Chief Financial Officer

Charleston County Government•Sc 29405, SC

14d

About The Position

Charleston County Government is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to serve as a key member of the County’s Executive Leadership team. Reporting directly to the County Administrator, the CFO provides comprehensive financial leadership and ensures sound stewardship, transparency, and long-term fiscal sustainability for Charleston County. The CFO directly oversees the Finance and Budget Departments, which are responsible for countywide financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, debt management, grants compliance, financial reporting, and internal financial controls. The role supports strategic priorities, capital investments, financial resilience, and responsible governance. The CFO works closely with County Council, department directors, elected officials, and external partners to communicate financial insights and guide decision-making. The hiring salary range is $155,064–$203,112 estimated annual salary. The position is open until filled, and application review begins immediately.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
Ten or more years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in a county, municipal, or other public-sector organization with complex financial operations.
Demonstrated experience in governmental accounting, budgeting, debt management, investments, audit oversight, and regulatory compliance.
Advanced knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting, GASB standards, and GAAP public finance.
Strong analytical, forecasting, and financial modeling skills.
Effective communication skills, including the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences such as elected bodies, appointees, and the public.
Ability to lead high-performing teams and foster excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
Ability to navigate politically complex environments and support consensus-based decision-making.
Commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in financial operations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), or another relevant professional certification.
Public-sector financial management experience.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic oversight for county financial functions, including accounting, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, grants management, and financial reporting.
Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, internal controls, and risk management strategies to safeguard county assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
Advise the County Administrator, Executive Leadership, and County Council on financial conditions, risks, opportunities, and long-term fiscal planning, including multi-year forecasting and scenario modeling.
Oversee cash flow management, debt issuance and monitoring, and compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations.
Communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to elected officials, staff, and the public.
Oversee the County Budget Director, who supervises the Budget Department.
Lead development, implementation, and management of the annual operating and capital budgets, aligning them with County strategic priorities and long-term financial plans.
Prepare and present proposed budgets to the County Administrator and County Council, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, financial policies, and best practices in governmental budgeting.
Monitor budget performance throughout the fiscal year, conduct variance analyses, prepare updated forecasts, and recommend adjustments to support operational, capital, and financial sustainability needs.
Support continuous improvement of budgeting practices, including integration of financial modeling, performance metrics, and long-range planning.
Oversee the County Finance Director, who supervises the Finance Department.
Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting for County finances and programs.
Oversee preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Coordinate external audits and ensure compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and other applicable standards.
Support strong audit outcomes through proactive internal control reviews and process enhancements.