Director, Budgets

Chicago Housing Authority•Chicago, IL

4h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Budget Director supports the Deputy Chief in developing, administering, forecasting, and monitoring CHA’s annual operating budget and capital needs plan. The position directs the day-to-day work of Budget team staff and oversees budget monitoring, financial analysis, executive reporting, required HUD budget and funding submissions, and the allocation and use of operating and capital resources. The role leads budget processes and workflows, including the transition from Lawson to Yardi and the use of Yardi budget, forecasting, capital-planning, workflow, and reporting functions. It directs operating and capital forecasts, monthly variance analysis, preparation of budget-to-actual reports, and updates to the five-year capital needs plan. The Budget Director also monitors funding, ensures expenditures are properly approved and budgeted, supports HUD applications and reporting, and oversees departmental operations and staff performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Mathematics, or Business Administration.
At least seven years of progressive, responsible experience in an accounting environment, or the equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
Considerable knowledge of accounting and budget practices and procedures.
Knowledge of HUD budget and accounting regulations.
Knowledge of financial reporting practices.
Effective analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
General working knowledge of manual and automated accounting and budget maintenance systems.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Yardi ERP.
CPA or MBA.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise assigned Budget team staff, including assigning and reviewing work, providing training and guidance, monitoring performance, and completing performance evaluations.
Coordinate preparation and submission of required budget documents and funding forms to HUD.
Lead Budget team activities for the transition from Lawson to Yardi and implementation and ongoing use of its budget, forecasting, capital-planning, workflow, and reporting functions.
Manage Yardi Jobs request, review, approval, and revision workflows to ensure compliance with CHA policy, appropriate funding allocation, and accurate tracking of capital funding sources and uses.
Manage migration into Yardi Forecast IQ for operating budget management, compilation, and reporting.
Direct development of revenue and expenditure forecasts for CHA programs and coordinate monthly variance analysis and explanations with budget staff and user groups.
Direct development and updating of the five-year capital needs plan using information from leadership and applicable user departments.
Assign capital funding sources to projects and provide monthly reporting on budget versus actual, commitments and spending status of capital funds, and other ad hoc reporting needs.
Supervise and direct day-to-day departmental activities to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
Oversee processes to ensure expenditures have appropriate approval and are budgeted.
Direct preparation and review of monthly budget-to-actual reports, forecasts, and financial analyses for executive leadership and operating departments.
Participate in and direct strategic planning initiatives to ensure departmental goals and objectives are met.
Oversee preparation of program applications related to operating subsidy and capital grants, and assist with budget-related portions of HUD Annual Plan and Report submissions.
Monitor available financial resources and anticipate future funding requirements for review with the Deputy Chief of Budgets.
Monitor relevant trends, developments, and federal regulations to ensure accurate maintenance of authority-wide budgets.
Review program contract agreements for financial issues to ensure funds are allocated accordingly.
Perform other related duties consistent with the purpose and level of the position.

Benefits

Vacation, sick, and personal leave and a competitive PTO package.
Medical insurance options, including HMO, PPO, and a high-deductible PPO with no employee cost.
Dental, vision, and life insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Long-term care insurance.
Pet insurance.
Parking and transit benefits.
Prepaid legal services.
Brightstar 529 College Savings Plan.
Identity theft protection.
Hospital indemnity insurance.
Voluntary critical illness insurance.
Deferred compensation plan through Empower 457/401(a), with a 3% employer match.
Pension plan contributions, with the employee contributing 3%; full vesting after six years of continuous employment, or the option to opt out of CHA’s retirement plan and continue participating in the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago.
Hybrid work schedule, position-specific.
May be eligible for remote work after successful completion of a 90-day probationary period, subject to CHA policies and procedures.