Chief Financial Officer
About NACo
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is a mission-driven national association focused on strengthening America’s county governments in the pursuit of public service excellence. The Association is uniquely distinguished by our membership of general-purpose county governments, led by nearly 39,000 publicly elected officials and supported by a dedicated professional county government workforce of more than 3.6 million public servants. America’s county governments currently budget and invest more than $750 billion each year.
The Association plays a vital leadership role within the intergovernmental framework of the United States. Our nation’s unique federalism-based system emphasizes the balance, division, and sharing of power and responsibilities among federal, state, local, and tribal government officials.
Founded in 1935, the Association brings county officials together to: (1) Advocate county priorities in federal policy making (2) Promote exemplary county policies and practices (3) Enhance leadership skills and expand knowledge networks (4) Optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings, and (5) Enrich the public’s understanding of county government.
Position Overview
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. Base Salary Range: $220,000 – $235,000 plus eligibility for variable Annual Performance Bonus
Location
This position is based in Washington, D.C., with opportunities for travel to conferences, meetings, and partner engagements. The Association currently offers hybrid workplace options, based on job function and performance, with an emphasis on leadership and teammate engagement and performance.
Key Responsibilities
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
Qualifications, Preferred Competencies and Skills
- 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
Application Procedures
Interested candidates should submit a resume to: resumes@naco.org.
Why Work at NACo
Our vision is healthy, safe and vibrant counties across America. Counties play an integral part of the intergovernmental responsibilities. 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 pet insurance, 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 equitable and 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.