CHIEF Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer at Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Job posted on December 1, 2025

Location

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) is a key member of OHA’s Executive Leadership Team and serves as the strategic and operational leader of the Financial Assets Division. The CFO is responsible for directing all financial operations and resource management functions, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and strategic financial planning. This position ensures fiduciary stewardship of the Native Hawaiian Trust Fund and supports the long‑term financial sustainability of OHA’s mission to improve the well‑being of Native Hawaiians.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning and Execution
   • Lead the development and implementation of sound fiscal strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with OHA’s Strategic Plan and organizational goals.
   • Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and senior leadership on enterprise‑wide strategic initiatives, long‑term financial planning, and capital projects.
2. Fiscal Administrative and Operations
   • Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, auditing, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, financial reporting, and compliance.
   • Serve as OHA’s primary fiduciary officer, safeguarding the financial integrity of the organization and the Native Hawaiian Trust Fund.
   • Direct the preparation and administration of OHA’s biennium operating and capital improvement budgets.
   • Present financial data and budget recommendations to the Board of Trustees and its standing committees; provide briefings as needed.
   • Develop and implement internal control systems and risk management frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and stewardship.
   • Act as the liaison to external auditors, state oversight agencies, and financial institutions.
   • Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and agency financial and procurement regulations, including HRS Chapters 10, 10H, 103D, and 103F.
3. Management
   • Make hiring and other personnel recommendations for the Division to the CEO.
   • Work with OHA’s Human Resources office to ensure professional development and staff training for Division personnel.
   • Ensure integration of Strategic Plan and tactical elements and performance measures into Division management, employee, contractor, and grantee performance reviews and improvement plans.
   • Lead staff development, training, and succession planning within the Financial Assets Division.
   • Manage and supervise Finance, Grants, and Procurement units within the Financial Assets Division.
   • Perform supervisory tasks, such as leave time approvals, performance reviews, coaching, training, and related employment decisions for Division; disseminate needed information to staff in a timely manner.
   • Ensure without exception the proper handling and maintenance of confidential, sensitive and/or proprietary information.
4. Fully support in action, language, behavior and performance the priorities, decisions, and directives of the CEO.
5. Regular attendance on a daily basis is required for this position.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and/or Experience

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, or MS in Finance or Accounting) is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including at least 5 years in a senior financial executive role (CFO, Controller, Director of Finance, etc.).
• Experience in government, nonprofit, or public trust fund administration is highly desirable.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience that involved management of professional staff and responsibility for the development, management, execution and coordination of program policies and activities.
• Demonstrated success managing budgets exceeding $60 million annually and leading finance teams of 10+ individuals.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license preferred. Other financial certifications (CMA, CFA, CGFM) will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Must have working knowledge of:

• Hawaiian culture, values, and community issues.
• Understanding of Native Hawaiian history, culture, and the role of OHA as a constitutional entity and public trust.
• Cultural sensitivity and alignment with OHA’s mission, values, and fiduciary obligations to the Native Hawaiian people.
• Financial analyses, forecasting, due diligence, planning, asset management and reporting.
• Understanding of fund accounting, governmental accounting standards (GAAP, GASB), and public financial reporting.
• State procurement and grant‑making processes.

2. Must have demonstrated skills or ability to:

• Operate with integrity, transparency, and ethical accountability in all financial dealings.
• Present complex financial data clearly to non‑financial audiences, including community stakeholders and board members.
• Provide strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop high‑performing teams.
• Think strategically about broad, long‑term goals; implement tactics toward strategy achievement.
• Lead and implement data‑informed decision‑making practices in difficult or complicated situations.
• Facilitate collaboration among subordinates and work collaboratively with all stakeholder groups (e.g., Trustees, leadership team, staff, beneficiaries, legislators).
• Track, analyze, and manage complex internal and external issues (particularly in the areas of financial markets, asset management, investments, procurement, and governance).
• Manage organizational and individual performance.
• Manage multiple complex projects and priorities.
• Negotiate multi‑lateral agreements.
• Thrive in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, complete and submit an application found on our website along with a resume and cover letter to:

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
560 N. Nimitz Highway, Suite 200
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817
Attention: Human Resources

Or via email: View email address on click.appcast.io

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) employees must be permanent Hawaii residents. Out‑of‑state applicants who are offered employment with OHA will need to relocate to Hawaii and establish permanent residency.