Controller

West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing
Sector

Housing

Function

Finance / Accounting

Location

NY - New York metropolitan area

Please see "Additional Details" section for more information about location, travel, and workplace expectations.

Salary

The pay range for this position is $160,000-$170,000

Apply for this Role
Please make sure your career history on your On-Ramps profile is updated to include your current/most recent role.

About the Organization

WSFSSH develops and manages housing with supportive services for low–income older persons, many of whom live with mental illness and/or have experienced homelessness. The mission is to provide safe, affordable, senior housing that integrates compassionate property management with supportive services to enhance the independence and dignity of each resident. WSFSSH creates and preserves affordable housing while supporting the development of healthy neighborhoods.

At WSFSSH our mission isn't just a statement, but a way of life. For nearly 50 years, we've been providing safe, affordable housing that integrates compassionate property management with supportive services, enhancing the independence and dignity of each resident. Our vision is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and respect, driving us to continuously improve and innovate in our pursuit of high quality services for seniors.

WSFSSH envisions a world where all older adults are guaranteed access to a supportive housing community where they are empowered to live full and joyful lives in a place they call home. We are committed to creating innovative, sustainable communities where residents thrive, and where culturally responsive services allow older adults to age in place. We are steadfast in our commitment to reducing senior homelessness in New York, and seek to be a model that inspires others.

You can learn more about WSFSSH on their website.

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About the Role

What You'll Do

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is responsible for managing all aspects of financial leadership including ensuring the accurate and timely closing of all accounting books, preparing of financial reports, monthly account reconciliations and analysis, overseeing the preparation and analysis of cashflow variances, directing all activities with external auditors and tax preparation, and providing financial guidance to the Finance Team. This role has direct oversight of the Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Budget departments including management of staff, and an operating budget of $85M per year.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting and Reporting
  • Responsible for the annual consolidated audit and Limited Partnership audit process and related tax filings.
  • Perform annual close-out activities and assist multiple audits by regulatory agencies and year end annual audits.
  • Manage and direct the quarterly close process to ensure accurate and timely completion aligned with GAAP.
  • Present quarterly Budget to Actual & Balance Sheet reports.
  • Conduct monthly review of all financial activities: identify and resolve accounting discrepancies, reconcile inter-company accounts, and approve journal entries.
  • Monitor financial activities for new projects and developments including preparation of initial audit, cost certification and compliance reporting.
  • Review weekly cash flow reports and related transfers.
Audit, Tax Filing & Compliance
  • Lead the annual audit process and act as the key liaison with WSFSSH's external auditors.
  • Oversee payroll tax filings, union filings, and all government mandated tax and compliance filings.
Systems Implementation and Improvement
  • Develop and/or enhance, implement and enforce the organization's policies and procedures by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the Finance Team.
  • Identify and implement changes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the departments overseen by the Controller. This includes the adoption of new systems where appropriate.
  • Play a lead role in the accounting and Payroll system conversions.
Organizational and Team Leadership
  • Plan, develop, organize, implement, direct and evaluate the organization's accounting function and performance.
  • Work with team to continuously improve the quality of work on the team; provide training, direction, motivation, and opportunities for skills development
  • Oversee the Accounts Payable function and ensure timely and effective cashflow management.
  • Oversee the Payroll department.

Who You'll Work With

You will report to the Chief Financial Officer.

You will supervise the Payroll Manager, Accounts Payable Manager, Budget Manager, and a total team of 11. The three sub-teams are Payroll, AP Accounting, and Budget and Internal Audit.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Minimum of 10 years of nonprofit accounting experience at an organization with at least $20M operating budget
  • Experience with financial management of multiple entities required (10 preferred)
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required; relevant master's degree is preferred. CPA preferred but not required.
  • Experience in affordable housing preferred
  • Expert knowledge of NYC, NYS and Federal Government fiscal management preferred
  • At least 5 years of experience as a people manager of teams
  • Strong attention to detail as well as solid organization/time management skills
  • Must have effective verbal and written communication skills and an ability to manage and fulfil tight deadlines
  • Must be an enthusiastic, positive team player who is willing to help and who works well with colleagues
  • Able to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks concurrently
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Acrobat Professional
  • Proficiency in Sage MIP Fund Accounting and Real Page would be an advantage
  • Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer and must be able to lift or push up to 10 pounds at a time
  • Commitment to keeping updated on industry specific knowledge

Additional Details

This role requires four days in person with one day remote. The office is located in Midtown near Port Authority but will change in 2027 to the Upper West Side. Travel expectations to local sites is minimal (1-2 days a quarter for audits and/or staff training).

Benefits

Medical insurance

Free/low-cost vision and dental insurance

Paid time off includes 11 paid holidays and 24 vacation days

403(b) retirement plan, 3% employer match

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employer paid benefits including life, accidental death, EAP, disability and HRA

Employee paid voluntary benefits including FSA/DCA, commuter and STD

Parental leave, 6 weeks paid 100% pay

Equal Employment Opportunity

WSFSSH is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO); employment is based on qualifications, without discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other protected characteristics as established by law.

Ready to apply?
Sector

Housing

Function

Finance / Accounting

Location

NY - New York metropolitan area

Please see "Additional Details" section for more information about location, travel, and workplace expectations.

Salary

The pay range for this position is $160,000-$170,000

Apply for this Role
Please make sure your career history on your On-Ramps profile is updated to include your current/most recent role.

On-Ramps is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose.  We’re partnering with the team at West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing to build a diverse team. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

On-Ramps is committed to the inclusion of all qualified individuals in the hiring process, including but not limited to those with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the application or interview process, please contact info@on-ramps.com.

Please be advised that this hiring process may include a standard verification step to confirm education credentials and past employment details for finalist candidates, in accordance with applicable laws. Please ensure that all information you provide (e.g., resume, LinkedIn profile, etc.) is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge. Falsification and/or misrepresentation of information will disqualify you from further consideration.