Position Type: Volunteer (Advisory Role)
Reports To: Board of Commissioners and Executive Director and CEO
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Time Commitment: Approximately 4–6 hours per quarter
Position Overview
County Housing is seeking qualified and community-minded individuals to serve on its Advisory Finance Committee. This committee provides specialized financial, real estate, and affordable housing expertise to support the Finance Committee of the Housing Authority of St. Louis County Board of Commissioners. Committee members offer strategic guidance, review financial plans, and advise on fiscal policy to ensure County Housing’s long-term financial stability and alignment with mission-driven goals. This is an advisory, non-governing role appointed by the Board.
Primary Responsibilities
Oversight of Annual Independent Financial Audit
- Review and provide input on the scope and approach of County Housing’s annual independent financial audit, recommending improvements when appropriate.
- Participate in meetings with external auditors to discuss the audit plan, interim updates, and final results.
- Review audit outcomes, management letters, and corrective action plans to help ensure recommendations are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
- Provide guidance to the Finance Committee regarding audit-related risks, compliance considerations, and opportunities to strengthen internal controls.
Financial Review & Analysis:
- Evaluate annual operating budgets, capital budgets, long-range financial plans, and key financial reports.
- Assess financial assumptions, forecasts, and risk factors affecting County Housing programs and real estate assets.
Strategic Fiscal Guidance:
- Advise on financial strategies related to affordable housing development, rehabilitation, asset management, bond financing, and public-private partnerships.
- Provide recommendations on funding approaches, program sustainability, and resource allocation.
Real Estate & Housing Expertise:
- Provide input on development feasibility, property operations, capital needs, and portfolio management.
- Advise on market conditions, financing tools, and trends in affordable housing and real estate.
Policy & Compliance Support:
- Review financial policies, internal controls, procurement practices, and compliance frameworks.
- Offer insight on federal, state, and local financial requirements relevant to public housing and affordable housing programs.
Qualifications
Required:
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in fields related to financial management, accounting, real estate finance, public administration, community development finance, or affordable housing.
- Demonstrated expertise in financial analysis, budgeting, capital planning, or housing development finance.
- Familiarity with affordable housing programs (e.g., HUD programs, LIHTC, public housing, mixed-finance transactions).
Preferred:
- Experience advising or serving on boards, committees, or public agencies.
- Knowledge of public sector financial reporting, federal housing regulations, and government procurement.
- Professional certifications such as CPA, CFA, CPM, or equivalent experience.
Committee Participation
- Attend scheduled meetings and participate in joint sessions with the Finance Committee.
- Prepare for meetings by reviewing financial documents and materials in advance.
- Engage in collaborative discussions and contribute independent, objective professional judgment.
Term & Commitment
- Advisory committee members are appointed for a defined term established by the Board (anticipate 2–3 years).
- Expected time commitment is 4–8 hours per quarter, including preparation and meeting attendance.
- This is a volunteer (unpaid) advisory position.
Ethics & Conduct
- Committee members must adhere to County Housing conflict-of-interest policies and all applicable state and local ethics requirements.
- Members should maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial information and provide impartial, transparent guidance.
Why Serve?
Serving on the Finance Advisory Committee is an opportunity to support the financial integrity of a key public agency serving thousands of families in St. Louis County. Members help safeguard public funds, strengthen housing programs, and influence long-term decisions that impact the community.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A brief letter of interest
- A résumé or summary of relevant experience
Applications may be submitted via email to:
terria@countyhousing.org
OR via US Mail to:
County Housing
Office of the Executive Director and CEO
Attn: Terri Acoff-States
8865 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63121
Applications will be evaluated by the Board of Commissioners and executive leadership. Appointments will be made based on organizational needs and qualifications.
