Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The City of Winston‑Salem, North Carolina is seeking an accomplished and visionary CFO to oversee its financial operations. This leadership role will join a management team positioning the organization for long‑term success through strategic initiatives and best practices.

About the Community, Organization, Department and Position

Winston‑Salem, the fifth largest city in North Carolina, is often referred to as the “City of Arts and Innovation.” The City operates under a Council‑Manager form of government and employs approximately 3,000 staff across 27 departments with an FY2025‑26 budget of $724.7 million.

The Finance Department is organized into six divisions: administration, accounting/financial reporting, payroll, treasury, revenue, and risk management. The CFO reports to the Assistant City Manager, leads the Finance Department, oversees an $8.6 million budget and a team of 45 full‑time employees, including two direct reports: a Deputy Financial Officer and an Assistant Financial Officer. The CFO advises the City Council on financial matters and serves as administrator of the City’s pension fund.

Success in this position requires fostering a culture of open dialogue, seamless interdepartmental partnerships, consistent financial guidance, and alignment with the organization’s strategic efforts. The role also requires adherence to the exacting standards of timeliness and integrity in financial reporting.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $156,843 to $243,013, with a midpoint of $199,928, based on qualifications and experience. Benefits information is available on the City’s website.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is required; a master’s degree in Public Administration or a Finance‑related field is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in government financial leadership and administration including 3–5 years of supervisory experience is required.
• Local government experience is required.
• CPA and GFOA certification are preferred but not required.

The City of Winston‑Salem is an Equal Opportunity Employer.