Chief Financial Officer

Montana Society of CPAs; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government entity-based in Missoula, Montana, is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to oversee budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. The ideal candidate has a master's degree in accounting or finance and at least 5 years of experience in governmental finance, including supervisory roles. This position offers the chance to guide financial strategies within an engaging community setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in governmental finance or budget administration with supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee budgeting, accounting, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Guide investment strategies and capital financing.
• Direct preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

Skills

Governmental finance

Budget administration

Supervisory experience

Education

Master's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Job description

Missoula County, (pop. 118,000), is located in western Montana at the heart of the Northern Rockies. The county serves as a regional hub for government, healthcare, education, and commerce. The County is home to the City of Missoula - the state’s second-largest city - and the University of Montana. Known for its high quality of life, the region offers a balance of urban services and amenities alongside expansive public lands, rivers, and wilderness areas. Whether drawn by its strong sense of community, economic opportunities, or outdoor lifestyle, Missoula County stands out as a premier location in the Inland Northwest.

Missoula County serves a diverse and growing population through a wide range of departments and divisions that include public safety, public health, infrastructure, land use planning, elections, financial services, and community and cultural programs. Key departments include the County Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Detention Center, Public Works, Community and Planning Services, Public Health, Human Resources, Financial Services, and the Commissioners’ Office. The County is governed by a three-member Board of County Commissioners, each elected to staggered six-year terms. For Fiscal Year 2024–2025, Missoula County operates with a total budget of approximately $254 million and supports over 900 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions across all departments and services.

Led by the Chief Financial Officer, the Missoula County Financial Services Department operates with a Fiscal Year 2024–2025 budget of approximately $1.8 million and is staffed by 10 full time employees which include accountants, analysts, payroll specialists, and grants managers. The department ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, supports strategic financial planning, and provides accurate and timely financial information to internal departments, elected officials, and the public. The department is organized into five key divisions: Accounting, Budget & Financial Planning, Payroll, Grants & Special Revenue, and Internal Controls & Audit Coordination.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the CFO oversees budgeting, accounting, payroll, grants, investments, debt management, and financial reporting, while serving as the County’s Budget Officer. The CFO directs preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, manages the annual audit, and supervises departmental staff through the Financial Services Director. This role also guides investment strategies, capital financing, and analysis of proposed legislation. The CFO provides expert financial leadership to elected officials and staff, promotes the effective use of the County’s Workday ERP system, and fosters collaboration across departments and with external partners.

Required Education and Experience:

A master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM). A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental finance, accounting, or budget administration, including supervisory experience.

For a complete position profile, full job description, benefits summary, and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com and click on “Open Recruitments”. For questions, call 206-368-0050. Missoula County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by November 9, 2025. (First review, open until filled.)