“In Urban Edge your experience is respected.”
Attorney Eddie Jenkins, Community Resident, Urban Edge Board Member

Controller, Finance Department

July 7, 2010

Position Summary:
Urban Edge seeks a Controller to lead all day-to-day functions related to finance while also building the systems and capacities required to support anticipated growth in real estate development activity. The Controller is responsible for developing the staffing, systems, and policies required to deliver on all aspects of a full-service finance department of a very active community development corporation, including general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, budget-to-actual and other reporting and financial analysis, real estate development accounting, accounting for the Community Development Finance Institution and the annual consolidated audit for Urban Edge and its affiliates. The Controller is also responsible for ensuring accurate and timely reconciliation of inter-company activity. The staff of the finance department is also supervised by the Controller.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
FISCAL OPERATIONS

• Responsible for all aspects of general ledger management and accounts payable/receivable leading to timely successful monthly closings for Urban Edge and its affiliates. Ensures that all inter-company activity between Urban Edge and its affiliates is reconciled accurately on a monthly basis.
• Ensures that systems are in place to maintain accurate financial records with high level of control. Develops and updates policies and procedures related to all aspects of finance and asset management, with focus on accounting rules and regulations that govern accounting for non-profit organizations in general, as well as the specifics related to real estate development, property management, and lending activity.
• Responsible for ensuring that the systems are in place to provide accounting and reporting on all real estate projects in progress, to track percentage completion and accrued revenue, and to ensure smooth conversion from construction accounting to operational accounting for development projects as they are completed.
• Responsible for the oversight of all accounting for lending activity including accounts payable/receivable, review payment of installment loans to ensure appropriate notification of borrowers, and compliance with all state and federal lending regulations.
• Work closely with CFO and CEO on special projects.

FISCAL and RISK MANAGEMENT

• Ensures accurate and timely publication of weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports, including budget-to-actuals, year-end forecasts, and cash flow analysis for Urban Edge and its affiliates. Also monitors key financial indicators and ratios, takes or recommends actions required in order to maintain or improve those indicators.
• Directs the preparation for and the completion of all cost certifications required for development projects ensuring that they are completed in a timely manner.
• Safeguard Urban Edge’s assets through regular analysis of the fiscal and physical condition and needs of Urban Edge properties. Work with third party property management company to ensure that systems are in place to maximize revenue, minimize expenses, and meet capital requirements. Manage loan covenant compliance, loss prevention programs, and constantly evaluate the impact of changes in relevant laws and regulations.
• Manages the relationship with Urban Edge’s audit firm, and ensures timely preparation for and delivery of the annual audit for Urban Edge and its affiliates. With support from audit firm, oversees and directs the preparation of federal and state tax returns for Urban Edge and its affiliates.
• Set up all required insurance for Urban Edge and its affiliates and manage insurance renewals claims management.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Manage the relationship with Urban Edge’s staff to ensure timely preparation for the delivery of the annual audit and cost certifications for Urban Edge and its affiliates.
• Provide direction, professional development and growth opportunities for accounting staff. Evaluate staff performance regularly to ensure that they are growing appropriately and meeting the goals of the organization.
• Act as mentor to staff and peers to enhance leadership development in particular areas of expertise. Work in close collaboration with all members of the Urban Edge team in a manner which reinforces the culture of entrepreneurship, commitment and fun.

Qualifications:

• Seven (7) years or more of progressive accounting experience preferably with a company that develops, constructs, sells and/or manages affordable properties. Experience in a nonprofit affordable housing company is a plus.
• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in accounting, finance, nonprofit, public or business administration is required. CPA or CMA certification is highly desirable.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook and accounting software applications.
• Strong working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and disclosure requirements relating to the consolidation of a multi-entity organization. Working knowledge of partnership accounting and partner allocations and taxation.
• Proven ability to direct multiple departmental activities; lead by example; formulate and execute departmental goals and objectives and assess achievement.
• Ability to implement and maintain an effective accounting and fiscal control system involving multiple entities, multiple fund operations and complex inter-fund relationships.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, partners and clients.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job.

Urban Edge is an equal opportunity organization. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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Email Resume and Cover Letter to: Maria Caceres, Office Manager, mcaceres@urbanedge.org or contact her at (617)989-9300 or (617)989-9306.

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