financing conduit between developers, lenders, first-time home buyers, real estate professionals, and nonprofit organizations to provide affordable financing for homes, rental housing, civic and social services facilities, energy conservation projects, and first-time farmers and ranchers.
We believe that creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment is important and vital to the success of the Commission. We believe in working together to create an environment free from harassment and discrimination and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.
Duties
Principal Responsibilities:
Provide strong leadership, team building, problem solving, and interpersonal guidance to division members. Support the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and professional development opportunities. Support effective communications throughout the organization.
Design, implement, and manage procedures and processes to ensure appropriate internal control, proper and accurate recording, reconciliation, and reporting of existing programs and new initiatives. Lead the independent audit process, including preparation and oversight of workpapers, footnotes, statement layout, and end product. Lead the State Auditor's office annual accountability and single audits as necessary.
Manage the application of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), & Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) pronouncements, as applicable.
Oversee the daily activities of the Division's General Operations and Program-Related Investments programs and manage the Bond Portfolio Management of the Commission. Oversee the preparation and distribution of timely and accurate financial statements, bond reporting, and required reporting to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. Monitor and improve the internal control structure.
Supervise the management and monitoring of Commission reserves and Program-Related Investments to assure the agency realizes an effective return from those resources and invests them in accordance with approved policies. Review interim financial statements of General Operations, Program Related Investments, and Bond Portfolio Management (including parity reports) to ensure errors and/or omissions are addressed.
Oversee compliance with the bond and loan covenants, assuring the proper flow and accounting of funds to maintain agency credibility so critical in the marketability of our bond issues.
Design, implement, and manage procedures and processes to assure proper and accurate recording, reconciliation, and reporting of new and existing programs related to our Single-Family programs, particularly as it relates to our Seller/Servicer efforts.
Qualifications
We are most interested in candidates who meet or exceed the following criteria:
- Proven experience in a comparable-level role with significant responsibility for establishing and maintaining effective internal controls.
- Strong understanding of industry practices: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and auditing principles.
- Experience managing tax-exempt bonds and investments, coupled with a background in finance operations and analysis, competence in utilizing computer hardware and software applications (including automated accounting systems), and familiarity with contemporary management theory and strategic planning principles
- Demonstrated success in hiring, coaching/mentoring, and supervising staff
- Ability to quickly adjust to evolving priorities, interpret complex legal documents (with potential collaboration with legal counsel), and apply accounting standards effectively.
- Proven ability to complete work with high accuracy and within established timelines.
- Excellent communications skills and able to collaborate effectively across organizational teams
- Capacity to work with minimal supervision, exercise sound judgment, and proactively address challenges.
Desirable Skills:
- A Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or a closely allied field
- Certifications such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), GFOA's Certified Public Finance Officer, Certified Governmental Financial Manager or Management Accountant
A combination of skills, abilities, experience, and education may be substituted to demonstrate that you are qualified for this position.
Supplemental Information
Benefits:
We offer a generous benefits package that includes a full array of family medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance coverage; a state retirement plan; deferred compensation; 12 paid holidays; paid vacation, sick, and military leave; subsidized bus, train, or ferry passes; credit union memberships; alternate workweek schedules, and telecommuting.
Application Procedures:
Applicants who meet the qualifications are asked to submit all the following items to be considered for this position:
- Completed NEOGOV online application.
- Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
- List of three or more professional references.
- Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education.
Web Site:
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The recruitment process will remain open until filled. First review of applications is April 14, 2025.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Do you have proven experience in a same or similar role where you were significantly responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal controls?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you possess a strong understanding of GAAP, FASB, GASB standards, and auditing principles?
- Yes
- No
03
Have you had experience managing tax-exempt bonds and investments?
- Yes
- No
04
Are you familiar with contemporary management theory and strategic planning principles?
- Yes
- No
05
Do you understand and acknowledge that this position does not offer relocation assistance or any other bonuses, and that individuals must reside in Washington State to be considered?
- Yes
- No
06
This position requires the incumbent to come onsite at our downtown Seattle office at least once per week and more frequently based on the division's needs. Can you meet this requirement?
- Yes
- No
07
How did you hear about this job opportunity?
Required Question