Jim Karls, CPA

Chief Financial Officer, Cedar Community

Jim Karls serves as chief financial officer at Cedar Community where he oversees the financial services department, including financial reporting, billing, budgeting, forecasting, accounts payable, payroll, and information technology.

Jim joined Cedar Community in 2024, bringing extensive financial leadership experience across senior living, nonprofit, professional services, and corporate finance environments. His background includes financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, audit preparation, financial reporting, process improvement, cash management, and long-term financial strategy.

Before joining Cedar Community, Jim served as chief financial officer for Discovery World, a nonprofit science and technology museum in Milwaukee. He also held financial leadership and management roles with Deloitte, ManpowerGroup, Fiserv, Ernst & Young, and Brookdale Senior Living. His previous experience in senior living, combined with his nonprofit financial leadership, drew him to Cedar Community’s mission and the opportunity to serve older adults through strong financial stewardship.

At Cedar Community, Jim has helped lead important financial and operational initiatives, including the implementation of Sage Intacct accounting software, the organization’s Fitch rating process, and the refinancing of long-term debt. His work supports Cedar Community’s ability to plan responsibly, operate efficiently, and continue providing high-quality services to residents, families, and team members.

Jim earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a certified public accountant. He is also a member of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In addition to his professional work, he has served as a finance committee member for Holy Cross Lutheran Church.