Finance Director (CPA)

A Hiring Company; Commerce City (CO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A local fire protection district is seeking a Finance Director (CPA) to lead strategic financial oversight and management of fiscal operations. This role requires providing financial leadership, developing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have at least ten years of experience and a strong background in governmental accounting. Excellent communication skills and the ability to lead a team are essential. The position offers an annual salary range of $160,000 to $200,000 and is based in Commerce City, Colorado.

Qualifications

• Active CPA in good standing is required.
• Minimum of ten years of finance experience, including strategic financial planning.
• Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership for the District.
• Direct all financial operations, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Supervise Finance Department staff and foster a culture of excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Financial reporting

Compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial modeling tools

Job description

Finance Director (CPA)

Status: Full‑Time, FLSA Exempt

Reports To: Fire Chief

Supervises: Accounting Manager; Senior Finance Specialist

Location: Commerce City, Colorado

Annual Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000

This position holds a probationary status of 12 months from date of hire

Position Summary

The Finance Director (CPA) provides strategic financial leadership and comprehensive fiscal oversight for the South Adams County Fire Protection District (SACFD). This executive-level role ensures the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of all District financial operations—including budgeting, accounting, financial controls, investments, audits, long‑range financial planning, and debt management.

The Director leads a high‑performing finance team, strengthens internal controls and financial systems, supports operational and administrative divisions, and ensures all financial activities align with SACFD’s mission to deliver exceptional fire and emergency response services to the South Adams County community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Serve as the principal financial advisor to the Fire Chief and Board of Directors, providing recommendations grounded in sound financial analysis, risk assessment, and long‑term sustainability.
• Contribute to the development and execution of SACFD’s strategic plans, service level priorities, and organizational development initiatives.
• Promote the District’s mission, vision, and values through inclusive, ethical, and engaged leadership.
• Represent the Finance Division as part of the District’s Executive Management Team and lead cross‑functional projects that enhance organizational performance.

Financial Management, Planning & Forecasting

• Direct all financial operations, including fund accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, purchasing, and capital financial planning.
• Lead development of the annual budget: coordinate departmental submissions, prepare formal budget documents, and ensure compliance with Colorado budget law and special district requirements.
• Provide accurate, timely financial reports, dashboards, and analysis to the Fire Chief, Board of Directors, command staff, and external partners.
• Analyze financial trends, identify risks and opportunities, and develop strategies to support stable and sustainable financial performance.

Financial Controls, Compliance & Reporting

• Establish, maintain, and continually strengthen internal controls ensuring integrity, security, and accountability throughout all financial systems and processes.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, Colorado Special District Act requirements, and all federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Lead and coordinate the annual independent audit; prepare required schedules and documentation; respond to auditor findings; and ensure timely filing of all statutory reports.
• Oversee payroll accuracy, benefits‑related financial reporting, and year‑end closing.

Program, System & People Management

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Finance Department staff; foster a culture of professional excellence, accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain and enhance financial software systems, reporting tools, and process workflows to support efficient and transparent financial operations.
• Provide financial training, guidance, and collaborative problem‑solving support to all District divisions.

Income, Investments & Expense Oversight

• Manage District investments—including operating funds, capital reserves, and pension funds—in accordance with statutory requirements and Board policy.
• Oversee financial management of grants, EMS billing, and third‑party administrator relationships to ensure compliance and maximize revenue recovery.
• Administer District debt programs: evaluate financing options, prepare official statements, and coordinate with underwriters, advisors, and bond counsel.
• Manage purchasing policies, inventory control, bid processes, and procurement compliance.

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend Board meetings and present financial materials clearly and accurately.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate sound judgment in all financial and personnel matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Active CPA in good standing (required).
• Minimum of ten (10) years of increasingly responsible finance experience, including strategic financial planning and public or government sector experience.
• Strong leadership background with demonstrated success managing and developing teams.
• Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting, internal controls, budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Advanced analytical, forecasting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with financial systems, Microsoft Excel, financial modeling, and data visualization tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly explain complex financial concepts to non‑financial audiences.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to transparency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a Colorado fire district, special district, or local government environment.
• Familiarity with the Colorado Special District Act, GASB standards, and public‑sector debt financing.
• Experience implementing or optimizing financial software systems.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily sedentary work performed in an office environment in Commerce City.
• Frequent use of speech, hearing, and vision; ability to sit for extended periods; regular reaching, bending, and repetitive motions.
• Ability to lift/move up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to work occasional evenings for Board meetings or deadlines.
• May encounter periods of high mental or emotional stress.

Special Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license with a safe driving record.
• Must pass all required pre‑employment screenings, including background, reference, and fingerprint checks.

Compensation Details

Annual Salary: $160,000 - $200,000