Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee
Chief Financial Officer
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53244
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM)
Position Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee’s (HACM) executive leadership team and supports the Executive Director by providing strategic and organizational leadership in all areas of financial management and ensuring the financial sustainability of the organization.
HACM currently assists 10,779 households and more than 20,000 residents across its portfolio. That includes approximately 2,322 public housing units, 5,482 housing choice vouchers, 1,996 other affordable housing units (LIHTC including Project‑based voucher units), and 979 market‑rate units. HACM is operating under a HUD Public Housing Recovery Agreement and Sustainability Plan, positioning its next CFO to work with the Secretary‑Executive Director to drive transformation, accountability, and long‑term financial resilience.
The CFO is responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating an effective financial management system for HACM, which includes, but is not limited to: strategic planning and accountability for fiscal and managerial results; preparing, managing and monitoring the Authority‑wide budgets and financial performance; developing or revising financial policies and procedures; ensuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations; financial and resource management functions; risk management; overseeing the finance/accounting, procurement, and information technology departments; and preparing regular and annual financial statements and reports.
Key Responsibilities – Strategic and Executive Leadership
Supports the Executive Director in the development and execution of the agency’s strategic plan, goals, and policy initiatives.
Serves as a strategic advisor and operational leader, providing critical financial guidance on operational decisions, agency performance, and long‑term sustainability.
Oversees the implementation of corrective actions necessary for HACM to recover from Troubled status for both its Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs, including those specified in the HUD Recovery Agreement and the Sustainability Plan or in Corrective Action Plans for the voucher program.
People, Culture & Talent
Supervises and leads finance and administrative staff, prioritizing and assigning work; coordinating staff training; conducting performance evaluations; and coordinating hiring, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
Oversees and manages procurement, information technology, and other administrative functions to enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency, and ensure compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.
Provides ongoing assistance and training/development to support a positive and productive working environment.
Leads and develops finance and administrative staff in fostering a high‑performing, collaborative, data‑driven and accountable team culture that leads to the achievement of excellence and the implementation of best practices.
Financial Operations Oversight
Directs the overall financial policies and accounting practices of HACM and its instrumentalities and subsidiaries, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability across all programs and implementing appropriate internal controls.
Ensures that accounting and financial systems are maintained in accordance with GAAP and with HUD guidance and regulations.
Develops and oversees the annual budget and long‑term financial plans, ensuring proper allocation of resources to meet operational and strategic objectives.
Monitors and manages the financial health of the Housing Authority, evaluating funding strategies, assessing financial risks, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Oversees the research and contracting for the full range of the Agency’s insurance needs and risk management strategies to protect organizational assets and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
Collaborates with other departments on capital planning and obligation/expenditures for capital items.
Manages treasury functions, banking relationships, and investment strategies to prudently steward public resources.
Establishes, directs and monitors the Agency’s cash management activities to effectively manage cash flows and balances, provide financial forecasts, and ensure sufficient cash to meet immediate needs.
Oversees drawdowns of federal funds, fund transfers, and maintains general ledgers and bank accounts required for each program in accordance with federal, state, or local requirements.
Partners with Development and Asset Management teams to optimize the performance of the housing portfolio and ensure adequate cash flow and liquidity.
Ensures compliance with all HUD, LIHTC, and other federal, state and local laws and agency policies across all departments.
Advances the Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) transformation plan and other revitalization initiatives; structures repositioning transactions (e.g., LIHTC, RAD/Section 18, mixed‑finance) with public/private/philanthropic partners.
Works with financial advisors on financial modeling and structuring financing for complex affordable housing transactions, utilizing repositioning tools like LIHTC, RAD, Section 18, etc.
Financial and Compliance Reporting and Audits
Ensures timely and accurate reporting requirements are met for HUD, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), investors, and other funding sources/partners.
Provides regular monthly financial reports and statements to the Executive Director, Board of Commissioners, and external stakeholders such as HUD, WHEDA, and LIHTC investors/partners regarding the financial condition of HACM and its related instrumentalities and LLCs.
Coordinates the annual independent financial audits, and other third‑party monitoring reviews and audits in a timely and well‑organized manner.
Assists with the preparation, review, analysis and transmittal of PHAS information throughout the year and at the end of the fiscal year.
Drives accountability for achieving and maintaining high performance on key federal metrics, including PHAS (Public Housing) and SEMAP (Section 8), especially on financial assessment indicators.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement & External Affairs
Works as the primary liaison with external auditors, banks, financial institutions and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and financial best practices.
Represents HACM in meetings with HUD, WHEDA, local government, investors, donors, residents, resident organizations, neighborhood groups, media, and other partners.
Facilitates investor, lender, and state housing agency relations and coordinates communications with the various partners regarding LIHTC development finances.
Communicates and coordinates accounting and procurement policies, practices and procedures, reports and audit findings with other departments, vendors, reporting agencies, partners, clients and the public.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; 8 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, preferably within public housing authorities, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Certification:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.
Technical Expertise:
Demonstrated proficiency with HUD financial regulations in Public Housing, HCV/Section 8, affordable housing (LIHTC, mixed finance).
Some knowledge of asset repositioning tools (RAD, Section 18, etc.) preferred.
High level of proficiency in financial software, accounting systems, and Microsoft Office software.
Other:
Valid driver’s license.
Core Competencies Financial & Regulatory Acumen:
Excellent knowledge of HUD/LIHTC regulations and accounting for housing programs. Proven experience in budgeting, financial reporting, grants management, and regulatory compliance.
Integrity and Trust:
Leads with honesty, transparency, and consistency; builds trust across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
Strategic Execution:
Provides strategic and operational leadership over finance via measurable plans with budgets, milestones, and accountability.
People Leadership:
Values professionalism and teamwork; coaches staff to ensure their development within the organization; manages change with empathy and clarity; maintains a responsive, solutions‑focused approach to internal and external relationships.
Working Conditions
Standard office environment with frequent site visits to developments, partner locations, and community meetings; occasional evening/weekend commitments for Board, resident, or public meetings.
Seniority Level Executive
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Finance and Sales
Government Administration
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Position Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee’s (HACM) executive leadership team and supports the Executive Director by providing strategic and organizational leadership in all areas of financial management and ensuring the financial sustainability of the organization.
HACM currently assists 10,779 households and more than 20,000 residents across its portfolio. That includes approximately 2,322 public housing units, 5,482 housing choice vouchers, 1,996 other affordable housing units (LIHTC including Project‑based voucher units), and 979 market‑rate units. HACM is operating under a HUD Public Housing Recovery Agreement and Sustainability Plan, positioning its next CFO to work with the Secretary‑Executive Director to drive transformation, accountability, and long‑term financial resilience.
The CFO is responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating an effective financial management system for HACM, which includes, but is not limited to: strategic planning and accountability for fiscal and managerial results; preparing, managing and monitoring the Authority‑wide budgets and financial performance; developing or revising financial policies and procedures; ensuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations; financial and resource management functions; risk management; overseeing the finance/accounting, procurement, and information technology departments; and preparing regular and annual financial statements and reports.
Key Responsibilities – Strategic and Executive Leadership
Supports the Executive Director in the development and execution of the agency’s strategic plan, goals, and policy initiatives.
Serves as a strategic advisor and operational leader, providing critical financial guidance on operational decisions, agency performance, and long‑term sustainability.
Oversees the implementation of corrective actions necessary for HACM to recover from Troubled status for both its Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs, including those specified in the HUD Recovery Agreement and the Sustainability Plan or in Corrective Action Plans for the voucher program.
People, Culture & Talent
Supervises and leads finance and administrative staff, prioritizing and assigning work; coordinating staff training; conducting performance evaluations; and coordinating hiring, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
Oversees and manages procurement, information technology, and other administrative functions to enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency, and ensure compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.
Provides ongoing assistance and training/development to support a positive and productive working environment.
Leads and develops finance and administrative staff in fostering a high‑performing, collaborative, data‑driven and accountable team culture that leads to the achievement of excellence and the implementation of best practices.
Financial Operations Oversight
Directs the overall financial policies and accounting practices of HACM and its instrumentalities and subsidiaries, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability across all programs and implementing appropriate internal controls.
Ensures that accounting and financial systems are maintained in accordance with GAAP and with HUD guidance and regulations.
Develops and oversees the annual budget and long‑term financial plans, ensuring proper allocation of resources to meet operational and strategic objectives.
Monitors and manages the financial health of the Housing Authority, evaluating funding strategies, assessing financial risks, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Oversees the research and contracting for the full range of the Agency’s insurance needs and risk management strategies to protect organizational assets and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
Collaborates with other departments on capital planning and obligation/expenditures for capital items.
Manages treasury functions, banking relationships, and investment strategies to prudently steward public resources.
Establishes, directs and monitors the Agency’s cash management activities to effectively manage cash flows and balances, provide financial forecasts, and ensure sufficient cash to meet immediate needs.
Oversees drawdowns of federal funds, fund transfers, and maintains general ledgers and bank accounts required for each program in accordance with federal, state, or local requirements.
Partners with Development and Asset Management teams to optimize the performance of the housing portfolio and ensure adequate cash flow and liquidity.
Ensures compliance with all HUD, LIHTC, and other federal, state and local laws and agency policies across all departments.
Advances the Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) transformation plan and other revitalization initiatives; structures repositioning transactions (e.g., LIHTC, RAD/Section 18, mixed‑finance) with public/private/philanthropic partners.
Works with financial advisors on financial modeling and structuring financing for complex affordable housing transactions, utilizing repositioning tools like LIHTC, RAD, Section 18, etc.
Financial and Compliance Reporting and Audits
Ensures timely and accurate reporting requirements are met for HUD, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), investors, and other funding sources/partners.
Provides regular monthly financial reports and statements to the Executive Director, Board of Commissioners, and external stakeholders such as HUD, WHEDA, and LIHTC investors/partners regarding the financial condition of HACM and its related instrumentalities and LLCs.
Coordinates the annual independent financial audits, and other third‑party monitoring reviews and audits in a timely and well‑organized manner.
Assists with the preparation, review, analysis and transmittal of PHAS information throughout the year and at the end of the fiscal year.
Drives accountability for achieving and maintaining high performance on key federal metrics, including PHAS (Public Housing) and SEMAP (Section 8), especially on financial assessment indicators.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement & External Affairs
Works as the primary liaison with external auditors, banks, financial institutions and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and financial best practices.
Represents HACM in meetings with HUD, WHEDA, local government, investors, donors, residents, resident organizations, neighborhood groups, media, and other partners.
Facilitates investor, lender, and state housing agency relations and coordinates communications with the various partners regarding LIHTC development finances.
Communicates and coordinates accounting and procurement policies, practices and procedures, reports and audit findings with other departments, vendors, reporting agencies, partners, clients and the public.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; 8 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, preferably within public housing authorities, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Certification:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.
Technical Expertise:
Demonstrated proficiency with HUD financial regulations in Public Housing, HCV/Section 8, affordable housing (LIHTC, mixed finance).
Some knowledge of asset repositioning tools (RAD, Section 18, etc.) preferred.
High level of proficiency in financial software, accounting systems, and Microsoft Office software.
Other:
Valid driver’s license.
Core Competencies Financial & Regulatory Acumen:
Excellent knowledge of HUD/LIHTC regulations and accounting for housing programs. Proven experience in budgeting, financial reporting, grants management, and regulatory compliance.
Integrity and Trust:
Leads with honesty, transparency, and consistency; builds trust across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
Strategic Execution:
Provides strategic and operational leadership over finance via measurable plans with budgets, milestones, and accountability.
People Leadership:
Values professionalism and teamwork; coaches staff to ensure their development within the organization; manages change with empathy and clarity; maintains a responsive, solutions‑focused approach to internal and external relationships.
Working Conditions
Standard office environment with frequent site visits to developments, partner locations, and community meetings; occasional evening/weekend commitments for Board, resident, or public meetings.
Seniority Level Executive
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Finance and Sales
Government Administration
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