DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Lead the financial strategy of a growing public housing authority making a real difference in the Utica community.
- $95,000 – $125,000/yr, commensurate with experience
- Additional salary flexibility is available for candidates with a CPA license, an advanced degree, or extensive relevant experience
- Full-time, executive-level role reporting to the Executive Director
- Robust PTO, including sick, personal, and vacation time, plus bereavement leave
- Closed for all major federal holidays – 15 total!
- Excellent Health/Dental/Vision coverage
- Enrollment in the NY State Retirement System
- Additional benefits such as deferred compensation, optional insurances (cancer, hospitalization…), and banking discounts
- A seat on the Executive Management Team, shaping strategy for property management, development, and investment activities
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Municipal Housing Authority of the City of Utica, NY (MHA) is seeking an experienced financial leader to serve as Director of Finance (Chief Financial Officer). This senior executive position owns the overall fiscal management, financial operations, and financial strategy of the Authority. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Finance plays a central role in organizational strategy, long-range financial planning, and the financial oversight of a growing portfolio that includes complex funding streams such as HUD programs, LIHTC equity partnerships, and syndicated partnerships. The incumbent exercises substantial discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance to the Authority and serves in a confidential capacity to the Executive Secretary on labor relations and overall operations.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Partner with the Executive Secretary to develop financial strategies supporting organizational growth, including property management, development, and investment activities
- Direct all accounting and financial operations in accordance with HUD, governmental, and private-sector accounting standards
- Prepare and monitor annual operating and capital budgets, and deliver financial analysis and projections that inform leadership decisions
- Present financial data and reports to the Board and external stakeholders
- Oversee cash flow, liquidity, and financial sustainability across public funding, grants, and private investment relationships, including LIHTC equity partners and syndicated partnerships
- Coordinate the Authority's annual independent audit, including its subsidiaries, affiliates, and consolidated LLCs
- Oversee procurement, contract, and RFP review for financial impact and risk
- Serve as a key financial voice in labor relations, including bargaining strategy and the financial impact of compensation and staffing decisions
- Supervise and develop finance and administrative staff
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Thorough knowledge of general and/or governmental accounting, budgeting, financial planning, financial reporting, and auditing
- Working knowledge of procurement, contracts, financial compliance, and labor relations as they relate to financial analysis
- Familiarity with HUD programs, regulations, and reporting requirements (or the ability to quickly get up to speed)
- Strong analytical ability with a track record of translating complex financial data into clear recommendations
- Proven ability to lead and develop a finance team
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to a Board and other stakeholders
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS-registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a closely related field, and three (3) years of experience in accounting or auditing, involving the maintenance or auditing of double-entry books, including the general ledger, or in the maintenance of governmental agency books involving appropriation accounting and preparation of budget and financial reports;
OR
Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS-registered college with an Associate’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a closely related field, and five (5) years of experience in accounting or auditing, involving the maintenance or auditing of double-entry books, including the general ledger, or in the maintenance of governmental agency books involving appropriation accounting and preparation of budget and financial reports;
OR
An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits above.
Preferred: A Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field with progressively responsible and supervisory experience; a CPA license; and experience with HUD-funded programs, public housing finance, or mixed public/private funding environments.
This role carries executive-level responsibility, so while the minimum qualifications above are intentionally broad, salary placement will reflect the depth of a candidate’s supervisory experience, advanced degree, CPA license, and/or relevant governmental or HUD-related finance background.
The Municipal Housing Authority of the City of Utica, NY is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
