Chief Financial Officer

Job Description:

Join Calvert County Government as our next Chief Financial Officer and play a key leadership role in guiding the fiscal health of one of Maryland’s most vibrant and growing counties. Reporting directly to the County Administrator, this executive-level position provides strategic financial leadership, policy guidance, and operational oversight that impacts every department across the organization.  Calvert County Government seeks an individual who exhibits innovative thinking, creative problem solving, and a desire to support the future fiscal health of the county.

Position Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the overall strategic financial management of Calvert County, including accounting, budgeting, procurement, debt and investment management, and financial systems. The CFO works closely with the County Administrator, elected officials, department directors, and external stakeholders to ensure fiscal integrity, transparency, and long-range financial stability.

Key areas of leadership include:

• Providing expert policy advice and financial analysis to support informed decision-making.

• Overseeing the development and administration of the County’s annual operating and capital budgets.

• Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards (GAAP, GASB, GFOA).

• Partnering with Information Technology to align financial systems and purchasing processes with organizational goals.

• Leading a multidisciplinary team of finance professionals, with an emphasis on staff development, succession planning, and organizational excellence.

• Advising on long-term capital planning, investment strategies, and sustainable funding approaches for county priorities.

Essential Duties

• Plan, direct, and evaluate diverse work programs involved in accounting, budgeting, procurement, debt management, and fiscal oversight.

• Establish and monitor financial controls and performance measures; ensure effective stewardship of County resources.

• Assist in the preparation of the annual financial report, including compilation of supporting documentation.

• Oversee the annual independent audit of financial statements.

• Develop and oversee financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard the County’s assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.

• Provide comprehensive financial analysis and reports to the Board of County Commissioners.

• Serves as trustee member and chair on the following County Boards – Calvert County Employee Retirement Savings Plan, Sheriff’s Office Pension Plan, Employee Retirement Pension Plan, and Other Post Employment Benefits Trust Fund (OPEB).

• Manage personnel and develop staff capabilities; foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Develop and present clear financial reports, analyses, and recommendations to the County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners.

• Coordinate and communicate effectively with internal departments, outside agencies, and the public.

• Stay current on laws, regulations, and best practices in government finance; enforce requirements impartially and proactively.

• Prepare for and respond to unexpected financial challenges, new developments, or emergencies.

• Demonstrated ability to distill complex financial topics and effectively communicate this information to varied audiences.

Qualifications

Education & Training

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business administration required; MBA and/or CPA strongly preferred.

Experience

• Ten years of experience in financial management all of which must include considerable experience managing staff, daily operations, policy development, and operational oversight required.

• Five years of government, education, or nonprofit financial management experience preferred.

Ability to

• Prepare and maintain financial reports in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Use Excel, accounting or ERP software, and implement new financial software as needed.

• Highly developed organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to identify opportunities or problems and implement appropriate solutions;.

• Superb communication skills; excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Certification (Preferred)

• CPA strongly desired; other relevant certificatio