Chief Financial Officer

Charleston County Government; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 155,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Charleston County Government is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to lead the county's financial strategy, budgeting, accounting, reporting, and controls. You will report to the County Administrator and work with County Council and department directors to ensure fiscal resilience and transparent governance.

You will guide multi-year forecasting, capital planning, debt management, and regulatory compliance while communicating complex information to diverse audiences and external

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 10+ years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in public sector.
• Experience in governmental accounting, budgeting, debt management, investments, and regulatory compliance.
• CPA or CGFO or other relevant certification preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight for all county financial functions including budgeting, accounting, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard assets and meet regulatory requirements.
• Advise senior leadership and County Council on financial conditions, risks, opportunities, and long-term planning.
• Oversee cash flow management, debt issuance and monitoring, and compliance with GASB/GAAP.
• Coordinate external audits and support outcomes through internal control enhancements.

Skills

Public-sector budgeting

Financial modeling

GAAP / GASB

Audit coordination

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field

Master's Degree preferred

CPA or CGFO preferred

Job description

Charleston County Government is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to serve as a key member of the County's Executive Leadership team. Reporting directly to the County Administrator, the CFO provides comprehensive financial leadership and ensures sound stewardship, transparency, and long-term fiscal sustainability for one of South Carolina's most dynamic and growing counties.

The CFO directly oversees the Finance and Budget Departments responsible for countywide financial operations including budgeting, accounting, debt management, grants compliance, financial reporting, and internal financial controls. This position plays a critical leadership role in supporting strategic priorities, capital investments, financial resilience, and responsible governance.

The CFO also works closely with County Council, department directors, elected officials, and external partners to communicate financial insights and guide decision-making.

HIRING SALARY RANGE $155,064- $203,112 (Estimated Annual Salary)

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Operations

• Provide strategic oversight for all county financial functions, including accounting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, grants management, and financial reporting.
• Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls, and risk management strategies to safeguard county assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Advise the County Administrator, Executive Leadership, and County Council on financial conditions, risks, opportunities, and long-term fiscal planning, including multi-year forecasting and scenario modeling.
• Oversees cash flow management, debt issuance and monitoring, as well as compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to elected officials, staff, and the public.

Budget Development and Administration

Oversee the County Budget Director who supervises the Budget Department and fosters professionalism, accountability, innovation, and excellence in service. Responsibilities include:

• Leading development, implementation, and management of the annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with the County's strategic priorities and long-term financial plans.
• Preparing and presenting proposed budgets to the County Administrator and County Council, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, financial policies, and best practices in governmental budgeting.
• Monitoring budget performance throughout the fiscal year, conducting variance analyses, preparing updated forecasts, and recommending adjustments to support operational, capital and financial sustainability needs.
• Supporting continuous improvement of budgeting practices, including the integration of financial modeling, performance metrics, and long-range planning.

Financial Reporting and Audit Management

Oversee the County Finance Director who supervises the Finance Department and promotes professionalism, accountability, continuous improvement, and excellence in service. Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting for all County financials and Programs.
• Oversees preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Coordinates external audits and ensure compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other applicable standards.
• Supporting strong audit outcomes through proactive internal control reviews and process enhancements.

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field (Master's Degree preferred).
• Ten (10) years or more of progressively responsible Financial Management experience, preferably in a county, municipal, or other public-sector organization with complex financial operations.
• Demonstrated experience in governmental accounting, budgeting, debt management, investments, audit oversight, and regulatory compliance.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), or other relevant professional certification preferred.

Desired Competencies

• Proven leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service.
• Advanced knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting, GASB standards, and GAAP public finance.
• Strong analytical, forecasting, and financial modeling skills.
• Effective communicator with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences, including elected bodies, appointed, and the public.
• Ability to lead high-performing teams and foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

• Skill in navigating politically complex environments and supporting consensus-based decision-making.
• Commitment to transparency and continuous improvements in financial operations.