HOA (Homeowner’s Association) committees are crucial in fulfilling the association’s goals. The success of any townhouse organization or condo highly relies on board members’ contributions.
The HOA board members must have the requisite skills and qualifications to carry out essential tasks and manage resources effectively. Depending upon the size of the HOA, a board member must have completed a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree in any field. Besides, they should have good communication skills and some basic accounting knowledge.
Below is an overview of the educational criteria and skills required of an HOA board member:
Educational Qualifications
Generally, a board member must have cleared at least a GED or high school diploma. Members with bachelor’s or associate’s degrees are preferred for board positions for a large-sized HOA.
However, in a small HOA, the existing board members usually do not have the minimum education or experience. Some HOA agencies encourage these members to take free local courses. Such agencies are specifically responsible for educating board members and tenants about the functions and operations of HOAs.
Skills Required
- Communication Skills
Board members of HOA are expected to have practical interpersonal skills. Their communication tasks include disseminating association-related information through flyers, letters, phone calls, emails, and other channels. They are also responsible for building a positive environment and improving tenants’ participation in the association’s activities. Further, board members, property managers, vendors, and tenants often have to communicate with each other.
- Managerial and Administrative Acumen
The board members are tasked with addressing property assessment and annual tax issues, managing and formulating covenant policies, and updating articles/certificates of incorporation. It is even better if a member has an educational background or experience in management or administration. Such a member can assist the HOA in developing a robust business infrastructure.
- Bookkeeping and Accounting Efficiency
Board members develop budget plans, evaluate the association’s fees, set project fees, and pay vendors for their services. They also analyze accounting reports to assess the association’s financial status. Therefore, each board member must know basic bookkeeping and accounting procedures.
- Computer Skills
Most HOAs utilize automation technologies to notify tenants about meetings, policy changes, fee payments, etc., using computer applications and programs. Hence, the members must know how to operate the computer system.
Commitment to Continue Education
Workshops and seminars are often held to inform the board members about the latest regulations and laws related to HOA management. Attending these sessions is usually mandatory.
After leaving Wells Fargo Bank in 2014, Daniel began a career as a finance consultant, advising companies and individuals on economic policy, labor relations, and financial management.
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