Lead Financial Analyst (Santa Barbara)

About This Job

Are you a strategic finance expert with a practical mindset, eager to contribute to a dynamic, purpose-oriented public organization? The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is looking for a proactive Lead Financial Analyst to become a vital part of our Finance department. This individual will be instrumental in enhancing data-informed strategies, guaranteeing precision and adherence in all fiscal operations, and advancing our financial systems. This position is perfect for a professional who thrives on resolving challenges, pursuing ongoing enhancements, guiding colleagues, and supporting a significant mission.

This position directly affects our investments and the preservation of affordable housing within Santa Barbara—progressing our core objectives while securing the enduring fiscal health of both the agency and the community.

Under the direction of the Finance Director, the Lead Financial Analyst manages a wide array of sophisticated financial analysis and accounting duties. These encompass cash and investment management, debt oversight, budgeting, capital planning, and revenue and cost evaluation. The role also includes creating and examining detailed financial statements, forecasts, and audit materials, as well as building models and projections to aid strategic planning.

As both a technical expert and a team leader, the Lead Financial Analyst offers direction and mentorship to Accounting Specialists, fostering greater efficiency, uniformity, and superior practices throughout the department. This role demands outstanding analytical and problem-solving capabilities, along with the aptitude to apply sound, independent judgment within a fast-paced, cooperative setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivers advanced professional and technical support to colleagues in executing HACSB\'s financial management, auditing, and accounting initiatives.
• Examines the output of accounting specialists, offering feedback on processes and outcomes.
• Contributes to the formulation, recommendation, and execution of financial objectives, policies, standard procedures, and designated special projects.
• Spearheads the creation and oversight of annual budgets for all agency programs, tax credit partnerships, and nonprofit affiliates.
• Conducts intricate financial assessments, including revenue, expenditure, variance, and cash flow forecasting, to underpin budgetary and strategic choices.
• Reconciles general ledger and subsidiary accounts; prepares adjusting entries and periodic financial reports.
• Orchestrates annual audit processes, prepares supporting schedules, and ensures punctual, adjustment-free financial reporting for year-end audits and HUD Federal Data Schedule (FDS) submissions.
• Maintains records for capital assets, oversees fixed asset accounts and depreciation, monitors asset acquisitions and disposals, and ensures accurate journal entries.
• Tracks the Authority\'s debt portfolio, including bonds, notes, and inter-agency loans, maintaining current balances, interest, maturity dates, covenants, and repayment schedules.
• Investigates, interprets, and applies new accounting standards, regulatory trends, and financial reporting mandates to maintain ongoing compliance.
• Champions automation and data integration projects to modernize reporting and analytical capabilities.
• Performs other associated duties as required.

Qualifications

We are searching for a finance professional who combines robust technical aptitude with intellectual curiosity, self-motivation, and a dedication to constant betterment. The preferred candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Understanding of public or governmental fund accounting principles, quality assurance, audit processes, and financial analysis.
• Awareness of affordable housing financing, pertinent laws and regulations, and industry standards.
• Capability to analyze, interpret, and clearly present complex financial information; prepare reports, forecasts, and audit documentation.
• Solid leadership abilities to mentor and direct staff, encourage teamwork, and ensure accuracy and compliance in a collaborative environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP platforms (such as Yardi Voyager), digital workflows, and contemporary software applications.
• Approaches problem-solving with both analytical rigor and creative thinking.
• Superior communication, presentation, problem-solving, and organizational skills; ability to exercise sound independent judgment, set priorities, and handle multiple concurrent assignments.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related discipline; CPA or MBA is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in governmental or fund accounting, including at least three years in a lead or supervisory capacity.

This is a full-time, exempt role that features a 9/80 work schedule with alternating Fridays off, plus potential for remote work arrangements. For a comprehensive job description and to discover more about this compelling opportunity, visit www.hacsb.org.

Compensation and Benefits

The total compensation package includes a competitive annual salary ranging from $111,662 to $135,726, along with a substantial and comprehensive benefits offering, such as:

• Cafeteria Benefit Plan
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Group Health Plan
• Vacation Leave
• Dental and Vision Plans
• Sick and Catastrophic Leave
• Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Cell Phone/Wireless Data Allowance
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Employee Education Assistance Program
• 401(a) Employees’ Money Purchase Pension Plan
• Recognition and Incentive Programs

Selection Process

If you are prepared to leverage your financial acumen for impactful work and help influence the future of affordable housing in Santa Barbara, we encourage you to apply. Submit your application via our website www.hacsb.org by Tuesday, December 3rd for priority review. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selection procedure may involve interviews and other evaluative measures intended to assess potential for successful job performance.

If HACSB finds an applicant suitably qualified for the position based on a job-related assessment of skills and experience, the applicant will be subject to a criminal background check prior to final selection and employment, appropriate to job functions and business necessity. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify a candidate. The nature of the offense, time elapsed, surrounding context, and relevance to the position will be considered.

The Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the ADA, HACSB provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations may contact Human Resources at (805)965-1071 or (805)965-2521 TDD to request accommodations. Following Section 3 of the Housing & Urban Development Act of 1968, HACSB encourages self-sufficiency among low-income individuals and extends hiring preferences to eligible Santa Barbara residents who meet Section 3 criteria.

ABOUT HACSB

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara is a distinguished, mission-focused public agency recognized as a national frontrunner in the housing sector, noted for its exceptionally appealing properties. With over 60 employees and annual revenue exceeding $64 million, HACSB has developed more than 4,000 homes for Santa Barbara residents.

At HACSB, we empower residents to flourish through innovative housing programs and supportive services, and we foster employee growth through meaningful work, professional development, and a collective sense of purpose. We value curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement—embodied by the \"5 C\'s\" that shape our culture: Competence, Cooperation, Commitment, Communication, and Compassion.