The CFO oversees all financial operations, ensuring integrity and compliance across accounting, payroll, budgeting, reporting, risk management, benefits administration, and capital asset oversight. They lead finance staff, prepare financial statements and regulatory submissions, maintain internal controls, support bond compliance, and represent the organization to officials and oversight agencies.
GHJ Search and Staffing serves as the recruitment division of GHJ, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm. Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. GHJ’s relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand client’s needs, attract a higher caliber of candidates and assess candidate potential.
Position Summary
This senior leadership position is responsible for ensuring financial integrity, safeguarding organizational assets, and promoting accountability across the agency. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and oversees all financial operations, including accounting, payroll, purchasing, risk management, employee benefits administration, compliance reporting, and tax reporting.
The CFO must possess comprehensive knowledge of governmental accounting practices, applicable federal and state regulatory requirements, and internal policies and procedures. This role also oversees organizational technology systems, including hardware management, enterprise software platforms, and telecommunications systems. The position requires strong executive leadership skills, sound judgment, and strategic decision-making ability. Work is performed under the general direction of the CEO and is subject to review through required independent audits and regulatory oversight.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Directs all accounting, financial management, and financial reporting functions, including strategic financial planning and budgeting.
- Supervises finance department personnel, including professional and support staff.
- Oversees preparation of financial reports and statements for internal leadership, governing board members, and applicable regulatory agencies.
- Develops and monitors organizational budgets, including central administrative operations and program-specific funds.
- Prepares required documentation and submissions for operating subsidies or other funding sources in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Establishes and maintains internal controls to protect assets and ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting.
- Manages year-end closing processes and ensures timely submission of required financial data to oversight agencies.
- Produces annual financial statements and accompanying disclosures for individual programs and consolidated operations.
- Oversees fixed asset accounting and capital asset management.
- Assists with bond compliance and related financial obligations as directed.
- Serves as the organization’s Risk Control Administrator by identifying potential areas of loss and recommending mitigation strategies.
- Periodically evaluates employee benefit programs and recommends improvements or cost-saving alternatives.
- Administers all employee benefit programs, including health, dental, life, disability, and retirement plans.
- Maintains registers for contracts, investments, insurance policies, and property; provides financial guidance regarding major repairs and capital improvements.
- Reviews and audits financial provisions within contracts, leases, and agreements.
- Maintains current knowledge of regulations, laws, and guidance relevant to public sector housing and community development programs.
- Maintains current knowledge of accounting standards, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements.
- Represents the organization in meetings with federal, state, and local officials, consultants, residents, and members of the public.
- Maintains professional relationships with regulatory and oversight agencies.
Desired Knowledge and Abilities
- Knowledge of public sector policies, regulations, and governance structures.
- Knowledge of modern office practices, public finance principles, and contract administration.
- Thorough understanding of governmental accounting principles and practices.
- Familiarity with accounting systems and internal control procedures.
- Understanding of organizational budgeting processes and operational structure.
- Ability to prepare and evaluate professional and technical reports.
- Proficiency with computerized accounting systems.
- Ability to troubleshoot standard computer hardware and software systems.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, regulations, and procedures.
- Ability to apply laws and regulatory guidance to financial record maintenance.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff.
- Ability to prepare and interpret comprehensive financial reports.
- Ability to interact professionally and tactfully with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to serve as operational backup for departmental staff as needed.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, vendors, public officials, and community members.
Minimum Education, Training, and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field. CPA preferred.
- Four to six years of professional accounting experience, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity overseeing professional or paraprofessional accounting staff.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.
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