COMPLIANCE AUDITING SPECIALIST

Experience in Affordable Housing Compliance required, including Tax Credit, HUD, HOME, RD and BOND.  Onesite experience preferred.  

Job Summary:

Compliance Auditing Specialist is responsible for ensuring that properties are maintaining program requirements set by the IRS, states, local governments and other entities to maintain compliance for affordable communities within their portfolio. Responsible for compliance with state, county and federal funding programs including, RD and Section 8 in conjunction with Tax Credits, LIHTC, BOND, SAIL, SHIP, HOME and a variety of other funding sources related to affordable housing. Responsible for preparation and attendance at audits, offering technical assistance during initial lease-ups as needed, reviewing applicant files for eligibility, preparing reports and providing software and general support to onsite managers. Expected to use professional communication techniques employing tact and diplomacy when communicating with internal and external customers, auditors, vendors, etc. This position requires the flexibility and the ability to travel, extensively at times, and on short notice. Must be organized and have attention to detail.

Incumbent is expected to have excellent written and oral communication skills, possess the ability to build lasting business relationships, and exhibit professionalism.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and enforce policy and procedures for determining household eligibility for federal and state funded affordable housing programs
• Assist with planning and conducting training seminars on Housing Credit, Bond, SAIL, Hope VI, HUD, HOME and Rural Development regulations for administrative site employees
• Provide phone support for all administrative employees interpreting and explaining program regulations and answering questions relating to program compliance issues
• Assist with conversion to software inputting files if necessary and providing on site and phone support. Train field staff on use of software and proper data entry procedures
• Review information in software for accuracy
• Alert field staff of any corrections which need to be made in software in order to properly pull Recap Reports
• Review rents, utility allowances, household income, maximum program income and rents to ensure compliance regulations are met
• Notify VP of Compliance of suspected or confirmed instances of noncompliance
• Enter and track data in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets based on Tenant Income Certifications submitted monthly
• Compile and distribute data to property owners, site staff, syndicators, state housing entities, reviewing agencies, etc. Review all data for accuracy and any noncompliance issues
• Provide copies of financials quarterly to syndicators
• Serve as a liaison between state housing agency representatives, designated owner representatives and compliance monitoring agencies
• Prepare for and attend annual management reviews conducted by state housing agency representatives, designated owner representatives and compliance monitoring agencies
• Conduct onsite in-house file audits documenting discrepancies or inconsistencies in applying policy and/or regulations. Explain discrepancies and/or inconsistencies to staff
• Direct staff on how discrepancies can be corrected within policy guidelines
• Assist with initial lease up of Housing Credit communities by reviewing applications, determining eligibility of household and ensuring that all required documentation is provided and placed in file prior to a household moving in.
• Track and gather copies of Original Resident files on new lease ups including all required documentation. Review files for accuracy, informing field staff of any necessary corrections. Ensure that corrections are made, and any changes are copied and included in copies of the original resident files. Keep detailed list of all files received including building number, unit number, move-in date and name of head of household.
• Review and approve applications for residency prior to move in.
• Assist with management takeovers ensuring existing residents meet eligibility requirements and files are properly documented and all re-certifications are current.
• Process travel expense reports and purchase orders as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Superior oral and written communications skills
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy
• Detail oriented with the ability to compile, analyze and interpret data
• Ability to prioritize and work with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two years experience in affordable housing
• Experience in compliance with state, county and federal funding programs including, Federal Section 8, low income housing tax credit (LIHTC), BOND and HOME preferred
• Experience in One Site software preferred

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work at a computer either sitting or standing for seven hours daily
• Ability to work in an office environment and use office machines
• Effectively communicate in various media forms