Chief Finance Officer

The Towns award-winning Finance Department supports a rapidly growing community of more than 33,000 residents representing over $5 billion in assessed tax valuation, in addition to thousands of vendors, Town employees, and departments across the organization. Reporting directly to the Town Manager, the CFO provides executive leadership over the Towns financial operations, including financial reporting, long-range financial planning, capital financing, debt management, utility financial operations, grant compliance, audit coordination, and overall stewardship of public resources.

The CFO establishes direction and accountability for financial policies, internal controls, operational procedures, reporting, and financial systems, while strengthening coordination, communication, and performance across the department and organization.

The CFO leads a 21-person team spanning Accounting and Payroll, Procurement, and Utility Billing. With several anticipated retirements and key vacancies, this role presents a unique opportunity to assess and reshape the departments structure, build bench strength, and position the organization for long-term success. The next CFO will prioritize succession planning, knowledge transfer, recruitment, staff development, and cross-training to create a resilient, high-performing team.

A major focus of the position will be advancing the Finance Departments reporting capabilities, internal coordination, and overall transparency, consistency, and accountability. This includes reviewing and modernizing financial policies and procedures; developing comprehensive SOPs and policy manuals; standardizing financial and procurement practices; streamlining workflows and approval processes; evaluating procurement, PCard, and reconciliation practices; strengthening grant compliance; and improving consistency across departments and enterprise functions.

The CFO plays a critical role in safeguarding the Towns financial integrity by ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial operations, while proactively identifying and managing financial risks. The position also serves as a key advisor to the Town Manager and Executive Team, supporting operational and capital planning initiatives including water reclamation expansion, water supply capacity, public safety facilities, and future development impacts such as a potential stormwater utility.

Clayton is seeking a forward-thinking and solutions-oriented financial leader who brings both technical expertise and strategic perspective. The successful candidate will be an innovative thinker who can evaluate utility rate structures, funding strategies, and enterprise fund sustainability while advancing long-range financial planning, capital financing strategies, debt management, and organizational forecasting to support the Towns continued growth and evolving service demands.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (required); Masters degree in Public Administration, Finance, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 810 years of progressively responsible experience in governmental financial leadership, including at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Local government or municipal experience strongly preferred.
• NC Certified Local Government Finance Officer (or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe).
• CPA preferred.
• Residency within reasonable proximity is expected to support executive leadership responsibilities and community engagement.