What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Financial and Operating Officer / DCHS position at King County?

The Department of Community and Human Services values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with lived experiences.

King County's Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community by offering a range of services to residents farthest from opportunity.

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) seeks a skilled leader , team player , expert financial professional , and dedicated public servant to lead and manage financial and compliance operations for a cutting-edge human services department with an annual budget exceeding $1.5 billion , including 14 distinct funds. DCHS is entrusted to administer multiple nation-leading initiatives that include King County’s Health through Housing ; Best Starts for Kids ; Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy ; the Crisis Care Centers Levy ; Medicaid-funded behavioral health ; and state-funded programs for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities .

The Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) reports to the Department Director and is a member of the DCHS Senior Leadership Team. The CFOO leads and supervises DCHS’s Finance and Compliance Services (FACS) unit, a combined team of approximately 65 people. The CFOO is the chief advisor to the Department Director on all fiscal and compliance matters , providing strategic analysis and advice on a wide range of programs that support community members’ health, happiness, and connection to community.

This position maintains regulatory compliance and oversees the details in the administrative and business functions of the department, including budget preparation and strategies; regulatory compliance; accounting practices and standards; and complex administrative and financial activities of five divisions. This position is also responsible for strategic long-range financial planning working closely with department leadership and directing development of critical budget and reporting tools as well as the financial analysis capacity of the Department, including systems to support sound financial policymaking, business planning, position control, grant management, and budgeting.

The financial responsibilities are complex and involve direct supervisory responsibilities for senior level managers. The desired candidate has technical expertise in a variety of financial data systems, success in training and mentoring leaders, will prioritize equity, racial and social justice in internal and external decision making, and is committed to forward progress in improving and transforming the Department’s operations.

WHO MAY APPLY : This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications.

REQUIRED MATERIALS : Candidates who wish to be considered for this position must submit a complete King County application online and respond to the supplemental questions. Please ensure that you respond to these supplemental questions fully and thoughtfully, as they will be evaluated alongside your application during the recruitment process. Interviews will be conducted around March 21 - March 25, 2025.

WORK SCHEDULE : This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and not eligible for overtime. Typical hours are Monday - Friday 8am-5pm. This position is not represented by a union.

MISSION CRITICAL POSITION STATUS : This position has been designated Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather.

TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT : The work associated with this position will be performed or conducted through a combination of teleworking and onsite work and meetings. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

RECRUITER : Susan.Churchill@kingcounty.gov

Lead, direct, and oversee the Department’s Fiscal and Compliance Services and processes.

Oversee DCHS’s overall financial health to steward the Department’s financial resources to accomplish its mission.
Direct, review, and ensure accuracy and integrity in DCHS’s fiscal and compliance analyses and reporting.
Lead the development, proposal, and review of the biennial DCHS budget and supplemental budget appropriations.
Create, maintain, and improve systems and processes that foresee, monitor, and communicate risks and opportunities for DCHS’s fund sources and revenue.
Ensure development, maintenance, and implementation of long-range financial plans for each of the department’s funds.
Responsible for successful completion of the department-wide financial year-end processes.
Promote and cultivate the early and regular integration of fiscal and compliance processes and teams into all aspects of DCHS operations.
Ensure the Finance team leads the department’s financial impact analysis of new or changing operating and capital programs.

Leverage financial insights and expertise to make and recommend operational direction in both the short- and long-term best interest for the department.

Partner with division leadership to remove barriers and facilitate resource and program alignment.

Develop operational strategies to address emerging pressures on the Department and foster a culture of continuous improvement and risk awareness.

Formulate, implement, and oversee department-specific improvements to financial operations with highly visible community implications, including, but not limited to, management of department investigatory and compliance actions.

Participate as a member of the department’s senior leadership team to exercise department-wide oversight on matters including, but not limited to, leadership development, staffing, strategic direction setting, and decision making.

Lead, coach, and supervise a high-performing team.

Oversee leaders of and direct operations of the Finance and Compliance Services unit.

Ensure that county, department / division, GAAP and GAAS standards are followed in complex Federal and State grant reporting; accounting; and accounts receivable and accounts payable practices.

In partnership with divisions and the Contracts & Procurement Team, oversee a proactive compliance process that ensures proper use of public funds, meets regulatory compliance with all funding agencies, and provides support, as needed, to small or new organizations to achieve departmental equity goals.

Identify areas for standardization and / or process improvement.

Supervise and mentor staff, including, but not limited to, directing work, monitoring quality and quantity of work, providing candid and caring feedback, training, and performance management.

Be a champion for equity, providing advice and cultivating a culture that allows all members of the team to contribute and thrive.

Inspire and exemplify excellence.

Provide strategic insight and advice as a member of the Department’s Senior Leadership Team.

Operate as one of the primary strategic leaders in DCHS, directly advising the department and division directors on key decisions. Participate with other department leadership in planning, coordinating, and implementing overall departmental strategies, goals, and objectives.

Ensure that financial and contracting implications are incorporated into all department decision making processes.

Collaborate with others to develop long-term budget strategies.

Represent the Department to the Executive’s Office, King County Council, and Community Partners.

Serve as DCHS’s primary representative to King County’s Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget on all fiscal, finance, and compliance matters.

Oversee and synchronize the preparation of DCHS responses to King County Council questions that arise during budget submission and approval processes and other operational submissions to the Council.

On behalf of DCHS, present strategic fiscal and compliance updates and analyses to a wide range of audiences that may include providers, advisory boards, community groups, other jurisdictions, and media.

Minimum Qualifications :

Master’s degree in business, economics, public administration, or accounting AND five years’ experience in public sector financial management, OR any equivalent combination that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the job.

Advanced knowledge in public sector budgeting and government fund accounting, including Federal and State grant accounting and reporting. Knowledge of GAAS auditing standards and GAAP accounting principles.

A strong understanding of and commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice (ERSJ) principles and practices. Skill in working effectively with diverse individuals and populations.

Advanced knowledge and recent experience with federal grants, public or other restricted local funds, and pass-through funds.

Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local audit requirements for grant / contract administration.

Strong management and supervisory experience; including hiring, supervision, coaching, staff development, and performance management.

Ability to delegate and provide strong oversight to ensure on-time and quality performance by staff.

Advanced knowledge and recent experience with analyzing financial and performance data to develop recommendations for management decision making.

Experience in directing and reviewing financial / policy impact analysis of proposed legislation, RFP’s, grants, and changes in policies and procedures.

Demonstrated skill in effectively presenting and communicating complex financial and performance information to a wide range of audiences, including non-technical audiences.

Demonstrated ability in prioritizing workloads, working successfully under pressure with tight timelines and changing priorities.

Expert organizational skills and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing deadlines.

Ability to work collaboratively with other divisions and departments to secure integrated work products.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS :

Knowledge of Oracle / EBS and Oracle budgeting and reporting systems.

Deep understanding of the human service delivery, policy, and financing systems, preferably including provider contracting and value-based payment arrangements.

Commitment to and experience integrating the social determinants of health, addressing health disparities, and working with historically and currently marginalized and underrepresented communities.

CPA certification.

Knowledge and experience with LEAN or other process improvement practices.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

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