Chief Financial Officer

The National Association of Counties (NACo), representing America’s 3,069 county governments with 40,000 elected officials, 3.6 million county employees and more than $750 billion in annual community-based investments, seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The CFO is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial health and sustainability of NACo and its subsidiaries. The CFO provides strategic financial direction, ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, and manages financial planning, budgeting, risk management and financial reporting to NACo leadership. In addition to financial oversight, the CFO oversees the organization’s Information Technology (IT), Human Resources (HR), and General Services functions to ensure operational excellence. This seasoned professional reports directly to the CEO and is a member of the executive management team working across the organization to analyze, manage, strategize and solidify the association’s financial resilience. 

Position Responsibilities and Activities: 

Financial Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop and oversee financial strategies that align and balance with short-term and long-term organizational goals under the 2030 Prosperity Initiative
• Research revenue opportunities and economic trends, analyze internal operations, and identify areas for cost reduction and process enhancement as part of the association’s strategic plan 
• Manage NACo’s investment portfolio working with custodians to generate revenue
• Monitor financial performance and provide variance analysis to inform strategic decision-making
• Lead, support, inspire and manage the work performance and professional development of assigned staff
• Serve as liaison to NACo’s Finance Committee  

Budgeting, Financial Planning & Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation of the annual budget and long-term financial planning with the CEO and Finance Director and update the forecast on a monthly basis
• Prepare and present financial statements, reports, and analysis to NACo’s Audit Committee, Finance Committee, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and executive management team on NACo’s financial position, including accurate reporting of financial information for the non-profit NACo Research Foundation and the for-profit NACo EDGE, Inc. 
• Oversee the budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling processes for NACo EDGE to generate revenue and maximize investments 
• Ensure transparency in financial reporting and communicate financial results effectively in written and verbal form

Grants Management:

• Oversee financial aspects of grant contracts, including budget tracking, compliance, and reporting
• Ensure restricted and unrestricted funds are properly allocated and utilized according to donor intent

Risk Management & Operational Efficiency:

• Conduct risk management through analysis of the association’s liabilities and investments, evaluate and manage assets, including cash and investment funds accordingly
• Develop risk mitigation strategies to safeguard the financial health of the organization
• Develop and implement best practices, policies and tools that advance strong fiscal management, project coordination, cross-team communications, and smart workflows across the association and its subsidiaries
• Comply with federal, state and local financial requirements and audits, including staying current and taking appropriate action related to new and existing laws, policies, fraud controls and model practices 
• Manage banking relationships, investments, and financial contracts
• Ensure best practices in procurement and vendor management

IT Oversight:

• Collaborate with CIO and CTO to develop and implement IT strategies to support the organization’s operational and security needs
• Work with CTO to oversee IT infrastructure, systems, and vendor relationships 
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and cybersecurity best practices

Human Resources Management:

• Work with Managing Director to lead initiatives related to talent acquisition, benefits administration, employee relations and insurance management 
• Ensure HR policies and procedures comply with employment laws and regulations
• Ensure best practices in performance management, compensation, and organizational development

General Services Management:

• Work with Center Operations Manager to ensure the organization’s general services, including printing, shipping and facilities run efficiently
• Identify and implement cost-savings while managing contracts and lease agreements on office equipment 
• Oversee lease agreements and payments with NACo subtenants 
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or related field 
• C.P.A., C.M.A. or master’s degree in a related field preferred or equivalent work experience
• 10 years of progressive experience in financial and business management or other related experience, with at least five years in a managerial or leadership capacity
• Experience with financial planning, managing profitability, strategic planning, vision, quality management, forecasting, corporate finance, and budget development
• Experience presenting financial reports to Boards of Directors and Finance Committees 
• Understanding of advanced accounting and budgeting, regulatory issues, tax planning & lease accounting
• Working knowledge of cash flow management and investment strategies
• Demonstrated expertise in managing 401(k) plans, insurance policies, and lease agreements
• Knowledge and understanding of the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-133 audit
• Experience overseeing IT, HR, and General Services functions is highly desirable
• Demonstrated leadership ability, sound judgement and integrity, team building and interpersonal skills
• Deep understanding of financial regulations, accounting principles, and compliance requirements for non-profits and for-profits 
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong knowledge of HR management, IT systems, and general operations

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid work schedule, with requirement of two or more days per week in the DC office
• Occasional travel is required for attendance at NACo conferences and events a few times each year
• $220,000 – $235,000 plus eligibility for variable Annual Performance Bonus 

Application Procedures:

Interested candidates should submit a resume to: resumes@naco.org

Why Work a NACo:

Our vision is healthy, safe and vibrant counties across America. Counties play an integral part in our nation’s intergovernmental affairs. We are guided by the belief that stronger counties result in a stronger America.

NACo is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our jobs are open to all applications regardless of race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

Teammates of NACo enjoy a fun and challenging environment with a wide range of competitive benefits. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision and dental insurance; generous paid leave and federal holidays; transportation subsidy; tuition assistance; 401(k) match, pension plans, group life insurance, voluntary payroll deductions for pet insurance and credit union membership and short/long term disability coverage including applicable parental leave and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

At NACo, we embrace and respect our diversity of experience, heritage and perspectives, embedding these principles into our daily routine. We lead with empathy, savor learning opportunities, and embrace our collective experiences for a deeper understanding of different viewpoints from our members, teammates, and partners so we can grow collectively and individually. We value our varied backgrounds and experiences as we pursue an inclusive workplace that upholds respect and civility and fosters a sense of belonging.

Join us as we advance excellence in public service to help people and places thrive.