Charleston County Government is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to serve as a key member of the County’s Executive Leadership team. Reporting directly to the County Administrator, the CFO provides comprehensive financial leadership and ensures sound stewardship, transparency, and long-term fiscal sustainability for one of South Carolina’s most dynamic and growing counties.
The CFO directly oversees the Finance and Budget Departments responsible for countywide financial operations including budgeting, accounting, debt management, grants compliance, financial reporting, and internal financial controls. This position plays a critical leadership role in supporting strategic priorities, capital investments, financial resilience, and responsible governance.
The CFO also works closely with County Council, department directors, elected officials, and external partners to communicate financial insights and guide decision-making.
HIRING SALARY RANGE $155,064- $203,112 (Estimated Annual Salary)
OPEN UNTIL FILLED – APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership and Operations
- Provide strategic oversight for all county financial functions, including accounting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, grants management, and financial reporting.
- Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls, and risk management strategies to safeguard county assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Advise the County Administrator, Executive Leadership, and County Council on financial conditions, risks, opportunities, and long-term fiscal planning, including multi-year forecasting and scenario modeling.
- Oversees cash flow management, debt issuance and monitoring, as well as compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations.
- Communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to elected officials, staff, and the public.
Budget Development and Administration
Oversee the County Budget Director who supervises the Budget Department and fosters professionalism, accountability, innovation, and excellence in service. Responsibilities include:
- Leading development, implementation, and management of the annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with the County’s strategic priorities and long-term financial plans.
- Preparing and presenting proposed budgets to the County Administrator and County Council, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, financial policies, and best practices in governmental budgeting.
- Monitoring budget performance throughout the fiscal year, conducting variance analyses, preparing updated forecasts, and recommending adjustments to support operational, capital and financial sustainability needs.
- Supporting continuous improvement of budgeting practices, including the integration of financial modeling, performance metrics, and long-range planning.
Financial Reporting and Audit Management
Oversee the County Finance Director who supervises the Finance Department and promotes professionalism, accountability, continuous improvement, and excellence in service. Responsibilities include:
- Ensuring accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting for all County financials and Programs.
- Oversees preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
- Coordinates external audits and ensure compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other applicable standards.
- Supporting strong audit outcomes through proactive internal control reviews and process enhancements.
