Chief Financial Officer

The Housing Authority of the City of South Bend, Indiana is seeking a qualified CFO responsible for providing overall leadership and management for financial and other assigned functions of the Authority. Responsibilities may include assisting in the development of strategies and policies; providing financial guidance to management; and managing financial and regulatory risk.

 

Position Summary:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for overseeing and managing the financial operations of the Housing Authority of South Bend. This includes budgeting, financial planning, reporting, risk management, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The CFO will provide strategic financial leadership, support decision-making, and ensure the financial sustainability of the organization. Additionally, the CFO will oversee human resources, information technology, and other key operational functions.

The CFO will play a vital role in supporting the Housing Authority’s mission by ensuring financial integrity, optimizing resources, and promoting sound financial decision-making. This position requires a strong leader with deep expertise in public sector finance, housing authority operations, and compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic financial leadership to the Executive Director and Board of Commissioners, ensuring sound fiscal decision-making and long-term sustainability.
• Supervise and lead finance and administrative staff, including assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, coordinating training, and managing hiring, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Oversee and manage human resources, information technology, and other operational functions to enhance organizational effectiveness and ensure alignment with the Housing Authority’s goals.
• Develop and oversee the annual budget and long-term financial plans, ensuring proper allocation of resources to meet operational and strategic objectives.
• Monitor and manage the financial health of the Housing Authority, including evaluating funding strategies, assessing financial risks, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and present comprehensive financial reports, statements, policy proposals, and initiatives to the Board of Commissioners, Executive Director, and external stakeholders.
• Oversee financial audits, internal controls, and risk management strategies to protect organizational assets and maintain compliance with HUD (Housing and Urban Development) regulations and other governing authorities.
• Manage cash flow, investment strategies, and financial forecasting, ensuring the optimal use of funds while identifying opportunities for cost efficiencies and revenue generation.
• Develop and implement robust financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that promote fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability across all programs.
• Oversee monthly operating subsidy draw-downs, monthly check runs, funds transfers, and ensure accurate maintenance of general ledgers for each program in compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, banks, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and financial best practices.
• Provide financial guidance to management staff, fostering collaboration across departments to enhance financial efficiency and program effectiveness.
• Oversee and coordinate the Housing Authority’s budgets, ensuring appropriate monitoring, allocation, and timely adjustments as needed.
• Serve as the Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS) Officer, ensuring compliance with HUD funding procedures and financial regulations.
• Negotiate and secure funding opportunities with investors, grant agencies, and financial institutions to support the Housing Authority’s initiatives and development projects.
• Engage in strategic planning and policy development to support the Authority’s mission and long-term operational growth.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as required by the Executive Director and Board of Commissioners.

 

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, preferably within public housing authorities, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.
• Extensive knowledge of HUD financial regulations and public housing financial management best practices.
• Proven experience in budgeting, financial reporting, grant management, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership abilities with experience managing multidisciplinary teams and cross-functional projects.
• High level of proficiency in financial software, accounting systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, fostering transparency and trust.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex financial information to a diverse audience, including board members and government officials.

 

Level Of Contacts

• Daily personal and telephone contact with staff at all levels of the organization. Frequent personal and telephone contact with HUD officials. Frequent personal and telephone contact with City officials and other political leaders on the local, state, and national levels regarding housing issues. Occasional personal and telephone contact with members of the business community regarding programs and activities of the agency. Occasional personal and telephone contact with representatives of foundations and other non-traditional funding sources.

 

 

Regulations, Policies and Procedures

 

• HUD rules and regulations
• Local and state statutes related to housing
• Fair housing opportunities
• SBHA Policies and Procedures

 

 

Language Skills

 

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from residents, clients, HUD and other regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write and deliver speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, city officials, public groups, and/or the Board of Commissioners.

 

Physical Demands

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five pounds. Specific visions abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

 

Work Environment

 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

• Primarily an office-based position with periodic travel to meetings, training, and conferences.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to meet organizational deadlines and attend board meetings.