Chief Financial Officer

DHRM; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 153,000 - 207,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) invites applications for its Chief Financial Officer to lead financial integrity, budget strategy, and procurement across the agency. The CFO directs Finance, Budget & Grants, and Contracts & Supplies to support UI and PFML programs with rigorous stewardship and transparency.

Based at the Central Office in Henrico, the role emphasizes GAAP/GASB compliance, internal controls, and strategic financial analysis while guiding a skilled team and partnering with

Qualifications

• Strong grounding in governmental accounting principles (GAAP/GASB) and fund accounting.
• Extensive experience in public budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning.
• Familiarity with federal grant administration (2 CFR Part 200) and audit standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial operations across Finance, Budget & Grants, and Procurement.
• Ensure compliance with state/federal requirements and timely reporting.
• Provide strategic analysis to support rate adequacy and sustainability.

Skills

GAAP/GASB knowledge

Public budgeting

Federal grant administration

Public procurement

Internal controls (ARMICS)

Financial modeling

Contract administration

Leadership / team development

Policy interpretation

Financial reporting to executives

Education

CPA, CMA, CGFM preferred

Tools

Cardinal

eVA

Job description

Title: Chief Financial Officer

State Role Title: Financial Services Manager III

Hiring Range: Commensurate to $180,000

Pay Band: 7

Agency: Virginia Employment Commission

Location: VEC CENTRAL OFFICE

Agency Website: www.VEC.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Working for the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Virginians every day. As the agency responsible for supporting workers, employers, and the statewide labor market, the VEC plays a critical role in strengthening economic stability and fostering workforce resilience. Employees have the opportunity to shape modern public programs, improve service delivery, and contribute to initiatives that directly help individuals and families during life's pivotal moments. The VEC values innovation, collaboration, and public service, providing a mission-driven environment where leaders can create lasting, positive change for communities across the Commonwealth. If you’re motivated by purpose, committed to excellence, and eager to help build the future of Virginia’s workforce systems, the VEC offers a rewarding and impactful place to grow your career. And working for the Commonwealth has terrific benefits as well! Visit https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits for more information.

Job Duties

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is seeking an executive financial leader to serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), accountable for the financial integrity, fiscal stewardship, and resource strategy of the agency at a defining moment in its history. Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Operations (Chief Operating Officer), the CFO directs the Office of Budget & Grants, the Office of Finance, and the Office of Contracts & Supplies (Procurement), and serves as a member of the agency’s executive leadership team. The CFO leads all financial operations supporting two distinct lines of business: Virginia’s long-standing Unemployment Insurance (UI) program and the Commonwealth’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for the Virginia Employment Commission’s financial operations. This position ensures the integrity, transparency, and accountability of the agency’s financial management by overseeing the Finance Division, Budget & Grants Divisions, and the Office of Procurement and Strategy. The CFO is responsible for aligning financial resources with organizational priorities, maintaining compliance with state and federal requirements, supporting sound decision‑making through accurate financial analysis, and driving efficient, effective stewardship of public funds to support the agency’s mission and long‑term sustainability. The successful candidate will bring proven public‑sector financial leadership, deep knowledge of governmental accounting (GAAP/GASB), insurance fund accounting, budget development and execution, internal controls, and public procurement – along with the judgment and steadiness to build a new financial function while keeping an existing one running without disruption.

• Must complete Statement of Economic Interest forms and training.
• Some statewide travel may be required so valid driver's license required.
• This position is located in and reports to the Central Office in Henrico and is not a remote-work position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong grounding in governmental accounting principles and standards, including GAAP, GASB, fund accounting, and preparation of financial statements.
• Extensive knowledge of public‑sector budgeting processes, encompassing budget development, execution, forecasting, and long‑range financial planning.
• Familiarity with federal grant administration requirements, including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance, cost allocation methodologies, and Single Audit standards.
• Understanding of public procurement laws and practices such as the VPPA, APSPM, eVA, VITA, SWaM requirements, along with core contract administration principles.
• Knowledge of internal control frameworks, including ARMICS, and experience designing, implementing, testing, and remediating internal controls and audit findings.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, scenario analysis, sensitivity testing, and building models that support rate adequacy and solvency analysis.
• Skill in contract administration and vendor performance oversight.
• Experience leading teams, coaching staff, and supporting professional development and retention of financial personnel.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex federal and state statutes, regulations, and policies, translating them into clear operational financial procedures.
• Demonstrated experience presenting financial position, risk, and contribution rate recommendations to executives, legislators, employers, and oversight bodies.
• Proven capability meeting statutory and federal financial reporting deadlines in high‑visibility environments.
• Experience safeguarding Federal Tax Information (FTI) or similar confidential data in accordance with IRS Publication 1075 or comparable requirements.

Additional Considerations

• Certification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO), certified Management Accountant (CMA), and/or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
• Experience with unemployment insurance, paid family and medical leave, disability insurance, workers’ compensation, or another social insurance or trust‑funded program.
• Experience standing up a new program, fund, or financial function, or leading a significant financial transformation or system implementation.
• Experience with Cardinal, eVA, or comparable statewide ERP, procurement, and financial reporting systems.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

The VEC is committed to upholding our values in our employment opportunities across the Commonwealth to people from all backgrounds, including all races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program, and a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Applicants must successfully pass a comprehensive background check including an FBI fingerprint background investigation and an Unemployment Insurance (UI) fraud background check.

The VEC does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work in the US.

NOTICE: VEC will record information from each new employee’s Form I‑9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E‑Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Applicants needing accommodations should contact the Human Resource office for additional information.