Washington County is seeking a collaborative and visionary Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the County's financial strategy and steward its long-term fiscal health. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO helps bring the County's work to life. Operating under a council-manager form of government, the County is led by an appointed County Administrator. Within this framework, the CFO collaborates with the County Administrator, Assistant County Administrators, and fellow Chief Officers to implement the Design the Future initiative-building a modern, mission-focused organization ready to meet the evolving needs of the community.
The CFO plays a central role in shaping the County's strategic direction, mission, and operations. This role oversees the County's $2.1 billion annual budget and delivers clear, data-informed, and equity-centered recommendations that help guide essential decisions and services. Beyond managing the budget process, the CFO is responsible for long-range financial planning and for crafting strategies that align with the County's values and goals.
Under the direct supervision of an Assistant County Administrator, the CFO provides strategic oversight for the Department of Finance, leading a dedicated team of approximately 28 professionals, including five direct reports. The CFO also plays an active role in fostering a workplace culture grounded in equity, inclusion, and respect for the diverse communities the County serves.
Key Priorities:
- Redefine financial service delivery for the County's $2.1 billion budget.
- Support financial decisions that strengthen services while centering the needs of the County's diverse community.
- Evaluate and enhance department systems, structure, and processes, including a commitment to a timely delivery of the County's annual audit.
- Modernize the budget process and establish a performance-based approach.
- Lead the Financial Systems implementation of the County's new Workday ERP system.
A Successful Candidate
Washington County is looking for an experienced, forward-thinking executive leader who brings financial expertise, long-term vision, and a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This individual centers community needs in budget decisions and contributes bold, innovative thinking to the County's financial structure. They bring unique experiences and perspectives that strengthen and complement the Executive Leadership Team, while keeping the County's long-term future clearly in focus.
This individual thrives in dynamic environments and embraces change in pursuit of shared goals. They are authentic, approachable, lead with clarity, empower others, and bring strong management skills to guide teams through complexity and transformation while creating a culture of inclusion, transparency, and accountability. They're adept at identifying roadblocks, applying best practices, and using data and technology to improve efficiency and drive meaningful change.
With a background in developing and managing complex budgets and long-range financial strategies, the ideal candidate brings a mix of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and sound judgment. They approach problem-solving with a multidisciplinary mindset and actively collaborate to reduce barriers to public services. The successful candidate communicates effectively across diverse audiences, keeps the community engaged in fiscal matters, and brings people together around important conversations and decisions.
This leader values diverse viewpoints, leans into tough discussions when needed, and helps move countywide initiatives forward with clarity and respect. They build trust across departments, with County leadership, and model the spirit of the One Washington County philosophy-fostering strong relationships at every level of the organization.
This is a leader who not only embraces equity-they help embed it into every aspect of how the County does its work.
Experience with advancing equity initiatives in budget and finance, measuring equity outcomes, and direct experience engaging diverse community stakeholders is essential to success in this role. Multi-cultural experience and bilingual skills are highly desired.