Chief Financial Officer - Colorado Government Finance Officers Association : Job Details

Jefferson County is excited to announce they're seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with strong technical expertise and exceptional interpersonal skills. The role involves establishing strategic objectives to enhance the department's effectiveness, ensuring the delivery of high-quality service to customers, and achieving positive outcomes for the County. As a key strategic leader, the CFO collaborates with the County Manager, department heads, elected officials, and Board of County Commissioners to ensure both short-term and long-term financial resiliency.

A critical aspect of the job is to analyze and monitor the countywide financial health of the organization. This includes analyzing financial trends that could impact county operations and effectively communicating these trends to the Board of County Commissioners. Issues addressed may involve personnel impacts, debt service obligations, and external operating costs.

The position also involves conducting a variety of special projects and studies at the request of the County Manager or Board of County Commissioners. The responsibilities extend to reviewing contracts to ensure they have the necessary budgetary appropriation authority, comply with statutory legality, and meet operational needs. Additionally, this role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing fiscal operating policies and procedures to maintain financial integrity and efficiency.

The Chief Financial Officer oversees the Strategy and Budget Director, Finance Director, Federal Grants Director, Executive Assistant, and the department of 47 FTEs.

Priorities

• Establish a strong working relationship with the County Manager and earn the trust of the Commissioners. Build rapport with department directors and elected officials who manage departments and offices.
• Foster relationships with finance department staff and direct reports to understand their strengths and needs. Evaluate the department's structure and staffing over the first year. Continue regular meetings to continue the department's healthy culture.
• Address the existing pain points of departments by refining and optimizing the procurement process to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the County's budget, including identifying opportunities for cost reductions or revenue enhancements. Develop strategies for scaling the budget up or down based on the County's financial needs.
• Build on the recently established Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process by continuously evolving and refining the aggregated list of needs to align with county priorities.

The Successful Candidate

The successful candidate for the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position in Jefferson County will possess a unique blend of technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. They will demonstrate patience, resilience, and a sense of humor, which are essential in navigating the complexities of public sector finance. With exceptional communication abilities, they will effectively articulate complex financial concepts to various stakeholders, including department heads, elected officials, and the public.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative problem solver who guides actions with respect and transparency, fostering trust and cooperation across the organization. They will work well with elected leaders, approaching challenges with a flexible mindset that is focused on the best financial interests of the County. Their commitment to inclusivity and equity will enable them to work effectively with the DEI team and engage with the public, identifying ways that financial strategies reflect an equity lens, and meet diverse community needs.

Adaptability to change, political astuteness, and the ability to relate to department heads, elected officials, and the public are crucial traits for this role. Integrity will be at the core of their leadership, driving ethical decision-making, and fostering a culture of accountability. With a strong sense of humility and selflessness, this candidate will excel in collaborating with department directors, fostering creativity and innovation, and prioritizing the County's long-term success.

The successful CFO will bring expertise in managing large budgets, using this knowledge to address challenges proactively and motivate the organization toward continuous improvement. Their energy and initiative will infuse the department with fresh ideas and a commitment to making a positive impact. The successful candidate will understand the complexity of financing county services in a TABOR (Taxpayers' Bill of Rights) environment and help provide long-term strategies to become more financially sustainable.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field and a minimum of five years of related work experience in budget and/or financial management.

Preferred qualifications include a master's degree, budget, and finance experience within a government setting and/or with multiple business lines and funds. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) is preferred but not required. Demonstrated experience in change management, improving processes utilizing technology, developing long-term financial plans, delivering customer-focused services to a range of operations, and working effectively with executives and elected officials.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $185,000 – $205,000, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package.

Benefits include medical insurance, dental, and vision (covered at 100%), car allowance, HSA, FSA, Life and AD&D Insurance, disability insurance, retirement savings plans, executive paid time off, holidays, and an employee assistance program (EAP). Other benefits include tuition reimbursement, training and development, and a travel assistance program. The County provides a 401 (a) retirement plan administered by the Colorado Retirement Association (CRA).

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning October 18, 2024.