Chief Financial Officer

Columbus Airport Commission

Location: Columbus, Georgia

Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt | Executive Leadership

Work Location: On-Site (Limited Telework Eligibility)

Salary Range: $150,000–$200,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience

About the Columbus Airport Commission:

The Columbus Airport Commission owns and operates Columbus Airport (CSG), serving the Columbus, Georgia region through commercial airline service, corporate aviation, military operations, and general aviation. As a public airport authority, the Commission is committed to providing safe, efficient, financially sustainable airport operations that support regional economic development and enhance the quality of life for the communities we serve.

The Commission is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its Executive Leadership Team and help guide the financial future of one of Georgia's leading regional airports.

Role Description:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and reports directly to the CEO/Airport Director. This full-time, on-site executive position is responsible for the strategic and operational management of all financial activities of the Columbus Airport Commission.

The CFO provides executive leadership in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, accounting, procurement, treasury management, payroll, financial reporting, capital financing, grant administration, and risk management. The position works closely with the Airport Commission, executive leadership, government agencies, airlines, tenants, financial institutions, auditors, and community stakeholders to ensure the airport remains financially strong while supporting long-term capital investment and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership:

Develop and implement the airport's financial strategy in alignment with organizational goals and aviation industry trends.
Advise the CEO/Airport Director and the Airport Commission on financial planning, economic outlook, risk management, and strategic initiatives.
Support long-term business planning, infrastructure expansion, and revenue diversification initiatives.

Financial Planning and Analysis:

Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling processes.
Monitor financial performance, analyze variances, and recommend corrective actions.
Prepare and present financial reports and recommendations to executive leadership, the Airport Commission, and other stakeholders.

Revenue and Cost Management:

Oversee airport revenue programs including:
Landing fees
Fuel sales
Hangar rentals
Terminal leases
Parking
Rental car concessions
Real estate
Other aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue sources
Evaluate and recommend airport rates, fees, and pricing structures.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency while maintaining exceptional service levels and regulatory compliance.

Capital and Infrastructure Financing:

Lead financial planning and funding strategies for the Airport Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Oversee debt management, bond financing, and relationships with financial institutions.
Ensure compliance with FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants and other federal, state, and local funding sources.

Financial Compliance:

Ensure accurate financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable governmental accounting standards.
Oversee accounting, treasury, procurement, payroll, and related financial operations.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Risk Management and Internal Controls:

Develop and maintain effective internal control systems.
Identify financial, operational, and regulatory risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Oversee financial audits, insurance programs, and enterprise risk management activities.

Stakeholder and Commission Relations:

Present financial reports, analyses, forecasts, and recommendations to the Airport Commission and Columbus City Council.
Build and maintain productive relationships with airlines, tenants, concessionaires, financial institutions, auditors, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.
Promote transparency, accountability, and sound financial stewardship.

Team Leadership:

Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance Department.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Support employee development, succession planning, and organizational excellence.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required.
Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Finance, Accounting, or related discipline preferred.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.
Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) is preferred. Candidates without the designation who possess significant aviation leadership experience and are willing to pursue the credential may also be considered.

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience.
Demonstrated success leading budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and strategic financial planning.
Experience managing large operating budgets and capital improvement programs.
Experience in the aviation industry, airport finance, transportation, or other public-sector enterprise operations is preferred.
Experience with public finance, governmental accounting, grant administration, FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding, enterprise funds, or bond financing is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The successful candidate will possess:

Strong understanding of airport economics and aviation revenue structures.
Knowledge of airport rates and charges, FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, and airport financial management principles is preferred.
Expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and reporting.
Demonstrated experience overseeing capital improvement programs and funding strategies.
Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate complex financial information effectively to executive leadership, governing boards, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders.
Exceptional leadership, collaboration, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
High ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to public accountability.

Work Environment:

Primarily office-based with limited eligibility for telework.
Regular attendance at evening Airport Commission meetings, City Council meetings, and community events may be required.
Must be available to respond to financial issues during operational disruptions, emergencies, or other critical events.

Key Performance Indicators:

Success in this position will be measured by:

Budget adherence and overall financial performance.
Revenue growth and diversification.
Cost efficiency improvements.
Successful funding and execution of capital improvement projects.
Audit outcomes and regulatory compliance.
Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
Effectiveness of internal controls and financial risk management.

Reporting Structure:

Reports To:

CEO/Airport Director

Direct Reports:

Finance and Accounting Team

Why Join the Columbus Airport Commission?

As Chief Financial Officer, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of Columbus Airport while working alongside an experienced executive leadership team and an engaged Airport Commission. This position offers the opportunity to lead the financial strategy for a dynamic regional airport supporting commercial air service, military operations, corporate aviation, and general aviation. You'll have a direct impact on major infrastructure investments, long-term strategic planning, and the continued economic growth of the Columbus region.

If you are an innovative financial leader who values public service, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership, we encourage you to apply.

Columbus Airport Commission

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