Chief Financial Officer

The Position

The City of Fort Collins seeks a visionary and highly skilled Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to drive business strategies and lead the City’s financial operations and ensure long-term fiscal stability. As a key executive leadership team member, the CFO manages all aspects of the City’s finances, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, accounting, procurement, safety and risk management, and financial reporting. This role also oversees strategic planning, policy development, and financial risk assessment to align with the City’s mission and priorities. The CFO plays a critical role in developing and advising the City Manager and elected officials on financial strategies, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

The CFO drives the development of a high-performing Financial Services organization that emphasizes exceptional customer service, fiduciary responsibility, and data-driven decision-making. The leader guides strategic planning and budgeting processes to ensure resources are allocated to the City’s highest-priority objectives, fostering organizational accountability and monitoring progress through financial reports and metrics. The CFO also provides financial analysis and decision support to Service Area Directors and Department Heads, enabling data-based and collaborative decision-making.

As a champion of innovation and efficiency, the CFO leads the implementation of systems and processes that enhance service delivery and ensure sound financial management. This role is responsible for developing financial policies, overseeing investment programs, managing debt, and guiding the development of comprehensive financial plans.

The CFO joins the City at a time of significant transformation as the Utilities and Financial Services departments undergo a reorganization with an anticipated completion date in early 2025. The successful candidate joins an internal Change Team and a trusted consultant to impact City and service area culture, shape the efficiency and effectiveness of our infrastructure, and support our goals of innovative strategies propelling us into the future. The new CFO will play a critical role in implementing new organizational models, shaping the structure with people placements, and driving innovation to make a lasting and significant contribution.

The Chief Financial Officer is excited by the opportunity to provide strategic leadership, evolve Financial Services, and strengthen the organization to meet the needs of the Fort Collins community. Invested in building organizational resilience and capability, the CFO is a trusted partner who combines operational know-how with the ability to work horizontally across the organization to shape and execute the City’s financial strategy. With a forward-looking approach to financial management and local government, the CFO is committed to long-term financial sustainability and operational excellence.

Compensation and Benefits

The City of Fort Collins offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package, including a market salary commensurate with education and experience. The annual salary range is $156,526 – $260,881, and the anticipated hiring range is $200,000 – $240,000; salaries are paid biweekly. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. Additionally, the City of Fort Collins offers additional benefits, including 401(a) and a 457 deferred compensation plan with an employer contribution, an optional Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, a significant Wellness Program, and relocation assistance for the successful out-of-area finalist.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. For full consideration, please apply by Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications.

At least 8-10 years of progressively responsible senior management-level experience in finance, budgeting, and accounting is required. A diverse background that may include experience in local government, private sector, or consulting is ideal. Change management experience coupled with business and digital transformation is essential, as is prior experience navigating organizational complexity. Prior experience working with a board or elected body is ideal. A bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, public administration, or related field is required, with a master’s degree preferred. An equivalent combination of experience and education that enables success as the Chief Financial Officer will be considered. The Chief Financial Officer is subject to residency requirements under the City’s Charter (Article IV, Section 3), which requires the incumbent to reside at the time of appointment and throughout employment within the Fort Collins Urban Growth area.