Chief Financial Officer

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is seeking an executive financial leader to serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), accountable for the financial integrity, fiscal stewardship, and resource strategy of the agency at a defining moment in its history. Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Operations (Chief Operating Officer), the CFO directs the Office of Budget & Grants, the Office of Finance, and the Office of Contracts & Supplies (Procurement), and serves as a member of the agency’s executive leadership team.

The CFO leads all financial operations supporting two distinct lines of business: Virginia’s long-standing Unemployment Insurance (UI) program and the Commonwealth’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program – the first of its kind in the South. This position is directly accountable for the financial condition of the Virginia Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund and for standing up the financial architecture of the PFML Fund from the ground up, including premium and contribution accounting, benefit disbursement accounting, reserve and solvency monitoring, private plan financial oversight, and refund and receivable management.

The CFO produces the financial analysis and rate modeling required to support employer and employee contribution rates by the October 1, 2027 statutory deadline, ahead of contributions beginning April 1, 2028 and benefits becoming payable December 1, 2028. The CFO also owns federal Unemployment Insurance administrative grant management, cost allocation across UI and PFML, U.S. Department of Labor financial reporting, and Auditor of Public Accounts audit readiness.

The successful candidate will bring proven public-sector financial leadership, deep knowledge of governmental accounting (GAAP/GASB), trust fund or insurance fund accounting, budget development and execution, internal controls, and public procurement – along with the judgment and steadiness to build a new financial function while keeping an existing one running without disruption.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong grounding in governmental accounting principles and standards, including GAAP, GASB, fund accounting, and preparation of financial statements.
• Extensive knowledge of public-sector budgeting processes, encompassing budget development, execution, forecasting, and long‑range financial planning.
• Familiarity with federal grant administration requirements, including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance, cost allocation methodologies, and Single Audit standards.
• Understanding of public procurement laws and practices such as the VPPA, APSPM, eVA, VITA, SWaM requirements, along with core contract administration principles.
• Knowledge of internal control frameworks, including ARMICS, and experience designing, implementing, testing, and remediating internal controls and audit findings.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, scenario analysis, sensitivity testing, and building models that support rate adequacy and solvency analysis.
• Skill in contract administration and vendor performance oversight.
• Experience leading teams, coaching staff, and supporting professional development and retention of financial personnel.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex federal and state statutes, regulations, and policies, translating them into clear operational financial procedures.
• Demonstrated experience presenting financial position, risk, and contribution rate recommendations to executives, legislators, employers, and oversight bodies.
• Proven capability meeting statutory and federal financial reporting deadlines in high‑visibility environments.
• Experience safeguarding Federal Tax Information (FTI) or similar confidential data in accordance with IRS Publication 1075 or comparable requirements.

Additional Considerations

• Certification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO), certified Management Accountant (CMA), and/or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
• Experience with unemployment insurance, paid family and medical leave, disability insurance, workers’ compensation, or another social insurance or trust-funded program.
• Experience standing up a new program, fund, or financial function, or leading a significant financial transformation or system implementation.
• Experience with Cardinal, eVA, or comparable statewide ERP, procurement, and financial reporting systems.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Working for the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Virginians every day. As the agency responsible for supporting workers, employers, and the statewide labor market, the VEC plays a critical role in strengthening economic stability and fostering workforce resilience. Employees have the opportunity to shape modern public programs, improve service delivery, and contribute to initiatives that directly help individuals and families during life's pivotal moments. The VEC values innovation, collaboration, and public service, providing a mission-driven environment where leaders can create lasting, positive change for communities across the Commonwealth. If you’re motivated by purpose, committed to excellence, and eager to help build the future of Virginia’s workforce systems, the VEC offers a rewarding and impactful place to grow your career. And working for the Commonwealth has terrific benefits as well! Visit https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits for more information.

The Virginia Employment Commission is committed to upholding our values in our employment opportunities across the Commonwealth to people from all backgrounds, including all races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program, and a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

• The selected candidate must successfully pass a comprehensive background check including an FBI fingerprint background investigation and an Unemployment Insurance (UI) fraud background check.
• Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and résumés will not be accepted.
• Applications are not accepted after the recruitment closing date.
• Please carefully review the details of this recruitment including the location of the position and the posted salary before applying. VEC does not provide relocation assistance, and no salary will be offered outside of the posted salary range / flat rate.
• Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application (and/or resume). You must ensure your application/resume includes the scope of your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as it relates to the position you are applying for. Information not stated will not be assumed.
• This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.
• For the status of your application and this position, please refer to your PageUp / Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via email or telephone.
• Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Applicants needing accommodations should contact the Human Resource office for additional information.
• The VEC does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work in the US.

NOTICE: VEC will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.