Chief Financial Officer - Department of Social Services

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Division:
Department of Social Services (Santa Barbara County, California)

Salary: $138,322 – $176,542 Annually DOE/DOQ
* Benefits

Summary:

Explore the Benefits Summary

Position Overview

The County of Santa Barbara seeks a CFO to lead the Department’s Fiscal Division. The CFO reports to the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer and will oversee a $238 million budget, four direct reports, and 28 indirect staff across Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, and Santa Maria. The role requires strong public finance leadership in a large California public‑sector health and human services agency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the fiscal division comprising Financial Systems & Data Management, Procurement & Contracts, Specialized Accounting, Grants Finance, Budget & Resource Planning, Financial Accounting & Reporting, and General Accounting.

• Develop, administer, and evaluate fiscal services and programs to ensure compliance with strategic goals, performance targets, and best‑practice policies.

• Oversee budgeting processes, review and approve budget requests, negotiate contracts, and conduct financial analysis to inform resource allocation.

• Provide strategic financial guidance to executive leadership, balancing best practices with department and county objectives.

• Supervise staff, conduct performance evaluations, and manage professional development, hiring, and discipline processes.

• Represent the county in public forums, stakeholder meetings, and professional committees; prepare and deliver presentations to elected officials and the public.

• Maintain statutory and regulatory compliance for accounting, budgeting, contracts, and grant activities.

• Perform related duties as required by the department or county.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong analytical skills; use data and financial strategy to manage complex, changing environments.

• Deep knowledge of complex, interconnected budgets and funding sources.

• Experience overseeing budgeting and finances for a large government agency.

• Visionary, approachable leader who builds trust, cooperation, and collaboration.

• High organization; able to plan ahead, multitask, and manage time effectively.

• Calm under pressure; meets deadlines with a steady leadership style.

• Experience working in a diverse team, leading and supporting others to deliver strong results.

• Experience implementing large‑scale financial or other IT systems in a public agency;
Workday knowledge highly desirable.

• Ability to forecast financial outcomes, develop recommendations, and clearly communicate them to leadership.

• Effective collaboration with the Auditor‑Controller, county finance staff, and the County Executive Office.

• Commitment to continuous improvement, process redesign, technology upgrades, and organizational change.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.

Additional Requirements

• Valid California driver’s license and meeting automobile insurability requirements, as needed.

Desirable Qualifications

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Certifications:

CGFM, CPFO, CPA, CMA (not required).

Knowledge and Skills

• GAAP, GASB, public finance principles, budget development and management, financial planning & analysis, payroll, benefits, public administration, program management, procurement, contracts, oral presentation, federal, state, local laws, systems.

Ability to

• Manage large accounting, tax, auditing, and collections operations.

• Develop and implement budgeting programs and projects.

• Lead financial planning, investment portfolio management, revenue management, and cash management.

• Develop policies, evaluate staff, and manage communications with stakeholders.

• Analyze operations, recommend improvements, oversee quality assurance.

• Prepare reports, grant proposals, presentations; provide executive-level advice.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners.

Selection Process

• Review of applications and supplemental questionnaire.

• Application ranking; candidates achieving at least an overall score of 70% will advance.

• Selected candidates will be placed on a 3‑month employment list and will undergo a…