Chief Financial Officer at Adams County – Brighton, Colorado

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic financial leadership to ensure integrity, transparency, and regulatory compliance in alignment with the County’s mission and priorities. This executive-level position oversees all aspects of the County’s financial operations and implements sound fiscal policies that support long-term sustainability and effective public service delivery.

The CFO advises County Executive Leadership and the Board of County Commissioners on financial matters, collaborates with elected officials, department heads, and external stakeholders, and directs departmental staff and resources. The role requires a high level of independent judgment and initiative to develop and execute financial strategies that advance County objectives.

This is an exempt, at-will position reporting directly to the County Manager.

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $175,000 - $210,000 annually. The full compensation range is $160,723.760 - $241,085.640 annually.

• Direct, plan, and manage the County’s financial operations, including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, purchasing, fixed asset tracking, and risk management.
• Advise County leadership and elected officials on financial strategy, risks, and opportunities; provide data-driven insights to support policy decisions.
• Direct development of the County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and oversee audit coordination with external auditors.
• Develop and oversee the County’s long-range financial plan to ensure fiscal sustainability.
• Direct and oversee the development of the County’s annual budget, long term fiscal plans, budget analyses, and cost allocations.
• Coordinate and implement internal controls to safeguard County assets, ensure accuracy, and prevent fraud or misuse.
• Direct capital project financing and support development of the County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including debt issuance, compliance, and monitoring.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Treasurer on the County’s investment program to ensure liquidity and compliance with state law.
• Establish a strong working relationship with the Treasurer to facilitate efficient and accurate payments and transaction monitoring.
• Lead the financial management and compliance of federal, state, and local grants, ensuring proper allocation, tracking, and reporting.
• Monitor relevant legislation, regulatory changes, and economic factors that may impact County finances, and make appropriate policy and strategy recommendations.
• Review and approve expenditures, payroll, and other payments to ensure proper use of County funds.
• Maintain effective fiscal oversight across departments, providing guidance and technical assistance on budgeting and cost analysis.
• Represent the County at public meetings, intergovernmental discussions, and professional associations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development within the Finance Department.
• Develop and manage the department’s budget; supervise department leadership, and make staffing recommendations.
• Implement and modernize financial systems and tools to enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
• Promote transparency in financial communication through public reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Exercises direct supervision

• In-depth knowledge of government GAAP, fund accounting, investments, and public-sector finance.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, financial analysis, grant management, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of strategies to identify, assess and mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to public finance and procurement.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic financial plans and policies.
• Strong leadership skills to manage finance teams and collaborate with department heads.
• Skilled in presenting financial information clearly to elected officials, BoCC, the public and staff.
• Skilled in navigating complex political and organizational environments.
• Proven ability to manage large teams, develop staff, and foster collaboration across departments.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, investments and audits including three (3) years in a leadership supervisory role.
• Experience in local government financial management highly preferred.

Licensure and Certification

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) is desirable.
• Must pass a criminal and credit background check.