Director of Audit and Compliance

Summary

Description

Job Description

Join the Denver Housing Authority (DHA), a leader in providing affordable housing and creating thriving communities in Denver. As a dynamic organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents, we focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellence in service delivery. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and sustainability, DHA is dedicated to a best-in-class work environment while addressing the housing needs of our city. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and want to contribute to meaningful projects that empower individuals and families, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.

This role is classified as exempt. The hiring range is $117,740.45 to $147,175.92

Summary of Job

The Director of Audit and Compliance provides independent, objective, assurance, and consulting services designed to add value and improve operations across the Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver (“DHA”).  Helps DHA accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and government processes.  Performs complex managerial and administrative work conducting research and interpreting all program documents and HUD regulations to ensure compliance with any and all property management or housing operation requirements to include all federal, state, and local laws.  Will act as the intermediary between executive, senior, and middle-management leaders to develop and recommend policies and procedures to ensure DHA reinforces restrictions and improves and upholds the integrity of all programs.  Assesses areas of compliance risk for the agency and collaborates with staff to effectively incorporate compliance functions throughout DHA’s business operations. Leads a risk-based audit and compliance program focused on sustaining DHA’s eligibility with critical housing funding streams. This leader drives DHA’s organizational focus and culture in alignment with our values of Respect, Honesty, Teamwork, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develops a comprehensive internal audit and compliance program to provide management with evaluations of the effectiveness of internal controls.
2. Prepares a flexible annual audit plan using appropriate risk-based methodology, including any risks or control concerns identified by the Board of Commissioners and management, and submit that plan to the Audit, Finance, and Pension Committee for review and approval. Implements and maintains the same.
3. Maintains a deep working knowledge of housing program funding streams and associated requirements; designs and performs audits, monitoring, and training that safeguards DHA’s funding eligibility and proactively mitigates risk that could jeopardize grants, subsidies, or tax credits.
4. Establishes and implements quality control programs and procedures to ensure the efficient operation of DHA functions.
5. Maintains expertise in applicable HUD rules and regulations, DHA’s administrative processes and procedures, program documents and relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
6. Develops, implements, and maintains a Compliance Plan addressing issues, goals and action items.
7. Issues periodic reports to the Audit, Finance, and Pension Committee and management summarizing results of audit activities.
8. Follows-up on internal and external review recommendations to assure correction of reported deficiencies, and implementation of corrective action.
9. Tracks, verifies, and reports on the implementation of corrective action stemming from internal and external reviews; escalates unresolved or overdue items to the Chief Legal Officer and Executive Advisor , Chief Executive Officer, and Audit Committee to reinforce accountability.
10. Composes correspondence, reports, and memoranda as requested to communicate audit objectives, findings and recommendations clearly to diverse audiences.
11. Recommends new procedures, systems, and process improvements resulting from audits.
12. Provides training and advice to staff as requested.
13. Assists with special projects and activities.
14. Ensures the smooth and efficient operation of the Audit & Compliance Department.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.
16. Maintains on-site presence and travel to DHA locations and partner sites as needed.
17. This list is not intended to be inclusive and may be expanded.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university required, master’s degree in accounting, business administration, public administration, or a related field preferred.
• At least eight (8) years of experience in audit, compliance, business analysis, or program evaluation, including a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Required experience with federal, state, or local government compliance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of housing programs and funding streams, including how audit and compliance practices support ongoing eligibility and funding.
• Experience with HUD-assisted housing programs strongly preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the stated requirements.

Licenses & Certifications

• Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) are preferred.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license required, with the ability to maintain eligibility to drive in accordance with personnel policy (reasonable accommodations available).

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated expertise in internal auditing, accounting, risk assessment, internal controls, quality assurance, and applicable management and business practices.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead, influence, coach, and build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders, including residents and partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly, professionally, and appropriately to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to assess risk, analyze complex issues, exercise sound judgment, and make ethical, well-informed decisions with an understanding of organizational impact.
• Strong planning, organizational, and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize, manage multiple initiatives, and meet deadlines in fast-paced or high-pressure environments.
• Ability to independently interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines to complex or non-routine situations.
• High standards of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and confidentiality, with a demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to respond effectively to change, ambiguity, and challenging situations while maintaining composure.
• Strong attention to detail, accountability, and reliability, including punctuality and consistent on-site attendance aligned with role requirements.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and related business tools.

Physical, Mental, and Work Environment Requirements

This position is primarily office-based and requires the ability to perform the following essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time while performing work at a desk or workstation.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment and technology.
• Ability to communicate effectively through spoken and written means.
• Ability to perceive auditory information necessary to perform job duties.
• Ability to visually review and interpret written and electronic materials at close range.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle as required for work-related travel.

Mental Requirements

• Ability to comprehend and apply written and verbal information.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical reasoning, retain information, and analyze data to support decision-making.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting.

Reasonable Accommodation

• DHA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and occasionally at field sites. The role may involve periods of high workload and time-sensitive deadlines, requiring the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting. Evening or weekend work may be required on an as-needed basis, sometimes with limited advance notice. No hazardous physical working conditions are present.
• Position Reports To: Chief Legal Officer and Executive Advisor

The Denver Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in compliance with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws.

At the Denver Housing Authority, we understand that not everyone may meet every qualification outlined in this job posting. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, as we value diverse experiences and perspectives. We consider comparable experiences and skills, and we believe that a workforce reflective of the communities we serve is essential to our mission. If you are passionate about making a difference and believe you can contribute to our team, we would love to hear from you!