Description

SCOPE: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the Authority's senior financial executive responsible for enterprise-wide financial stewardship, strategy, reporting, and compliance for the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and its instrumentalities. The CFO leads Finance & Accounting, Procurement/Purchasing, Inventory/Warehousing, Fleet, and Campus Facilities operations, overseeing an annual operating and program budget exceeding $130 million. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the CFO establishes robust financial controls, ensures fiscal integrity, optimizes cost efficiency, and provides strategic counsel to the Executive Team and Board of Commissioners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required.

Financial Strategy & Leadership
• Serve as the organization's principal financial strategist-advise the CEO/COO and senior leaders on financial policy, capital allocation, long-range planning, and enterprise risk.
• Translate strategic priorities into multi-year financial plans, KPIs, and dashboards; lead continuous improvement across finance operations and related shared services.
Financial Planning, Reporting & Audit
• Direct preparation of GASB-compliant financial statements and disclosures (e.g., Statement of Net Position; Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Net Position; Statement of Cash Flows; notes). Ensure audit readiness and quality across GAAS/Single Audit (2 CFR 200 - Uniform Guidance) requirements.
• Establish standardized monthly/quarterly reporting for CMHA programs and instrumentalities; deliver timely analyses to HUD, CMHA leadership, external stakeholders, and the Board of Commissioners.
Budgeting & Performance Management
• Lead development, consolidation, and monitoring of all Authority budgets; ensure disciplined variance analysis, spending controls, and accurate reporting of actuals against plan.
• Drive agency-wide financial forecasting, scenario modeling, and mid-year re-forecast processes to support operational agility.
Treasury, Cash Management & General Ledger
• Oversee enterprise cash management, liquidity planning, treasury functions, banking relationships, and investment compliance.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of the general ledger, account reconciliations, closing cycles, and consolidations across CMHA and related entities.
Internal Controls, Policies & Compliance
• Design, implement, and monitor an effective internal control framework (e.g., COSO), including segregation of duties, authorization protocols, and continuous control testing.
• Author and maintain Finance SOPs and policies; enforce compliance with HUD, OHFA, federal/state/local regulations, funder requirements, and CMHA policy.
Procurement & Purchasing Oversight
• Provide executive oversight for Procurement/Purchasing; ensure competitive practices, contract compliance, and timely execution aligned to HUD/funder requirements and CMHA standards.
• Present procurements/contracts to the Board of Commissioners as required, in collaboration with Executive leadership.
Inventory, Warehousing, Fleet & Facilities
• Lead strategy and performance of Inventory/Warehousing, Fleet operations, and Campus Facilities; maintain policy/SOP alignment, safety standards, asset lifecycle management, and cost efficiency.
Systems, Data & Financial Technology
• Ensure reliable financial systems (ERP, GL, AP/AR, procurement, inventory) and data governance; champion automation, analytics & financial AI initiatives and reporting tools for decision support.
Real Estate Development Finance (as needed)
• Partner with Development leaders to structure financing plans, pro formas, and capital stacks (e.g., LIHTC, HUD grants/programs, conventional/affordable loan products) to support CMHA projects.
Cross-Functional & External Engagement
• Collaborate with all departments to achieve annual and strategic goals; serve as a liaison to auditors, lenders, investors, HUD, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare executive materials and present complex financial information in clear, accessible formats to stakeholders and the Board.
People Leadership
• Recruit, develop, and lead high-performing direct and indirect teams across Finance, Procurement, Inventory, Fleet, and Facilities; conduct timely performance evaluations and coach for results.
Governance & Risk Management
• Maintain financial policies, risk registers, and compliance attestations; ensure contractual obligations (including collective bargaining agreements, where applicable) are honored in financial operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the COO/CEO.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each competency satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
• Uncompromising financial integrity, sound judgment, and executive presence; exemplary customer service orientation and attention to detail.
• Proven leadership, patient, persistent, collaborative; exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment; effective multi-tasking and prioritization.
• Expertise in financial projections and pro forma analysis; advanced proficiency in GAAP/GASB budgeting concepts and financial reporting.
• Skilled at presenting financial and operational insights to diverse audiences.
• Advanced proficiency with financial applications and Microsoft Excel/Word/PowerPoint; familiarity with ERP/financial systems.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential strongly preferred.
• Experience in public sector, public housing, and/or affordable housing; familiarity with development partnerships and construction finance.
• Demonstrated success with financing tools supporting Housing Authority operations and development (e.g., LIHTC, HUD programs, OHFA, bank financing, and other public/private sources).
• History of productive engagement with community-based organizations serving low-income residents.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related discipline (finance/accounting emphasis required).
• MBA (finance/accounting emphasis) or equivalent combination of education and substantial relevant experience beyond the minimum.
• Prior public sector/government accounting experience required; PHA accounting experience strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership in complex organizations (financial reporting, department management, internal controls). 8+ years managing large professional accounting/operational teams.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to maintain a stationary position, operate computers and other office equipment, move about the office, attend onsite and offsite meetings, and communicate. The employee must be able to sit or stand for eight hours while performing essential work duties. The employee must be able to accurately exchange information in person, in writing and via e-mail and telephone. The employee must be able to perform essential job functions in an environment that could have increased stress levels.

OTHER: The candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license in state of residence and maintain an insurable driving record under the terms and conditions of the CMHA auto liability policy. The candidate may have no more than 6 accumulated points in 3 consecutive years.