Colorado Nonprofit Association

Controller & Director of Accounting

Elevation Community Land Trust (“ECLT”) is a growing, innovative nonprofit with a mission of providing permanently affordable homeownership opportunities to low- and moderate-income families across Colorado. The Controller & Director of Accounting is responsible for oversight and execution of financial accounting, internal control and compliance activities to support ECLT’s drive toward efficiency, scalability and rapid growth. The ideal candidate will be an experienced Controller, preferably with a CPA designation and people management experience, with deep expertise in accounting, financial reporting, audit management, and compliance for local, state and federal grants. This position requires both a leadership and an execution focus and reports directly to ECLT’s CFO.

PRIMARY DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

The Controller & Director of Accounting will work collaboratively throughout the organization, simultaneously providing leadership in the areas of compliance, internal controls, people management and nonprofit accounting in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the role is responsible for executing key day-to-day accounting functions of the organization. This position reports to the CFO and has two direct reports, the Staff Accountant and the part-time Senior Accountant. The position may also manage contract staff as applicable. Duties will include, but are not limited to the following:

Accounting:

• Direct day-to-day accounting functions, overseeing the Staff Accountant and part-time Senior Account in the areas of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger management. 
• Execute critical day-to-day accounting functions, including: 
• Accounts Payable: prepare weekly electronic payments for C-suite approval. 
• Accounts Receivable: complete bi-weekly routine and periodic non-routine deposits; prepare draws for various funding contracts; manage key AR account balances.
• General Ledger: prepare routine and special journal entries monthly; maintain chart of accounts.
• Financial Reporting: prepare accurate and timely periodic financial reports for the board, management, and to meet compliance requirements.
• Cashflow Management: monitor ECLT’s cash balances, initiating account transfers as required; and
• Banking Relationships: develop excellent working relationships with ECLT’s banking partners; respond to bank requests; identify new banking partners as needed.
• Digitize accounting processes in keeping with best practices, to enable ECLT’s organizational goals.
• Lead the annual financial statement and single audit process alongside the CFO, acting as the main liaison with ECLT’s external auditors.
• Assist the CFO and the external accounting firm in the preparation of the annual 990 informational return.
• Lead the development of accounting policy and procedures as required.

Internal Controls and Compliance: 

• Develop and maintain a record of covenant and compliance requirements for ECLT’s funding (debt, PRI and grant) agreements; ensure requirements are timely met; prepare and maintain supporting documentation.
• Develop and refine internal control policies and procedures to balance cost and efficiency, ensuring controls mitigate ECLT’s small staff size and support the annual financial statement and single audit processes.
• Digitize internal control processes to support ECLT’s organizational goals.
• Enhance controls, policies, and procedures to comply with all applicable grant, contract, and legal requirements, and document and maintain compliance records.
• Monitor and document internal compliance with policies and procedures, including conducting periodic assessments and making recommendations for improvements.
• Provide direction and assistance to other departments regarding accounting and budgeting policies, procedures, control and efficient utilization of financial resources.
• Prepare and submit periodic compliance reports to funding entities lenders, investors and others.

Human Resources:

• Manage the payroll process.
• Act as the primary liaison for ECLT’s co-employer, ADP Total Source.
• Lead the annual benefits enrollment process.
• Respond to payroll and benefits inquiries from staff.

People Management and Leadership:

• Supervise the Staff Accountant, part-time Senior Accountant and any contract accounting staff. 
• Provide direction, guidance, and support to enable these positions to successfully achieve organizational and individual goals in accordance with ECLT’s people management framework. 
• Ensure that accounting staff have the resources necessary to be successful in their roles, including training, technology, and skills development opportunities. 
• Implement best practices in employee supervision and motivation, including individual goal setting, and conducting interim and annual performance evaluations with appropriate documentation. 

General: 

• Demonstrate ECLT’s core values: Courage, Innovation, Authenticity, and Collective Power.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of ECLT’s homeowner portal.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the community land trust model.
• Provide support to the CFO and CEO in interactions with ECLT’s Finance Committee and Board.
• Assist in the development of the annual budget.
• Assist in the review of real estate proformas and cash flow assessments.
• Maintain an understanding of community issues that impact ECLT’s work.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of job responsibilities. The incumbent will be expected to complete other duties as assigned. 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting
• CPA strongly preferred 

Experience:

• 7+ years of progressive relevant experience in accounting, financial statement and single audit management and compliance at a nonprofit organization, with a focus on affordable housing and/or real estate preferred
• 3+ years of people management experience 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Deep understanding of nonprofit accounting principles and practices, and local, state and federal grant requirements and compliance; internal control expertise.
• Strong track record of successful single audit management, including assessing organizational compliance with federal award requirements within the Uniform guidance framework.
• Knowledge and comfort in working with various technologies, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.) 
• Expertise with financial accounting software, including experience digitizing accounting activities; experience with Sage Intacct a plus
• Exceptional leadership and people management abilities, including strong interpersonal communication and the ability to motivate and foster accountability with a coaching mindset
• Passion and commitment for affordable housing, homeownership, and ECLT’s mission
• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills; able to manage priorities and workflow; demonstrated ability to work well in a supportive, team-focused environment
• A commitment to maintain strict confidentiality

Requirements

• Must pass a background check 
• Must be reliable, punctual, and demonstrate a good work ethic
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for up 90% of scheduled work hours

ECLT DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION POLICY

Elevation Community Land Trust is committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the affordable housing industry, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. Our diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

ABOUT THE CULTURE AT ECLT

ECLT is committed to creating a connected and supportive culture that celebrates success, inspires joy, practices radical generosity, and prioritizes balance in work and life for its staff, board, and community. Our core values of Courage, Authenticity, Innovation, and Collective Power drive our mission, our daily work, and our relationships with each other, our partners, and the people we serve.