Chief Financial Officer

International City Management • Fort Collins, CO

368d • $200,000 - $240,000

About The Position

The City of Fort Collins seeks a visionary and highly skilled Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to drive business strategies and lead the City's financial operations and ensure long-term fiscal stability. As a key executive leadership team member, the CFO manages all aspects of the City's finances, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, accounting, procurement, safety and risk management, and financial reporting. This role also oversees strategic planning, policy development, and financial risk assessment to align with the City's mission and priorities. The CFO plays a critical role in developing and advising the City Manager and elected officials on financial strategies, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The CFO drives the development of a high-performing Financial Services organization that emphasizes exceptional customer service, fiduciary responsibility, and data-driven decision-making. The leader guides strategic planning and budgeting processes to ensure resources are allocated to the City's highest-priority objectives, fostering organizational accountability and monitoring progress through financial reports and metrics. The CFO also provides financial analysis and decision support to Service Area Directors and Department Heads, enabling data-based and collaborative decision-making. As a champion of innovation and efficiency, the CFO leads the implementation of systems and processes that enhance service delivery and ensure sound financial management. This role is responsible for developing financial policies, overseeing investment programs, managing debt, and guiding the development of comprehensive financial plans. The CFO joins the City at a time of significant transformation as the Utilities and Financial Services departments undergo a reorganization with an anticipated completion date in early 2025. The successful candidate joins an internal Change Team and a trusted consultant to impact City and service area culture, shape the efficiency and effectiveness of our infrastructure, and support our goals of innovative strategies propelling us into the future. The new CFO will play a critical role in implementing new organizational models, shaping the structure with people placements, and driving innovation to make a lasting and significant contribution. The Chief Financial Officer is excited by the opportunity to provide strategic leadership, evolve Financial Services, and strengthen the organization to meet the needs of the Fort Collins community. Invested in building organizational resilience and capability, the CFO is a trusted partner who combines operational know-how with the ability to work horizontally across the organization to shape and execute the City's financial strategy. With a forward-looking approach to financial management and local government, the CFO is committed to long-term financial sustainability and operational excellence.

Requirements

• At least 8-10 years of progressively responsible senior management-level experience in finance, budgeting, and accounting.
• Experience in local government, private sector, or consulting is ideal.
• Change management experience coupled with business and digital transformation is essential.
• Prior experience navigating organizational complexity.
• Experience working with a board or elected body is ideal.
• Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, public administration, or related field is required; master's degree preferred.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education that enables success as the Chief Financial Officer will be considered.
• Subject to residency requirements under the City's Charter.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in local government finance.
• Background in consulting or private sector finance.
• Experience with digital transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Drive business strategies and lead the City's financial operations.
• Manage all aspects of the City's finances including financial planning, budgeting, accounting, procurement, safety and risk management, and financial reporting.
• Oversee strategic planning, policy development, and financial risk assessment.
• Advise the City Manager and elected officials on financial strategies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Develop a high-performing Financial Services organization emphasizing customer service and fiduciary responsibility.
• Guide strategic planning and budgeting processes to allocate resources effectively.
• Provide financial analysis and decision support to Service Area Directors and Department Heads.
• Lead the implementation of systems and processes for enhanced service delivery and financial management.
• Develop financial policies, oversee investment programs, and manage debt.
• Guide the development of comprehensive financial plans.

Benefits

• Competitive comprehensive benefits package.
• Annual salary range of $156,526 - $260,881; anticipated hiring range of $200,000 - $240,000.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(a) and a 457 deferred compensation plan with employer contribution.
• Optional Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Significant Wellness Program.
• Relocation assistance for the successful out-of-area finalist.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees