Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking a talented and collaborative leader to serve as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This key role demands an experienced financial professional and dedicated public servant committed to advancing a client-centered approach and supporting DPD as a national leader in public defense. The department oversees a biennial budget exceeding $229 million and manages multiple innovative initiatives that position it at the forefront of public defense.

As CFO, you will work closely with department leadership to develop and implement the department’s budget, financial policies, strategic long‑term financial plans, and a comprehensive system for monitoring, analyzing, and managing departmental expenditures. Your expertise will help identify opportunities for funded initiatives, cost savings and fiscal efficiency, ensuring the department's financial sustainability. You will also oversee contracts, fiscal management, payroll, asset management, and all financial and accounting functions, aligning operations with King County’s enterprise‑wide financial policies and procedures.

The CFO will lead and supervise a small, high‑performing team, fostering a culture of financial literacy and professional growth across the department. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in public sector budget development and finance, technical proficiency with diverse financial data systems, and a proven ability to mentor and develop teams. A strong commitment to equity, racial and social justice, and a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation are essential to support DPD’s evolving financial needs.

Reporting directly to the Department Director, the CFO serves as the chief advisor on all fiscal and compliance matters, providing strategic insights and analysis to support the department’s mission and programs. This is an exciting opportunity to impact public defense at a critical and influential level.

Mission Statement

The King County Department of Public Defense represents indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. Our department is an independent voice that promotes justice and equity for our clients and advocates for their objectives, interests, and dignity.

DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment proceedings.

DPD advocates to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal systems that restrict our clients’ liberty, and advances policy reforms to reduce systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti‑oppression framework.

Essential Job Functions and Duties

Fiscal and Compliance Management

Oversee and manage DPD’s overall financial sustainability and resources to accomplish its mission. Approve all department expenses.

Manage, supervise and approve the departmental payroll processes for highly unionized staff, assuring compliance with multiple collective bargaining agreements.

Direct, review, and ensure accuracy and integrity in DPD’s fiscal and compliance analyses and reporting. Ensure department’s financial structure meets all reporting requirements.

Lead the development, proposal, and review of DPD’s biennial budget and supplemental budget appropriations.

Ensure development, maintenance, and implementation of strategic long‑range financial plans.

Monitor and analyze Department performance against budget, identifying risks and opportunities regarding revenue, expenditures and other financial issues and prepare management briefs as needed.

Make and recommend operational direction in both the short‑ and long‑term best interest for the department.

Collaborate with DPD’s HR manager to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely position management data to create and maintain up‑to‑date budget forecasting.

Oversee a proactive compliance process that ensures proper use of public funds, meets regulatory compliance with all funding agencies, and provides support, as needed.

Leadership and Strategic Planning

Develop operational strategies to address emerging financial pressures on the Department and foster a culture of continuous improvement and risk awareness.

Formulate, implement, and oversee department‑specific improvements to financial operations with highly visible community implications, including, but not limited to, management of department investigatory and compliance actions.

Participate as a member of the department’s leadership team to exercise department‑wide financial oversight on matters including, but not limited to, staffing, strategic direction setting, and decision making.

Directly advise the Director’s Office on financial decisions.

Collaborate with other department leadership in planning, coordinating, and implementing overall financial departmental strategies, goals, and objectives.

Serve as DPD’s primary representative to King County’s Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget (PSB) on all budget, finance, and compliance matters.

Serve as DPD’s primary representative to King County’s Finance and Business Operations Division assuring compliance with all accounting policies and procedures.

Serve as the primary contact and liaison for the department with the State Auditor’s office and King County Council Auditors and other auditing entities.

Oversee and prepare DPD responses to King County Council questions that arise during budget submission and approval processes and other financial operational submissions to the Council.

On behalf of DPD, present strategic fiscal and compliance updates and analyses to a wide range of audiences that may include DPD leadership and staff, advisory boards, community groups, and other key interested parties.

Lead, Coach, and Supervise a High‑Performing Team

Supervise and mentor finance and payroll staff, including, but not limited to, directing work, monitoring quality and quantity of work, providing candid and constructive feedback that promotes employee professional development and learning, ensuring a feedback loop, training of staff, and performance management.

Be a champion for equity and cultivate a culture that allows all members of the team and other DPD staff to contribute and thrive.

Inspire and exemplify the Department’s Mission and King County’s True North Values.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Master’s degree in business, public administration, or accounting AND five (5) years of progressively responsible experience serving as a leader in public sector accounting, financial management, and / or budgeting, OR any equivalent combination of education / experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the job.

The ability to travel throughout King County in a timely manner.

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.

Experience in directing and reviewing financial / policy impact analysis of proposed legislation, service contracts, grants, and changes in policies and procedures.

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.

Strong management and supervisory experience, including hiring, staff development, performance management, delegation, and oversight to ensure timely and high‑quality performance by staff.

Knowledge and recent experience with federal and / or state grants, restricted local funds, pass‑through funding, and audit requirements at the federal, state and local levels.

Advanced ability to prepare and summarize financial analyses and deliver clear, evidence‑based recommendations for informed decision making.

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.

Who May Apply

This opportunity to join DPD is open to all applicants.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

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