Sample Job

About the role

H-GAC is looking for a financial and administrative executive who understands the complexity of a large Council of Governments and the responsibilities that come with stewarding significant public resources. The next CFO must bring the technical command of a strong governmental finance leader, but the role requires more than technical accuracy. H-GAC needs a leader who can communicate clearly, think strategically, build trust, strengthen systems, and help the organization prepare for its next stage of growth.

The right candidate will be comfortable operating in a complex public-sector environment where funding streams are restricted, programs are highly visible, compliance requirements are significant, and decisions often affect multiple departments and partner organizations. This leader will understand the importance of controls, audits, grants, and allowable costs, but will also understand that finance must support the mission, not stand apart from it.

The next CFO should be known for calm authority, strong judgment, and practical problem-solving. This person must be able to say 'no' when necessary, explain why, and help identify a better path when one exists. The successful candidate will be able to build credibility with technical finance staff, department leaders, executive colleagues, auditors, board members, elected officials, and external partners.

H-GAC also needs a CFO who can build for the future. The organization has grown rapidly, and its administrative infrastructure must continue to grow with it. The next CFO will help shape long-range financial strategy, strengthen enterprise systems, develop people, modernize processes, and support the organization's aspiration to be a national model for public service.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Significant progressively responsible experience in governmental finance, public administration, policy administration, or a similarly complex public-sector, grant-funded, or intergovernmental environment.
• Experience leading financial operations, budgeting, accounting, internal controls, reporting, compliance, audit preparation, and fiscal policy.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Demonstrated ability to direct and organize program or division activities, establish goals and objectives, evaluate alternatives, implement effective solutions, and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to prepare concise reports, make presentations, communicate effectively, and advise executive leadership on complex financial and administrative matters.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Certified Public Accountant.
• Executive financial leadership experience in a Council of Governments, Metropolitan Planning Organization, local government, state agency, regional agency, public authority, or similarly complex governmental entity.
• Experience with federal and state grants, restricted funds, indirect cost allocation, pass-through funding, intergovernmental agreements, public-sector audits, and compliance monitoring.
• Experience leading or supporting ERP implementation, finance system modernization, administrative technology initiatives, or enterprise process redesign.
• Demonstrated experience leading long-range financial planning, multi-year forecasting, team development, and organizational change.

How to apply

Mackenzie Eason & Associates is managing this search. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter as directed by the search team.