Chief Financial Officer

Job Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to develop financial strategies. This is accomplished by forecasting funding capital and staff requirements, identifying monetary resources, and developing action plans. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will administer, advise, manage/coordinate, and oversee the Housing Authority’s fiscal/financial management programs and activities.  This position requires expert knowledge of Public Housing, Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program, Tax Credits, Bond Financing, Capital Funds, and Mixed-Finance Development.  This position requires expert knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, in-depth knowledge of Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)/Section 8 Programs, with the capacity to remain up to date on special RAD initiatives and Public Housing trends.

CFO is responsible for the review and submission of the Financial Data Schedule (FDS) due to HUD.  Position requires knowledge of the general operations and procedures of a Public Housing Agency (PHA).  Demonstrates strong familiarity with major HUD regulations, along with all relevant Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, and regulations.  Fiduciary responsibility for the agency’s investment portfolio to include regular reporting. All actions must support the HACG’s mission, vision, strategic goals, and objectives.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions 

• Oversee a variety of functions of the Authority and provide direction to meet the organization’s long and short-term goals in fiscal accountability.
• Deep understanding of affordable housing real estate finance and extensive experience in senior executive roles.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in real estate finance and property management and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex financial operations and driving financial performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and provide strategic insights.
• Excellent leadership and communications skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate a dynamic and fast-paced environment, adapting to changing priorities and delivering results.
• Supervises the design, development, and implementation of an Authority-wide Department-based budgeting system.
• Investigate alternative funding sources.
• Responsible for project profitability and its related impact on the corporate budget.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with joint venture partners, investors, and municipal development planners.
• Establish a long-term vision that balances fiscal outcomes with performance goals.
• Identify and drive the implementation of strategic choices that lead to organizational growth.
• Lead change and transformation efforts that create lasting value for the finance function and the wider organization.
• Establish policies and procedures to ensure that appropriate records are established and maintained in accordance with professional practices and HUD regulations.
• Establish controls to ensure that directives, policies, and procedures are being followed.
• Arrange financing of newly acquired properties.
• Ensure effective internal controls.
• Provide final approval of certified financial audits for the Authority, as well as all affiliated corporations and partnerships.
• Provide executive management recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance and business opportunities.
• Knowledge of creating and managing corporations and partnerships.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining the 5-Year Plan.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual needs statement.
• Participate on various advisory committees and civic organizations to promote public housing and maintain a positive profile in the community.
• Advise corporate/tax divisions with technical problems.
• Represent the agency in meetings with governmental officials, non-profit agencies, and the general public.
• Monitor changes in federal and other regulations, assess their impact on the Authority, and inform senior staff.
• Attend and present the Authority financial overview at monthly Board meetings.

Education and Experience (at minimum)

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field, as well as ten (10) years of experience in public or governmental accounting which includes five (5) years progressive supervisory experience; highly prefer experience in Public Housing, Master’s degree, CPA, CIA.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, in which, in the sole determination of the Housing Authority, provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• HUD and other federal, state, and local policies, procedures, and regulations related to the operation of a public housing authority.
• The principles and practices of management and supervision.
• The principles and practices of budgeting and budget administration.
• The principles and practices of accounting & finance.
• Modern office equipment.

Skilled in:

• Communicating with people inside and outside of the organization and from a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Developing policies and procedures designed to meet the goals and objectives of the organization.
• The preparation and presentation of ideas and information in formal & informal settings.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and assign routine work and special projects to meet organizational goals.
• Develop and establish effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.
• Analyze reports and data; and formulate recommendations.
• Manage multiple priorities and multiple demands to accomplish tasks in accordance with established requirements.
• Anticipate potential problems and needs in order to develop and initiate appropriate corrective action.
• Use sound judgement to make and implement decisions.
• Effectively initiate and manage work projects.
• Develop policies and long-range plans, and appropriately allocate funds. Decisions often involve multiple priorities, limited resources, and internal & external challenges.
• Communicate effectively with groups and individuals, both orally and in writing.
• Evaluate the performance of subordinates, correct deficiencies, and effectively assign personnel.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the following:

• occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force
• regularly sitting, speaking or hearing and repetitive motions
• frequently using hands to finger, handle or feel
• occasionally standing, walking, pushing or pulling and lifting
• standard vision requirements
• vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels
• preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities
• work has minimal exposure to environmental conditions and is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

Valid North Carolina Driver's License within one (1) year of hire.

Must have and maintain a current driver's license and be insurable under the Authority's vehicle insurance.