Description

Transform Financial Leadership in a Thriving, Forward-Looking Regional Hub

Guilford County, North Carolina, seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As one of North Carolina’s most populous and vibrant counties, Guilford County offers a rare opportunity for a transformational executive to align fiscal strategy with organizational innovation. 

About the Organization, Department & Position

The Organization: Guilford County is governed by a nine-member Board of County Commissioners, elected by district and at-large for four-year terms. Operating under the County Manager form of government, the County is recognized for sound fiscal administration, a strong fund balance, and a AAA bond rating. The FY2026-27 adopted budget is approximately $889 million, supported by a property tax rate of 78.95 cents per $100 of assessed value. The County employs nearly 3,000 full-time personnel across more than 30 departments organized into strategic service areas. The Board adopted a comprehensive plan in 2025 which guides County planning, development and financial priorities.

The Department & Position: Reporting directly to the County Manager, the Chief Financial Officer serves as Guilford County's statutorily designated Finance Officer under North Carolina law. The CFO leads a department of 40 employees, including five direct reports, and oversees accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, debt management, cash management and investments, financial reporting, auditing, and procurement. Additionally, the role translates complex financial data into clear dashboards and presentations, optimizes ERP (MUNIS) technology and cross-departmental data workflows, and mentors department staff to foster a highly communicative, supportive team culture. The most recent Annual Comprehensive Financial Report can be found here.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field. 
Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible governmental or complex organizational financial management experience, including at least three (3) years in a senior management or supervisory capacity. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance, or related field. 
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential. 
North Carolina Certified Local Government Finance Officer designation. 
Demonstrated experience serving as a Finance Officer or Deputy Finance Officer in North Carolina local government. 
Comprehensive expertise in Local Government Commission (LGC) requirements, GASB standards, debt issuance, capital project financing, investments, internal controls, and ACFR preparation. 
Hands-on experience leading ERP system optimizations (preferably Tyler/MUNIS) and process re-engineering in a complex organization. 

Residency Requirement: Guilford County requires the Chief Financial Officer to reside within a two-hour driving radius of Guilford County (or be willing to relocate upon hire). 

Salary and Benefits

Hiring Range: $145,000 – $190,000 (commensurate with qualifications and experience).

Guilford County provides a highly competitive, comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Participation in the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (NC LGERS)
• Supplemental 401(k)
• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, caregiver, and holidays)
• Wellness incentives, life insurance, and professional development support

How to Apply

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Chief Financial Officer – Guilford County, NC job title.

Application Deadline: November 18, 2026.
Application Process: All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal using the link above—NOT via the County’s employment portal or external job boards. 
Required Documents: A comprehensive resume and tailored cover letter must be uploaded with the online submission. 
Hiring Process Schedule: Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews and skill assessment evaluations scheduled for December 17–18, 2026. These dates are fixed. Onsite interviews for selected finalists will take place with the Guilford County leadership team at a time to be determined. Candidates are asked to reserve these dates should they be invited to participate. 
For direct inquiries, please email hiring@developmentalassociates.com. 

Guilford County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC, manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about the selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select "Client Openings," and scroll to "Important Information for Applicants."