Monday June 30, 2025
If you’re wondering “what does an HOA manager do?”, you’re not alone. Many people, especially community board members, often ask this question as they consider how to best manage their homeowners’ association (HOA). An HOA manager plays a crucial role in the smooth operation and success of an association. From overseeing day-to-day operations to assisting with long-term planning, an HOA manager helps simplify property management for volunteer board members so they can focus on what's important: enjoying community living and experiencing life, simplified.In this article, we’ll break down the responsibilities of an HOA manager, what sets them apart from other property management professionals, and how working with one can positively impact your association.
What is an HOA manager?
An HOA manager is a professional hired by a homeowners’ association to provide administrative, financial, and operational support. Whether employed through a management company or as an independent contractor, their focus is on helping the HOA board uphold its responsibilities while enhancing the overall quality of the community.By streamlining tasks like maintaining community standards, managing vendor relationships, and reviewing compliance with state laws and regulations, an HOA manager saves both time and effort for volunteer board members. And their goal is to always help the community operate efficiently while keeping homeowners happy in the communities they call home.
What are HOA manager duties?
An HOA manager’s duties can vary depending on the specific needs of a community. Some of their core responsibilities include:Financial management
- Budget preparation and tracking
- Collecting HOA dues
- Overseeing expenses and issuing payments
- Financial reporting for the board
- Organizing board meetings and preparing agendas
- Maintaining official records and documents
- Communicating with homeowners regarding rules, updates, and important notices
- Hiring, managing, and evaluating service providers (e.g., landscapers, maintenance crews)
- Checking contracts are upheld and work meets expectations
- Enforcing community rules and bylaws
- Staying updated on local and state regulations affecting HOAs
- Providing that the association operates within legal guidelines
- Resolving homeowner complaints
- Encouraging involvement in community events
- Gathering and addressing homeowner feedback to improve satisfaction
What does an HOA account manager do?
When working with a professional HOA management company, you might encounter a role called an HOA account manager. This position focuses on overseeing a portfolio of communities, meaning they manage multiple HOA accounts instead of working with a single association. Their responsibilities mirror those of an HOA manager but extend to providing tailored support for several communities.An account manager often acts as the main point of contact between the HOA management company and each board. They may help monitor financials for multiple associations, facilitate compliance with diverse state regulations, and coordinate with various vendors, all while building great relationships with each board they serve.
By managing multiple accounts, this role helps that even small to mid-sized associations can access high-quality support.
What is the role of a community association manager?
The role of a community association manager (CAM) is similar to an HOA manager in that both focus on supporting a community’s operations. However, a CAM typically serves a broader range of associations, including those outside the residential HOA format, such as condominiums, cooperatives, or master-planned communities.Their duties often overlap with those of an HOA manager, including financial management, compliance oversight, and vendor coordination. The key difference lies in the scope of their responsibilities, which may extend to managing facilities like shared amenities, parking structures, or mixed-use developments.
For instance, a CAM overseeing a condominium association might focus more heavily on building maintenance than an HOA manager who manages a community of single-family homes.
How does an HOA manager work with the board?
An HOA manager exists to support the board of directors, helping them focus on strategic decision-making while managing the administrative details. Here’s how the collaboration works:- Communication: Regular communication helps the board stay informed about community updates, ongoing projects, and compliance requirements.
- Preparation: The manager can help prepare board meetings by creating agendas, compiling financial reports, and having all relevant documents readily available.
- Guidance: HOA managers provide recommendations based on their expertise, whether it’s advice on handling vendor bids or insight into budgeting.
- Execution: Once decisions are made by the board, the HOA manager implements them, from hiring a new vendor to notifying homeowners about a rule of change.
How do you become an HOA manager?
If you’re interested in becoming an HOA manager, the path typically involves education, certification, and hands-on experience. Here’s a step-by-step look:- Education: While a degree is not always required, many aspiring HOA managers pursue studies in business, real estate, or public administration to gain foundational knowledge.
- Certification: Acquire certifications like the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) or Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) to demonstrate expertise in the field.
- Experience: Start by working in roles that offer HOA or property management experience, such as an assistant manager or property coordinator.You can do this by searching professional property management companies like FirstService Residential.
- Networking: Joining associations like the Community Associations Institute (CAI) can help you connect with professionals in the industry and find opportunities for growth.
What does an HOA management company charge?
What an HOA management company charges can vary widely depending on the size, location, and complexity of the community. Property management fees are typically structured in different ways:- Percentage of rental income
- Flat fee
- Additional charges for specific services
- Community size
- Location
You can discover more about property management here: Property management: Defintion, roles, benefits, and more
Learn more about what a property management company does in our guide here.
Learn about the difference between a landlord and a property manager here.
Interested in HOA management?
If you’re a board member or community leader, engaging an HOA manager could be the key to relieving stress and promoting a thriving community. By streamlining operations, improving compliance, and enhancing communication, an HOA manager serves as a vital partner for your board.From high-rises and master-planned neighborhoods to HOAs and multifamily rentals, FirstService Residential brings proven leadership to every kind of property. From advanced technology to award-winning associates, the company is dedicated to delivering the best property management services to simplify life for every resident and board member it serves.
Learn more about why boards hire a property management company in our video.
Contact FirstService Residential today to discuss how we can support your community.
Alternatively, if you're considering a career in HOA management, there’s no better time to get started. With the growing complexity of neighborhood associations, experienced managers are in high demand. You can get started by exploring open opportunities in industry leading property management companies like FirstService Residential. See available career opportunities here: https://www.fsresidential.com/careers/