Chief Financial Officer - Kansas Judicial Branch

Position number: K0066866

Location of Employment:
Kansas Judicial Branch, Office of Judicial Administration

Address:
Kansas Judicial Center, 301 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka KS 66611

Salary and Benefits: $160,000 annually

Kansas Judicial Branch Benefits:
State Employment Center - Benefits (ks.gov)

Serves as the Judicial Branch's Chief Financial Officer and principal advisor on all matters relating to financial strategy, fiscal policy, budgeting, accounting, payroll, procurement, court collections, grants administration, and financial systems. Provides executive leadership for statewide financial operations, including the Accounting Division and Centralized Court Payment Center, ensuring the responsible stewardship of public resources and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards.

Directs the development, implementation, and defense of the Judicial Branch budget before legislative and executive stakeholders while overseeing long-range financial planning, expenditure forecasting, revenue analysis, and organizational fiscal strategy. Leads modernization efforts related to financial systems, business processes, and technology initiatives that support statewide court operations. Works closely with judicial leadership, legislators, state agencies, and court stakeholders to align financial resources with the mission and strategic priorities of the Judicial Branch.

• Provides executive leadership and strategic direction for all Judicial Branch financial operations, including accounting, payroll, budgeting, procurement, grants administration, court collections, debt collection services, and the Centralized Court Payment Center.
• Directs, plans, and oversees statewide accounting operations and financial activities to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), state laws, regulations, and Judicial Branch policies.
• Develops, administers, monitors, and defends the Judicial Branch's annual operating and capital budgets, including expenditure projections, revenue forecasting, budget narratives, and legislative budget requests.
• Serves as the primary financial representative of the Judicial Branch before legislative committees, executive agencies, budget officials, auditors, and other governmental stakeholders.
• Monitors and analyzes legislation affecting Judicial Branch finances and operations and provides fiscal analysis, recommendations, and strategic guidance to judicial leadership.
• Establishes and maintains internal controls, accounting policies, financial procedures, and fiscal management practices that ensure accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Oversees statewide procurement, purchasing, contract administration, and payment processes to ensure fiscal responsibility, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Directs financial oversight of court collections programs, payment processing operations, and debt collection services to maximize accountability and revenue recovery efforts.
• Oversees the administration, accounting, compliance, reporting, and monitoring of federal, state, and private grant funding supporting Judicial Branch programs and initiatives.
• Leads financial system modernization efforts and technology initiatives designed to improve financial reporting, operational effectiveness, business processes, and customer service delivery.
• Directs financial reviews and assessments of district and appellate courts and ensures consistent application of accounting practices, policies, and procedures across the Judicial Branch.
• Oversees preparation of financial reports, audits, expenditure analyses, budget forecasts, and other financial information used to support executive decision-making and statutory reporting requirements.
• Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and performance management for professional accounting, financial, and court operations staff while fostering employee development, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborates with judicial leadership and operational divisions to develop innovative solutions addressing organizational challenges and emerging financial needs.
• Reviews and approves contracts, policies, procedures, financial agreements, and other documents affecting Judicial Branch fiscal operations.
• Serves on statewide committees, work groups, and advisory bodies and represents the Judicial Branch in matters involving finance, budgeting, procurement, and organizational strategy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

A master's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field and seven years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including experience overseeing complex budgets, financial systems, and professional staff. Experience in governmental, judicial, or public-sector finance is preferred.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Experience presenting budget…