Chief Financial Officer, Guilford County, NC

Developmental Associates • Guilford County, NC

4d

About The Position

Guilford County, North Carolina, seeks a strategic and collaborative Chief Financial Officer to lead the County’s financial operations and advise County leadership and the Board of Commissioners. The CFO is the County’s statutorily designated Finance Officer under North Carolina law and reports directly to the County Manager. The position oversees a department of 40 employees, including five direct reports, and manages accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, debt management, cash management and investments, financial reporting, auditing, and procurement.

The CFO will help manage the fiscal health of a complex local government with an adopted FY2026–27 budget of approximately $889 million. Key priorities include structuring and managing debt for a $2 billion public education bond referendum, developing long-term forecasts, and protecting the County’s AAA bond rating. The role also leads modernization of financial processes and optimization of the Tyler/MUNIS ERP system, supports cross-departmental data integration, and develops clear financial dashboards and presentations for decision-makers.

The successful candidate will foster collaboration across County departments, strengthen staff development and operational stability, and communicate complex financial information clearly to elected officials, managers, and other stakeholders. Guilford County requires the CFO to live within a two-hour driving radius of the County or be willing to relocate upon hire.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible governmental or complex organizational financial management experience.
• At least three years of experience in a senior management or supervisory capacity.
• Must reside within a two-hour driving radius of Guilford County or be willing to relocate upon hire.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.
• North Carolina Certified Local Government Finance Officer designation.
• Experience serving as a Finance Officer or Deputy Finance Officer in North Carolina local government.
• Expertise in Local Government Commission requirements, GASB standards, debt issuance, capital project financing, investments, internal controls, and ACFR preparation.
• Hands-on experience leading ERP system optimization, preferably Tyler/MUNIS, and process re-engineering in a complex organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance Department, including 40 employees and five direct reports.
• Oversee accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, debt management, cash management and investments, financial reporting, auditing, and procurement.
• Advise County leadership and the Board of Commissioners on financial strategy and decision-making.
• Structure and manage debt service for the $2 billion public education bond referendum and develop long-term financial forecasts.
• Evaluate debt ratios and fund balances with the Budget Office and County Manager to safeguard the County’s AAA bond rating.
• Partner with department leaders to strengthen and standardize financial procedures and improve service delivery.
• Lead optimization of the Tyler/MUNIS ERP system and work with IT and HR to develop reliable data bridges and workflows.
• Translate complex financial data into clear dashboards, reports, and presentations for the Board and executive management.
• Strengthen cross-training and formal documentation, address critical staffing vacancies, and mentor department staff.
• Engage frontline employees in process design and foster a communicative, supportive team culture.

Benefits

• Health insurance options
• Dental insurance options
• Vision insurance options
• Participation in the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System
• Supplemental 401(k)
• Paid vacation, sick, caregiver, and holiday leave
• Wellness incentives
• Life insurance
• Professional development support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive