Accounting and Finance

Chief Financial Officer

Permanent

Friedman Williams


Chief Financial Officer Northeastern Florida

Job ID: 21014

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

County Government – Partnered Search

We are partnering with a highly respected County government office to identify an accomplished Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead all financial strategy, operations, and reporting functions. This is a critical executive role responsible for safeguarding the County’s financial health, strengthening internal controls, directing accounting operations, and ensuring full compliance with state and federal regulations. The CFO will oversee a high-performing team and serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on all financial matters.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic financial executive with deep governmental accounting expertise to make a significant organizational impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Advisory

  • Serve as the principal financial advisor to the Clerk of Court & Comptroller and senior leadership.
  • Provide expert guidance on budget strategy, forecasting, financial policy, internal controls, and overall financial condition.
  • Establish and maintain departmental policies, ensuring alignment with state statutes, GAAP, GASB, GAGAS, OMB standards, and best practices.

Financial Operations & Reporting

  • Direct the development and management of the County’s annual budget, including goal-setting and long-term planning.
  • Oversee the preparation of the County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR).
  • Coordinate the annual financial statement audit and Single Audit, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and timely completion.
  • Prepare annual financial statements and required schedules in compliance with GAAP and state regulations.
  • Ensure consistent compliance with federal, state, and local regulations—including IRS rules, Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, GASB, GFOA/FGFOA guidelines, and CCOC requirements.

Team Management & Department Oversight

  • Provide leadership, coaching, and development to department leadership and staff.
  • Manage and supervise the Accounting Director, BCC, BCC Finance Director, and COC Finance Director.
  • Plan, organize, and optimize departmental workflows to achieve organizational goals.
  • Recruit, train, evaluate, and mentor personnel, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.

Operational Excellence

  • Utilize financial systems, office software (Microsoft Office), and specialized applications (Benchmark, Landmark) to support efficient operations.
  • Implement best practices in governmental accounting, internal controls, and financial reporting.
  • Develop solutions to complex problems, balancing regulatory requirements with organizational needs.

Core Competencies

  • Accountability & Dependability
  • Adaptability & Flexibility
  • Attention to Detail & Accuracy
  • Customer & Stakeholder Focus
  • Analytical Problem Solving
  • Team Leadership & Collaboration
  • Stress Tolerance & Professionalism
  • Drive, Initiative & Independent Judgment
  • Commitment to Continuous Learning

Supervisory Structure

This position reports directly to the Clerk of Court & Comptroller and serves as a key member of the leadership team.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
  • CPA required.
  • 3–5+ years of progressive experience in governmental accounting, financial management, or related leadership roles.
  • Mastery of GAAP, GASB standards, GAGAS, OMB rules, internal controls, state audit statutes, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Strong ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government offices, legal professionals, and the public.
  • Ability to manage confidential information and work effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or related field.
  • 5–10+ years of governmental financial leadership experience.
  • Governmental financial certifications such as CPFO or CGFO.
  • Advanced knowledge of Florida statutes, regulations, and Clerk/Comptroller procedures.

Work Environment

  • Office-based environment with typical professional demands.
  • Role involves periods of sitting, standing, and light lifting.
  • Requires the ability to maintain focus in a fast-paced setting with multiple concurrent priorities.

If you are interested in hearing more about this or any other exciting opportunity with our clients, please do not hesitate to give James Martinos a call on 732-965-1094 and email James Martinos @ jmartinos@friedmanwilliams.com

Tagged as: Chief Financial Officer