King County

Summary

The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with lived experiences.

This recruitment will stay open until the position is filled; however, applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. on September 7, 2025, will be given priority consideration.

The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is excited to announce an opportunity to join our leadership team as Chief Financial Officer. We’re looking for a strategic financial leader, collaborative team player, and dedicated public servant to guide and manage the department’s financial and compliance operations.

This is a key leadership role supporting a forward-thinking, human-centered department with a biennial budget of over $400M. If you're passionate about public service and ready to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to bring your expertise to DAJD and help us advance our mission.

DAJD provides in-custody and community-based services that are data-informed, advance safety, lead system change, and promote equitable outcomes for the people we serve.

DAJD is part of the Executive branch and includes five divisions with more than 900 budgeted employees. The department operates two adult detention facilities—the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent—as well as the Juvenile Division’s secure detention at the Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC) in Seattle.

During the first half of 2025:

• Our adult facilities combined average daily population was over 1,400 residents
• The juvenile facility average daily population was over 60 residents
• The Community Corrections Division supervised more than 600 individuals through electronic home monitoring and day reporting programs each day

[Click here] to find out more about the Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reports to the Chief of Administration and is a member of the DAJD Senior Management Team. The CFO leads and supervises DAJD's Finance Section, which includes accounts payable and receivable, procurement, and payroll services, with a combined team of approximately 19 professionals. The CFO is the department’s principal fiscal strategist, overseeing the planning, development, and management of the department’s biennial budget. As the chief advisor to the Department Director, Deputy, and Chief of Administration, the CFO provides strategic analysis and advice on a broad portfolio of programs that support secure detention facilities, community corrections, and administrative operations.

This position ensures regulatory compliance; leads and responds to financial audits; and oversees budget preparation, financial strategy internal controls, and accounting

practices. It also directs asset management, contracting for services to support the complex operations across DAJD’s five divisions, and the development and re-basing of King County rates charged to cities and other jurisdictions for jail services. This position collaborates closely with department leadership on strategic long-range financial planning and develops a robust system to monitor, analyze, and manage departmental spending while identifying opportunities for cost efficiency and fiscal optimization.

The CFO directly supervises a small team of managers and supervisors and plays a critical role in cultivating leadership across the Finance Section. The desired candidate has deep expertise in public sector finance, technical expertise in a variety of financial data systems, a proven track record of mentoring and developing high-performing teams, a strong commitment to equity, racial and social justice in decision-making, and a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation to support DAJD’s evolving operational needs.

Job Duties

Financial Management and Compliance.

• Oversee the department’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, payroll, contracting, and asset management, ensuring DAJD's overall financial health and resources to support its mission.
• Direct, review, and ensure accuracy and integrity of DAJD’s fiscal and compliance analyses and reporting.
• Lead the development, proposal, and management of DAJD’s biennial budgets.
• Lead internal and external audits and ensure timely completion of year-end financial processes.
• Create, maintain, and improve systems and processes that forecast, monitor, and communicate financial risks and opportunities. Drive continuous improvement in Finance Section operations.
• Ensure development, and implementation of long-range financial plans for each of the department's funds.
• Promote early and consistent integration and compliance teams into all aspects of DAJD operations.
• Ensure the finance team leads financial impact analysis of new or changing operating and capital programs.

Leadership and Strategic Planning.

• Partner with division leadership to remove financial and resource barriers and align programs and assets.
• Develop strategies to address emerging departmental pressures and promote a culture of continuous improvement and risk awareness.
• Formulate, implement, and oversee department-specific improvements to financial operations with highly visible community implications, including, management of department investigatory and compliance actions.
• Serve as a member of the department's senior management team providing guidance on leadership development, staffing, strategic direction setting, and decision making.
• Act as a primary strategic advisor to department and division directors, helping to lead the planning and implementation of department wide strategies, goals, and objectives.
• Ensure that financial and contracting implications are incorporated into all department decision making processes.
• Collaborate with department and division leadership to develop and implement long-term budget strategies.

Building a High-Performing Finance Team.

• Organize the work of the Finance Section to ensure efficient workflow, clear roles, high quality deliverables, and compliance (e.g., GAAP, GAAS, GFOA, federal/state regulations and grant requirements, fiscal contracts, and King County standards and policies).
• Supervise and mentor staff to foster a culture of learning, accountability, and continuous improvement and to create a work environment where all team members feel empowered to contribute and thrive.
• Ensure staff development and effective performance through training, coaching, and performance management.
• Identify opportunities for standardization and process improvement; plan and implement the section’s continuous improvement efforts.
• Champion equity and inspire a culture of excellence.

External Relations, Collaboration, and Representation.

• Serve as DAJD's primary financial liaison to the Executive’s budget office, County Council, other King County departments (KCIT, Department of Executive Services), and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and coordinate DAJD’s responses to King County Council inquiries during budget development, approval processes and other operational review processes.
• Partner with the Executive’s budget office to ensure continued understanding and support of DAJD’s budget priorities.
• Present strategic fiscal and compliance updates on behalf of DAJD to diverse audiences including, providers, advisory boards, community groups, other jurisdictions, and media.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Master's degree in business, public administration, or accounting AND five years of progressively responsible experience serving as a leader in public sector accounting, financial management, and/or budgeting, OR any equivalent combination that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the job.
• Comprehensive understanding of GAAS, GAAP and GFOA best practices; experience in public sector budgeting and governmental fund accounting and reporting.
• Experience with internal controls, risk management, and procurement.
• A strong understanding of, and commitment to, Equity, Racial and Social Justice (ERSJ) principles, with demonstrated skill in working effectively with diverse individuals and populations.
• Knowledge and recent experience with federal grants, restricted local funds, pass­-through funding, and audit requirements at the federal, state and local levels.
• Strong management and supervisory experience, including hiring, staff development, performance management, delegation and oversight to ensure timely and high-quality performance by staff.
• Advanced ability to prepare and summarize financial analyses and deliver clear, evidence-based recommendations for informed decision making.
• Experience in directing and reviewing financial/policy impact analysis of proposed legislation, RFP's, grants, and changes in policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated skill in effectively presenting and communicating complex financial and performance information to a wide range of audiences, including non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workloads, manage tight timelines and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other divisions and departments to secure integrated work products.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

• Knowledge of Oracle/EBS and Oracle budgeting and reporting systems.
• Familiarity with the justice system and alternatives to detention.
• Certified Public Accountant certification.
• Experience with public sector payroll and related legal requirements.
• Knowledge and experience with LEAN or other process improvement practices.

Supplemental Information

WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications.

HOW TO APPLY: Completion of the entire King County application and supplemental questionnaire is required. Do not state "see resume" in employment history and/or supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or letter of interest alone will not substitute for full application. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the online application process, please contact NEOGOV (Governmentjobs.com) Customer Support toll free at: 1-877-204-4442. To apply, go to: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dhr/about-king-county/jobs-benefits/find-a-job

DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Questions regarding this announcement or position may be directed to Jaclyn Smith, DAJD Sr.HR Analyst, at 206-263-3379 or jacsmith@kingcounty.gov

REQUIRED MATERIALS: To be considered, candidates must submit a complete King County application, resume, a cover letter describing how they meet or exceed the qualifications, and responses to the supplemental questions. Please answer the supplemental questions thoroughly, as they are an important part of the evaluation process.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is exempt under the provisions of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), meaning that it is not eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time accrual, and the incumbent will be required to work the hours necessary to meet position responsibilities.

Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WORK LOCATION: The DAJD Administrative team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change.

The primary onsite work location for this position is the King County Courthouse at 516 3rd Avenue, E 245, Seattle WA 98104. Work may sometimes be required at other DAJD or King County facilities, based on business need.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and, when working remotely, must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is not represented by a collective bargaining agreement.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The person selected for this position will be required to complete a thorough background investigation process, including fingerprinting, criminal history check, and reference checks. A valid Washington State Driver's License or alternate ability to travel around the county by time of hire.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

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