Finance Director

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is an award-winning and mission driven public agency in Santa Barbara with a reputation as a national leader in the housing industry and known for its attractive properties. Santa Barbara, often referred to as the “American Riviera,” is a picturesque coastal city located approximately 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles with a population of approximately 86,000. Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the city is known for its stunning Mediterranean-inspired architecture, pristine beaches, vibrant cultural scene and strong community.

HACSB has 68 employees with revenue totaling $64 million. HACSB has developed and/or secured over 4,000 units of affordable rental housing for Santa Barbara.  We do more than handle the day-to-day demands of providing affordable housing solutions. We strive to craft solutions to our community’s affordable housing dilemma in a holistic manner and turn our visions into reality.

In addition to creating opportunities for our residents to reach their potential through innovative housing programs and resident and community services, we also create opportunities for our employees for professional growth and to contribute meaningfully to the workplace and the community.  We foster a collaborative and respectful work environment where every team member plays a significant role in working together to further our mission of creating safe, affordable, and quality housing opportunities for families and individuals while promoting self-sufficiency and neighborhood revitalization.  Our HACSB team, led by a dynamic management team, is a motivated, fun and hard-working group, dedicated to the agency’s core values, the “5C’s”: Competence, Cooperation, Commitment, Communication and Compassion.

HACSB is seeking a highly qualified and skilled Finance Director to lead and oversee the agency’s Finance functions and 5-person Finance team to ensure goals and objectives are achieved and compliance with HACSB policies and regulatory requirements. This key executive management position reports to HACSB’s Executive Director/CEO and provides strategic financial guidance to executive team.  The Finance Director conducts highly complex tasks related to development and oversight of the agency’s finances, budgets, financial reporting, audit, investment program and accounting systems ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.  The position oversees HACSB’s budget totaling $54.7 million as well as the $8.8 million budget for Santa Barbara Affordable Housing Group, a 501(c)(3) non-profit and an instrumentality of HACSB.  The position is also responsible for the development and oversight of several Low-Income Housing Tax Credit project budgets.

The position:

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Finance Department programs, services, and activities, including budget management, cash management and investments, annual audit activities, revenue collection, accounts receivable, including tenant accounts, payroll, accounts payable, financial reporting, grant administration, and related programs.
• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department.
• Hires, supervises, trains and evaluates employees in accordance with Housing Authority policies, to ensure an efficient and productive department. Provides coaching and feedback to motivate and promote excellent performance, teamwork, high morale and employee growth and development.  The position successfully addresses and resolves employee relations issues.
• Manages the development and administration of the Authority’s annual operating budget and, in conjunction with the Deputy Executive Director, Real Estate and Technology, the capital budget; performs financial forecasting, planning and cash flow analysis; monitors and approves expenditures and directs and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Establishes the Authority’s budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting practices and processes; establishes, evaluates, and maintains strong internal controls; responds to and implements audit recommendations; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local government accounting and financial reporting standards and controls and ensures the Authority complies with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Oversees all activities related to the Housing Authority’s accounting function, including financial transaction processing, record keeping and reporting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grants allocations, the issuance of checks, and cash receipts.
• Works with Deputy Executive Director, Real Estate and Technology and Executive Director/CEO to prepare projections of projects and programs, analyze feasibility, develop proformas and facilitate the financing, funding and orchestration of complicated real estate development endeavors.
• Provides highly complex assistance to the Executive Director/CEO; analyzes and interprets financial data; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence and reports related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to the Board of Commissioners as well as various committees and boards as necessary.
• Provides professional support in the areas of expertise for the administration of employee compensation and benefits programs.
• Represents the department to other Authority departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets agency finances, departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues. Develops and maintains strong relationships with external partners, including investors, banks and other financial institutions.
• Interacts with colleagues and agency contacts in a professional, tactful and courteous manner ensuring delivery of excellent customer service.
• Oversees the overall quality of the department’s activities and services by developing, reviewing and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and Authority needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures and implements changes as necessary.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of accounting, finance, and affordable housing.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and personal attributes:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration or related field and significant and progressively responsible finance experience managing governmental accounting functions; preferably in affordable housing industry.
• Principles and practices of governmental accounting, public finance administration and budgeting, auditing, and reconciliation; grant funding and public agency revenue management.
• Public agency contract administration, agency-wide administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Principles and practices of affordable housing, tax credit, and property management programs relevant to the areas of responsibility; familiarity with tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Note Issuances for affordable housing acquisition and production preferred;
• Ability to prepare and administer large, complex budgets and allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner;
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the areas of responsibility;
• Outstanding management skills with a demonstrated and proven track record of leading by positive example, inspiring others, teambuilding, and establishing credibility;
• Ability to conduct and analyze complex research;
• Technologically savvy and computer literate with Microsoft software applications and business management enterprise computer systems for operations. Experience with Yardi systems a plus;
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills including public speaking;
• Innovative and creative problem solver and results oriented.
• Demonstrated commitment to a high standard of personal and organizational ethics and values.
• Ability to work effectively under challenging circumstances and arrive at equitable solutions to meet rigorous, intense deadlines and schedules.; and
• Ability to interpret, explain and apply applicable laws and complex regulations.

For a complete position description and to apply, go to our website: www.hacsb.org.

Full-time, unclassified, exempt level position; 9/80 in-person work schedule with offices closed alternate Fridays.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Total compensation package includes competitive salary range from $143,637-$174,592 annually plus consideration for an exemplary performance award based upon exceptional performance.

HACSB offers eligible employees a generous and well-rounded benefit package including:

SELECTION PROCESS

If you possess the desired qualifications and want to work for an organization that improves the quality of life for our community and is passionate about making a difference, please apply online at www.hacsb.org.  For primary consideration, applications must be received no later than Monday, February 3, 2025; thereafter position open until filled. The selection process will include an oral interview and may include other testing processes designed to predict successful job performance.

If HACSB determines an applicant is suitable for the position based on a job-related evaluation of skills and experience, prior to final selection and subsequent employment, applicant will be subject to a criminal background check, appropriate to the job functions and business necessity.  Criminal convictions will not automatically disqualify a candidate for employment. The nature of the crime, time since offense, surrounding circumstances, and relevance of the offense to the position applied for will be considered.

The Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the ADA, HACSB provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations may contact Human Resources at (805)965-1071 or (805)965-2521 TDD to make accommodation requests. In accordance with Section 3 of the Housing & Urban Development Act of 1968, HACSB promotes self-sufficiency amongst low-income individuals and provides hiring preferences to Santa Barbara residents that meet Section 3 eligibility.