Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance Seeks Chief Financial Officer About Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance Since its inception in 1994, Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance ("CMHA")
has been more than an organization dedicated to addressing homelessness - it is a force for change, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for lasting impact. At the heart of CMHA's mission is a commitment that goes beyond the provision of services; it is a relentless pursuit of understanding and tackling the root causes of homelessness to pave the way for a future where such services are no longer desperately needed. Guided by a visionary approach, CMHA spearheads a collaborative response to homelessness across five strategic focus areas that define its unwavering commitment: - Planning and Convening : CMHA prides itself on taking a data-driven approach to inform stakeholders across Worcester County on the impacts of homelessness for all populations. CMHA convenes local, state, and federal partners to develop and implement plans that will end homelessness.
- Prevention : CMHA believes in nipping challenges in the bud. Through early intervention that encompasses counseling, mediation, and targeted financial assistance, CMHA ensures that minor setbacks do not escalate into full-blown housing crises.
- Homelessness Transition : As individuals strive to regain stability, CMHA provides a comprehensive support system. Access to education, employment, and various other programs contribute to long-term housing and economic stability.
- Shelter and Safety Net : Recognizing the urgency, CMHA offers critical emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. Simultaneously, safety net programs provide ongoing assistance, guiding individuals toward the path of reclaiming their homes.
- Public Education and Advocacy : Rooted in the belief that learning from the experiences of those served is paramount, CMHA engages in public education and advocacy efforts. This serves as the foundation for fostering long-term local, state, and federal policy change in prevention, shelter, and safety net initiatives, moving beyond homelessness, and raising awareness on a broader scale.
Within these focus areas, CMHA operates an array of impactful programs
, including the transformative Continuum of Care, the impactful Housing Counseling, the altruistic Donations Clearinghouse, the empowering Elder Home Repair & Maintenance, and the comprehensive Family Shelter, Housing Placement, HomeBASE & Stabilization. Also playing a pivotal role in the organization's holistic approach to combating homelessness are programs such as Hope for Housing and Youth Advocating to End Homelessness. Headquartered in Worcester, MA and serving throughout central Massachusetts, CMHA employs approximately 140 dedicated staff with an enduring commitment to eradicating the cause of homelessness, many with substantial tenures at the organization. Operating on a $30 million annual budget , CMHA is governed by an active 15-member Board of Directors comprising community and business leaders deeply impassioned by CMHA's mission. CFO Opportunity Going Forward Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and serving as an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") will be a proactive and strategic thought-partner providing financial guidance and direction to ensure that CMHA's decision making for current operations and future growth is informed by accurate, timely, and tactical financial forecasting and modeling. In addition, the CFO will develop and lead a five-member department which collectively supports accounting, finance, budgeting, and business planning and forecasting. In addition, the CFO supports human resources, information technology, and general administration, and over time those departments may report directly to the CFO. High priorities for the CFO include:
- Managing and overseeing all accounting processes, including bookkeeping, payroll management, billing, receivables, and financial tracking and reporting for restricted federal, state, and private grants.
- Ensuring that policies and procedures are developed and followed so CMHA follows all federal, state, and private grant guidelines while ensuring that the organization maximizes service delivery and revenue under all its contracts.
- In conjunction with the CEO and program directors, developing a process for and leading the annual budgeting and planning process, monitoring budget to actual results monthly, and producing accurate, timely, and informative reports to allow the Senior Leadership Team to make informed programmatic decisions based on up-to-date financial information.
- Developing pro forma financials and models to inform decision making regarding growth, expansion, and resource allocations.
- Supporting the implementation of CMHA's new accounting software with a target implementation date of February 1, 2025.
- Onboarding, empowering, and managing a team of financial, IT, and human resource professionals to maximize their collective impact and productivity as well as enhancing each staff member's individual contribution, professional development, and job satisfaction.
- Creating and adhering to a billing and collection schedule for all contracts to maximize contract draw downs and to adeptly manage cash flow.
- Producing, analyzing, and presenting reports to the CEO, board, senior leadership, and funders
- Adapting one's personal communication style to audiences with varying degrees of financial acumen.
- Leading the annual audit process and liaising with the external auditors and finance committee to ensure a smooth audit, keeping all well-informed throughout.
- Regularly reviewing and, when necessary, revising business and accounting policies and procedures to ensure compliance, keeping all accounting manuals up to date.
- Working closely and transparently with all external partners, including third-party vendors and consultants.
Profile of the Ideal Candidate Credentials: - Five to seven years' senior financial leadership experience at a nonprofit of comparable size, scope, and financial complexity.
- Minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, and/or management.
- Knowledge of federal and state government contracting, accounting, and reporting is essential.
- Accounting/financial certification (CPA, CMA, CFA) or advanced accounting degree would be a plus.
- Prior experience serving diverse communities akin to those served by CMHA would be advantageous.
Skills and Qualities: - Strong knowledge of GAAP and regulatory compliance with a proven ability to manage a complex organization's accounting, finance, and administrative functions with a commitment to develop and implement sound finance and accounting principles and recommend improvements to policies, procedures, and processes, when needed.
- Experience with budgeting and fund accounting policies, practices, processes, procedures, and associated reporting.
- Experience with external auditors, compliance management, and regulatory oversight.
- Solid written and verbal communication skills to translate and present financial information to diverse audiences who have varying levels of financial acumen.
- Experience hiring, onboarding, overseeing, motivating, and developing professional staff who are held to high levels of accountability.
- Consummate team player who ensures the finance function is in service to other departments to support and advance CMHA's mission.
- Computer literate with Microsoft Excel expertise and knowledge of other Office products; exposure to QuickBooks online and would be ideal.
- Technology savvy with experience overseeing accounting software installations and managing relationships with software vendors.
- Excellent relationship building talents and a skilled listener who is graciously willing to consider all opinions, make informed decisions, and prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- Able to proactively contribute to CMHA's culture built on integrity and trust, a culture which is collaborative, supportive, cohesive, and empathetic.
- A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced, growing, and changing work environment with a successful track record of setting priorities, thinking analytically, solving problems, and making sound decisions.
- Understand and/or personally represent the lived experiences of the communities served by CMHA.
- Commitment to human resource best practices and to training programs that maximize individual and organizational goals.
Comp ensation and Benefits: This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with a starting salary range of $150,000 to $175,000 , commensurate with experience and qualifications. CMHA offers a competitive benefit package including voluntary health/dental/vision/ long-term disability insurance, employer paid life insurance/ADD, Employee Assistance Program, 403B with match, and vacation, sick and personal time. A regular, on-site presence at the Worcester location is required with some flexibility for at-home work.
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