Chief Financial Officer

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Deschutes County Finance Department leads the County’s financial and tax collection operations and helps ensure public funds are managed responsibly, accurately, and transparently.

The department:

• Oversees accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, procurement, property tax and transient lodging tax collection, internal controls, long-range financial planning, debt management and dog licensing.
• Provides clear financial information and practical guidance to the Board of County Commissioners, County Administration and department directors.
• Supports sound decision-making by helping leaders understand financial options, risks, and tradeoffs.
• Protects County assets through strong financial systems, policies, reporting, and internal controls.
• Helps departments plan for current operations, future service needs, and long-term financial stability.
• Promotes accuracy, accountability, transparency, and responsive service across County financial operations.

We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest local government in the region. More than 1,200 County employees serve the community through a broad range of public services, including public safety, health services, community development, road operations, solid waste, justice services, property assessment and taxation, elections, emergency management, and general government.

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, Deschutes County sits between the towering Cascade Mountains and the high desert plateau. The region offers exceptional access to outdoor recreation across all four seasons, strong communities, and a high quality of life.

We are looking for a thoughtful, experienced, and service-oriented financial leader to join our leadership team

The Chief Financial Officer is Deschutes County’s senior financial executive and leads the Finance Department.

This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who can strengthen financial systems, support practical decision-making, and help the County plan for sustainable services in a growing region.

The CFO:

• Serves as a key financial advisor to the County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, elected officials, and department directors.
• Protects the County’s financial position and strengthens systems that support accurate, transparent, and responsible financial management.
• Oversees countywide finance, accounting, budgeting, procurement, property tax collection, payroll, financial reporting, and related fiscal functions.
• Serves as the County’s Chief Tax Collector.
• Helps the organization plan for future service needs, capital investments, financial risks, cash flow and long-term stability.
• Explains complex financial issues in clear, practical terms so leaders can make informed decisions.

Successful candidates will bring technical financial expertise, steady leadership, sound judgment, clear communication, and a strong commitment to public service.

Treasury and investment management functions are overseen by the elected County Treasurer. In the past, the Chief Financial Officer has also served as the County’s elected Treasurer. Candidates who are interested in filing to run for the County Treasurer position during the Nov. 3, 2026 election will need to contact the County Clerk’s Office or visit the Clerk’s website. The earliest day to file for the County Treasurer position is August 12, and the deadline is not later than 5 PM on August 25.

Please see the compensation section of this recruitment notice for additional information about how compensation is adjusted when the Chief Financial Officer is also elected as County Treasurer. To be eligible for the office of County Treasurer in Oregon, a candidate must be a United States citizen, a registered voter, and a resident of the county for one year preceding the election.

The Chief Financial Officer will:

• Lead the Finance Department with integrity, clarity, accountability, and a strong public-service focus.
• Advise County leadership on financial strategy, budget development,…