Park Authority Chief Financial Officer (Finance Manager)

Park Authority Chief Financial Officer (Finance Manager)

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a high-level professional who is both excited to lead the financial team and to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With almost 24,000 acres of parkland, nine Rec Centers, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level.

FCPA is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented finance professional with extensive experience in local government financial operations and a business-minded approach. The Park Authority is a hybrid organization with most funding provided by a combination of user fees and county general fund support. The ideal candidate for the position of Park Authority Chief Financial Officer (Finance Manager) will have a firm grasp of budgeting, fund accounting, financial operations, fiscal and business strategy, capital financing, and data analytics. The CFO will oversee the Financial Management Branch and Business Office Branch – using those resources to promote financially sound strategic planning and visioning. The CFO will improve financial procedures, perform accounting assessments, and assist with the internal and external review processes. The CFO will also be business oriented‑providing customer‑focused solutions to drive efficiencies and help use data/budgets to set a strategic vision for the agency. The candidate will closely coordinate and partner with the county’s Department of Management and Budget (DMB) and the county’s Department of Finance (DOF). Under limited supervision, plans, directs and supervises a professional financial team that is responsible for delivery, analysis, administration and review of a complex, multi‑fund budget. The incumbent will ensure accuracy of technical accounting and forecasting related to all Park Authority funds and budgets including the Parks General Operating and Capital Fund, Park Revenue & Operating Fund, Park Bond Fund, and Park Improvement Fund. Assigns, monitors, and oversees staff's daily work activities to ensure that all financial transactions and agency functions are meeting generally accepted accounting principles. Creates and develops business and financial presentations that tell the story around Park Authority funding and budgets. Regularly presents at meetings with key stakeholders (including Park Authority Board, Board of Supervisors, community meetings, etc.).

Illustrative Duties

• Serves as an advisor to the Director and/or Deputy Director on matters of policy and process related to financial and financial administrative management;
• Makes presentations to the Deputy County Executives, Directors, Deputy Directors, Boards, Authorities and Commissions, as well as other County senior management;
• Participates in department wide strategic planning, and Countywide strategic planning, as necessary;
• Supervises a team of financial professionals performing advanced technical analysis and makes recommendations to the Director and/or Deputy Director about program funding within the department;
• Directs ongoing process improvement initiatives related to financial processes, budget development, and monitoring within the agency;
• Collaborate in the development and refinement of policies, procedures, and guidelines essential to the administration of finance and related functions;
• Coordinates external partners including the Department of Management and Budget with financing and debt management, capital projects, bond resolutions, and issuances;
• Oversees the overall budget coordination and development for submission to department leadership;
• Coordinates budget estimates, financial reporting and data presentation for the agency to ensure policy decisions have been met;
• Serves as department lead concerning revenue, including projections and collection rates; Recommends adjustments;
• Determines the budget impact on the department from both state and federal legislative actions;
• Manages, develops, and implements the responsibilities and policies relating to fiscal and financial administrative management policies, including budgeting, financing, capital projects, and reporting;
• Prepares written and verbal reports for department senior management regarding cost variances and acts independently in identifying and resolving programmatic anomalies;
• Oversees staff from financial management, accounts payable, accounts receivable (including revenue collection) and procurement;
• Oversees both internal and external financial audits and implements corrective actions (when applicable);
• Ensures compliance with federal and state reporting requirements associated with grant funding;
• Establishes accounting policies and procedures in accordance with GAAP as well as any federal, state or county requirements.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of public administration, particularly regarding governmental budget and finance administration;
• Advanced knowledge of county organization, policy, procedures, and practices, particularly regarding the budget cycle and budget development and monitoring;
• Ability to plan and implement activities in order to ensure effective and efficient utilization of resources;
• Ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the activities of staff.

Employment Standards

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with either a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, public administration, public policy, or related field; plus, five years of professional‑level experience in finance, business administration, budgeting, or contract management, to include 2 years of supervisory experience. A master’s degree in a related field or CPA may substitute for 1 year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the FOCUS system or other financial management systems.
• Previous experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and audits.
• Experience working in revenue‑oriented business environment, including managing, and understanding multiple revenue streams, as well as analyzing and deciphering revenue shifts or trends.
• Ability to think strategically and use business acumen and political savvy effectively in preparation and delivery of work product.
• Ability to leverage data analytics teams to generate actionable insights, strengthen financial forecasting, evaluate business performance, and inform strategic decision‑making across the organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and delivering compelling, high‑impact presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Proven ability to translate complex concepts into clear, engaging, and persuasive presentations.
• Experience developing financial and funding strategies that drive organizational growth and innovation while safeguarding stability, ensuring both long‑term sustainability and strategic agility.
• Ability to provide clear direction and leadership to a large team to achieve organizational goals.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑moving, intensive, and public‑facing environment.

Certificates and Licenses Required

Driver's License (Required)

Necessary Special Requirements

The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check, credit check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

Physical Requirements

Ability to access, input and retrieve data from a computer is essential. Ability to sit for long periods of time. Ability to use a computer. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Selection Procedure

Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo‑European, and many others). We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY View phone number on click.appcast.io.View email address on click.appcast.io EEO/AA/TTY.