Description

GUILFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Application Deadline: November 18, 2026

Transform Financial Leadership in a Thriving, Forward-Looking Regional Hub

Guilford County, North Carolina, seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As one of North Carolina’s most populous and vibrant counties, Guilford County offers a rare opportunity for a transformational executive to align fiscal strategy with organizational innovation. 

About the Organization, Department & Position

The Organization: Guilford County is governed by a nine-member Board of County Commissioners, elected by district and at-large for four-year terms. Operating under the County Manager form of government, the County is recognized for sound fiscal administration, a strong fund balance, and a AAA bond rating. The FY2026-27 adopted budget is approximately $889 million, supported by a property tax rate of 78.95 cents per $100 of assessed value. The County employs nearly 3,000 full-time personnel across more than 30 departments organized into strategic service areas. The Board adopted a comprehensive plan in 2025 which guides County planning, development and financial priorities.

The Department & Position: Reporting directly to the County Manager, the Chief Financial Officer serves as Guilford County's statutorily designated Finance Officer under North Carolina law. The CFO leads a department of 40 employees, including five direct reports, and oversees accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, debt management, cash management and investments, financial reporting, auditing, and procurement. Additionally, the role translates complex financial data into clear dashboards and presentations, optimizes ERP (MUNIS) technology and cross-departmental data workflows, and mentors department staff to foster a highly communicative, supportive team culture. The most recent Annual Comprehensive Financial Report can be found here.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field. 
Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible governmental or complex organizational financial management experience, including at least three (3) years in a senior management or supervisory capacity. 
Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance, or related field. 
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential. 
North Carolina Certified Local Government Finance Officer designation. 
Demonstrated experience serving as a Finance Officer or Deputy Finance Officer in North Carolina local government. 
Comprehensive expertise in Local Government Commission (LGC) requirements, GASB standards, debt issuance, capital project financing, investments, internal controls, and ACFR preparation. 
Hands-on experience leading ERP system optimizations (preferably Tyler/MUNIS) and process re-engineering in a complex organization. 
Residency Requirement: Guilford County requires the Chief Financial Officer to reside within a two-hour driving radius of Guilford County (or be willing to relocate upon hire).