Kristina Watkins
Willow Springs
Summary
Results-driven Compliance Manager specializing in compliance auditing and documentation review. Focused on enhancing regulatory processes to meet organizational objectives. Experienced in conducting audits, ensuring regulatory adherence, and developing training programs that promote effective communication and collaboration.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Compliance Manager
National Housing Compliance
Tucker
03.2023 - Current
- Conducted regular audits to verify adherence to housing compliance standards, identifying and addressing potential issues.
- Scheduled and conducted Management Occupancy Reviews (MOR) monthly to evaluate potential compliance issues across Illinois.
- Conducts on-site and remote MORs and inspections, including follow-up actions.
- Reviewed compliance documents for accuracy and adherence to regulations.
- Reviewed and updated documentation to reflect current compliance requirements.
- Assisted in audits by gathering required documentation and evidence.
- Supported field training for contractors and staff on regulatory compliance best practices, enhancing overall program effectiveness.
- Participated in meetings between senior leadership teams to discuss any potential violations or concerns about regulatory issues.
- Report to Senior Compliance Manager, overseeing compliance for Illinois property portfolios.
- Maintains compliance with HUD and NHC deadlines and reporting standards.
- Managed resident issues, documentation uploads (iREMS) for Quality control.
- Developed strong relationships with management, tenants, and internal teams to improve communication and collaboration.
- Managed correspondence, phone inquiries, and emails to ensure professional communication.
- Prepare monthly Expense and Contingency reports.
Compliance Manager
Prairie Management & Development
Chicago
09.2018 - 03.2023
- Conducted regular audits to ensure compliance with housing standards, identifying areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to resolve compliance-related concerns, enhancing stakeholder engagement.
- Trained staff on best practices for regulatory compliance in housing programs.
- Reviewed and updated documentation to reflect current compliance requirements.
- Assisted in creating reports for regulatory agencies and internal assessments.
- Maintained detailed records of all compliance related activities.
- Ensured effective communication of changes in regulations or policies throughout the organization.
- Performed research on current industry trends and developments in order to remain up-to-date on best practices.
- Directed compliance efforts for over 500 units across multiple sites in HUD project-based Sec-8 program.
- Processed all 120day notices, EIV reports, annual recertifications, lease renewals (market and subsidized), interim, Move In and Move Outs.
- Managed monthly rent collections, legal notices of eviction, prepared weekly vacancy and delinquency reports.
- Led a team of five maintenance personnel, coordinating with vendors and security staff to ensure operational efficiency.
- Performed annual property inspections, and lease violations.
- Prepared data for annual inspections with REAC, MORs (NHC), and IDHA Tax Credit program, EIV reports monthly and quarterly.
Assistant Property Manager/Compliance Specialist
Holsten Management
Chicago
08.2017 - 09.2018
- Coordinated tenant communications and resolved inquiries efficiently.
- Managed 172-unit HUD project-based Sec. 8 layered with Tax Credit program, overseeing lease agreements and ensuring policy compliance.
- Assisted in scheduling property maintenance and managing vendor relationships to maintain operational efficiency.
- Organized resident events to foster community engagement.
- Maintained accurate records of tenant payments and service requests.
- Supported marketing efforts for vacant units by creating and optimizing online listings to attract potential tenants.
- Conducted property inspections to identify maintenance needs promptly.
- Collaborated with senior management on operational improvements and strategies.
- Provided administrative support for the property manager including filing, typing correspondence, answering phone calls and scheduling meetings.
- Handled complaints from tenants regarding maintenance issues and resolved them promptly.
- Maintained accurate records of all transactions involving tenants' accounts including rent payments and late fees.
- Handled resident complaints and expedited maintenance requests.
- Collected monthly assessments, rental fees, deposits and payments.
- Collected first month's rent along with security deposit prior to move-in date.
- Developed strong, professional relationships with residents by delivering exemplary service and engagement.
- Created tenant files, maintained records of rental payments, and tracked lease agreements.
- Kept records of correspondence with residents and tenants.
- Settled tenant conflicts using persuasive communication skills and expert knowledge of leasing agreements.
- Reviewed existing lease documents making sure that they are up to date and compliant with local laws.
- Conducted tours of vacancies with prospective tenants.
- Processed applications received from prospective tenants verifying credit history, employment status.
- Explained policies and procedures to tenants and enforced rules.
- Answered calls and responded to inquiries from various parties using strong active listening and open-ended questioning skills to resolve problems.
- Checked rental eligibility by following company's verification process.
- Initiated eviction proceedings according to state law guidelines.
- Conducted regular inspections of properties to identify any needed repairs or improvements.
- Handled security deposit refunds.
- Oversaw daily operations, maintenance, and administration of various properties.
- Reviewed completed applications and assessed household information against file history and program regulations.
- Escalated critical issues to property manager to promote immediate resolution.
- Interacted with potential renters during showings providing information about the property features.
- Checked common areas regularly to keep neat, clean and free of debris.
- Coordinated general maintenance and repairs to keep facilities operational and attractive.
- Advertised vacancies through various media outlets such as newspapers, websites, social media platforms.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws related to fair housing practices.
- Participated in community events promoting the rental properties available at the location.
- Solicited and analyzed bids for repairs, renovation and general maintenance.
- Organized periodic tenant appreciation activities such as barbeques or holiday parties.
- Assisted in the Development and managed highly skilled on-site staff through recruitment, training and motivation (5 person maintenance staff and contractors).
- Implemented cost-saving measures to reduce operating expenses. Including organized monthly tenant and financial/occupancy meetings with property manager.
Property Manager Office Administrator, COS Recert
Eastlake Management
Chicago
08.2009 - 12.2014
- Managed tenant communications and resolved issues promptly and effectively. Throughout employment managed a total of 907 units between 3 properties
- Coordinated property maintenance requests and scheduled vendor services to ensure timely resolution of maintenance issues.
- Organized leasing documentation and ensured compliance with regulations consistently.
- Assisted in preparing property reports and maintained accurate records systematically.
- Created property listings and managed online presence to enhance visibility and attract prospective tenants.
- Facilitated tenant move-ins and move-outs, ensuring a smooth transition process.
- Trained new staff (7-10 employees) on office procedures and property management systems thoroughly.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance office workflow and improve processes continuously.
- Managed daily operations of the office and coordinated meetings between staff members.
- Performed administrative tasks such as data entry into spreadsheets or databases.
- Adhered to Fair Housing Laws while screening applicants for tenancy.
- Reviewed contracts submitted by vendors prior to approval by management team.
- Ensured timely payment of invoices related to the upkeep of the property.
- Responded promptly to emails or phone calls from tenants regarding any issues that may arise.
- Received applications from prospective tenants; verified credit history and references before approving applications.
- Organized and maintained all tenant files, documents, and other records in accordance with company policy.
- Maintained accurate financial records of rental income and expenses in software programs such as QuickBooks, YARDI, EXCEL.
- Handled tenant complaints, inquiries and requests regarding maintenance issues or rent payments in a timely manner.
- Provided administrative support including answering phones, filing documents and managing correspondence with clients and tenants.
- Conducted regular property inspections to identify compliance issues with safety regulations and local ordinances.
- Prepared detailed move-in and move-out inspection reports for each unit.
- Generated monthly reports on occupancy rates, delinquency rates, cash flow analysis and other performance metrics.
- Developed marketing strategies to attract prospective tenants to available properties.
- Assisted in developing new policies or procedures related to leasing activities or office administration duties.
- Coordinated with contractors for repairs, renovations or other services as needed.
- Negotiated terms of leases with tenants; collected security deposits and first month's rent when applicable.
- Reviewed documents and obtained additional information to complete accurate paperwork and avoid delays.
- Replenished office supplies, placing new orders for restocking to maintain inventory.
- Processed financial documents, contracts, expense reports and invoices.
- Created memos, letters and other documents, fostering internal and external communication.
- Filtered emails based on importance and escalated issues to leadership.
- Explained company personnel policies, benefits and procedures to employees or job applicants.
- Managed service agreements and purchase orders to drive budget performance and meet schedule requirements.
- Coordinated onsite annual required training for all staff for HUD/Sec 236 and LIHTC programs. Managed Class 9 reports, Chicago Trust Fund Housing. Program reporting.
- Coordinated and directed organization's financial and budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments and increase efficiency.
- Trained employees on best practices and protocols while managing teams to maintain optimal productivity.
- Worked with management team to improve workflows and eliminate unnecessary tasks.
Education
High School Diploma -
Thornridge High School
Dolton, IL06-1995
Skills
- Regulatory compliance oversight
- Compliance auditing
- Compliance documentation
- Compliance initiatives
- Compliance monitoring
- Audit oversight
- Documentation review
- Quality management
- Quality control
- Data gathering and reporting
- Information gathering
- Project management
- Tenant relations
- Training development
- Staff training
- Team leadership
- Analytical thinking
- Effective communication
- Written communication
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Customer due diligence
- Document reviews
- Written communication
Timeline
Compliance Manager
National Housing Compliance
03.2023 - Current
Compliance Manager
Prairie Management & Development
09.2018 - 03.2023
Assistant Property Manager/Compliance Specialist
Holsten Management
08.2017 - 09.2018
Property Manager Office Administrator, COS Recert
Eastlake Management
08.2009 - 12.2014
High School Diploma -
Thornridge High School