The thriving, innovative, and inclusive community of Durham County, North Carolina is seeking an experienced and personable finance executive to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Joining an organization in strong financial position, the CFO will commit him/herself to maintain Durham County’s AAA bond rating and the finance department’s highly regarded reputation across the organization. The CFO is responsible for maintaining the County's financial information by providing financial security and stability for the County and ensuring the cost effective, efficient, and timely procurement of necessary goods and services.

This professional can effectively navigate complicated issues, be swift and strategic in problem solving while mitigating risks and ensuring compliance across the department and organization. The next CFO has impeccable communication and interpersonal skills – one who can effectively communicate complex financial issues to various stakeholders including the Board, staff, peer directors, etc. County leaders desire a motivating, honorable leader who has a track record of uniting staff around a common vision and building partnerships and connections to collaboratively meet departmental and organizational goals. The ideal candidate has the experience and aptitude to manage a debt portfolio including LOB’s and short-term financing with the support of a great external financial advisor. Valuing and exhibiting high integrity, the next CFO is a fair and trusted leader who will ensure equitable practices across the department and ethical stewardship of public funds.

About the Organization, Department and Position:
The County, governed by a five-member board with commissioners, is regarded as a fiscally responsible, stable, and well managed government with sound budget and strong fund balance (net assets). For more than 25 years, Durham County has been awarded a Triple A bond rating, a designation attained by only 69 counties in the United States and only six of North Carolina’s 100 counties.

The primary purpose of the Finance Department is to establish and maintain a centralized countywide system of financial accounting, planning, investments, reporting, and controls. The department manages the following: County payroll and accounts payable function for all departments including the Sheriff and the Register of Deeds; purchasing function; and the parking decks and surface lots. The County's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) and the Compliance Report (Single Audit) are prepared and published by this department.

Reporting to the Deputy County Manager, the CFO assists with the oversight of the County’s budget. The FY 22-23 Adopted Budget totaled of $749.8M, which is supported by a tax rate of $.72 per $100 of assessed tax value, includes:
• General Fund: $549M
• Capital Financing Fund: $92M
• Debt Service Fund: $76M

The next CFO will oversee 29 staff including the following direct reports: Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Assistant CFO for Debt, Assistant CFO for Reporting, Procurement Manager, and Financial Systems Manager. The CFO must demonstrate knowledge and skill in governmental accounting; NC laws and regulations; procurement law; enterprise funds; state, federal, and private grant management and best practice financial procedures and operations that comply with North Carolina local government fiscal law and policy. This executive should have experience utilizing external resources such as the Local Government Commission and the School of Government.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field. A Master’s Degree and/or Certified North Carolina Local Government Finance Officer designation or CPA preferred. Ten years of progressive leadership experience in governmental finance or organization-wide financial management, including five years of supervisory experience preferably in a local government setting. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered. NC Local Government Finance Officers Certification is required within one year of hire, contingent upon the availability of the courses. Must have the ability to be bonded and possess a valid driver’s license in the State of NC.

Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for this position is $135,542 - $230,421 depending on qualifications and experience. Information about the County’s benefits can be viewed here.

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Chief Financial Officer – Durham County, NC title. All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal – NOT the County Employment Application portal, nor any other external website; it is not sufficient to send only a resume. Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application. Applicants must apply by June 11th, 2023. Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluation on July 26-27, 2023. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate. All inquiries should be emailed to hiring@developmentalassociates.com. Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The recruitment and selection process is being managed by Developmental Associates, LLC.