How to hire a chief finance and operating officer

How to hire a chief finance and operating officer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step chief finance and operating officer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a chief finance and operating officer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new chief finance and operating officer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a chief finance and operating officer do?

Post a chief finance and operating officer job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   The chief finance and operating officer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A chief finance and operating officer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, chief finance and operating officers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents chief finance and operating officer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Chief Finance And Operating Officer	Description	Hourly rate
   Chief Finance And Operating Officer	Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.	$41-150
   Controller, Vice President	A Controller, Vice President is focused on controlling and directing financial planning and budget management. They supervise the daily operations of the finance department, such as financial reporting, accounts payable, and payroll.	$52-113
   Corporate Vice President	A corporate vice president is an executive professional who is vital in managing staff and supervising departmental operations of a corporation. Corporate vice presidents must assist the president and the board of directors in designing the overall mission, values, and strategic goals of the corporation... Show more	$54-116

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Financial Statements
   • Oversight
   • Human Resources
   • Payroll
   • Regulatory Compliance
   • Risk Management
   • R
   • Business Plan
   • Cash Flow
   • Real Estate
   • CPA
   • Private Equity
   • Strategic Plan
   • Due Diligence

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage employees in GL, A/R, A/P, Credit/Collections, sales, warehousing, and shipping.
   • Manage development and implementation of customize ERP system.
   • Lead implementation of new worldwide consolidation system, Hyperion, significantly reducing closing time and improving controls over the consolidation process.
   • Streamline risk management, convert banking relationship and convert payroll processing to a third party payroll processor.
   • Work closely with CPA firm to improve operational and financial controls with no significant deficiencies note after year one.
   • Reduce independent CPA audit time and eliminate audit corrections.

   More chief finance and operating officer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your chief finance and operating officer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A chief finance and operating officer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, chief finance and operating officers' average salary in montana is 36% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level chief finance and operating officers 72% less than senior-level chief finance and operating officers.
   • Certifications. A chief finance and operating officer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a chief finance and operating officer's salary.

   Average chief finance and operating officer salary

   $166,139yearly

   $79.87 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level chief finance and operating officer salary

   $87,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 19, 2026

   Average chief finance and operating officer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$174,277	$84
   2	New York	$169,803	$82
   3	Massachusetts	$155,811	$75
   4	Connecticut	$151,367	$73
   5	Maryland	$150,667	$72
   6	Virginia	$149,386	$72
   7	Illinois	$145,143	$70
   8	North Carolina	$140,463	$68
   9	Ohio	$138,650	$67
   10	District of Columbia	$136,913	$66
   11	Michigan	$134,813	$65
   12	Wisconsin	$134,045	$64
   13	Texas	$131,931	$63
   14	Minnesota	$127,455	$61
   15	Washington	$120,472	$58
   16	Oregon	$119,647	$58
   17	Colorado	$118,679	$57
   18	Georgia	$114,697	$55
   19	Nebraska	$105,651	$51

   Average chief finance and operating officer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	University of Nebraska at Omaha	$200,329	$96.31	22
   2	John Hardy	$179,226	$86.17
   3	Kroger	$177,760	$85.46	10
   4	Interstate Moving	$177,056	$85.12
   5	T. Rowe Price	$176,918	$85.06	29
   6	*n/a*	$176,290	$84.75	3
   7	Robert Half	$173,490	$83.41	407
   8	Commonwealth	$171,636	$82.52	36
   9	Twomey	$170,976	$82.20
   10	CliftonLarsonAllen	$164,000	$78.85	15
   11	Scotiabank	$156,677	$75.33	3
   12	MongoDB	$154,385	$74.22	3
   13	National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum	$142,037	$68.29
   14	Equitable Holdings	$137,641	$66.17	1
   15	City of Baltimore	$132,427	$63.67	10
   16	Citizens' Housing and Planning Association	$129,815	$62.41
   17	Dartmouth	$125,158	$60.17	14
   18	Bank of America	$113,106	$54.38	2,009
   19	Raytheon Technologies	$105,993	$50.96	44
   20	Metropolitan State University of Denver	$98,178	$47.20	5

4. Writing a chief finance and operating officer job description

   A chief finance and operating officer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a chief finance and operating officer job description:

   Chief finance and operating officer job description example

   The Independent School Business Office is the beating heart of School administration. The CFO/COO as the leader of the Business Office Team sits in a unique position at the right hand of the Head of School and the left hand of the Board of Trustees, providing resources and support to enable perpetual mission fulfillment. The CFO/COO is just as likely to spend time in executive session with the Board leadership team as they are to discuss sustainable greywater recycling systems with a contractor. They will invest tens of millions of dollars in the morning and have a tough discussion with a budget manager in the afternoon. They will be a model for strong management and accountability in a culture that often attracts community members who seek autonomy. They are a fiduciary not just for today, but for but for the future. The successor in this position will be just the fourth CFO in Dunn’s 65 year history. This longevity is a testament to both the place and the people who have held this critical position.
   
   Dunn School is seeking a Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer to be a caring steward of the School’s resources.
   
   The CFO / COO assumes a key leadership role in managing operational, financial and strategic aspects of the School. Areas of responsibility include: Accounting/Budgeting, Audit/Reporting, Treasury/Investment, Human Resources, Dining Services, Plant/Facilities – including all construction and renovation projects, and Risk Management. The CFO/COO is responsible for safeguarding the assets of the School and ensuring that the financial and operational needs of the school and its constituents are met following best practices. This role reports to the Head of School and is the staff liaison to several critical board committees.
   
   The successful candidate for this position is a strategic and critical business thinker, with an understanding of, and commitment to the mission of Dunn School. They hold a record of successful managerial leadership, experience in a broad range of complex business matters including financial management, facilities management and human resources as well as capital project development and management, and a proven ability to both listen to and communicate well with constituencies inside and outside of the School. This position requires a hands-on professional who is prepared to grapple with and resolve issues in real time as needed.
   
   The CFO/COO position requires a deep respect for the confidentiality of information and must hold to the highest ethical standards. They will respect, appreciate and model the core values of Dunn School (Emotional Wellness, Physical Readiness, Intellectual Growth, Social Responsibility and Moral Courage), and seek to uphold the school’s mission. They will bring a positive attitude to the workplace every day and enjoy working as part of a dynamic, supportive team.
   
   As the CFO/COO, you should expect to work hard, laugh often, brainstorm, flex, create, and iterate. You should yearn for 24/7 student interaction, and the establishment of life-long caring relationships with your co-workers and school alumni. You will raise your hand, volunteer, energize and attend. And in so doing, you will realize that you have found the perfect career - one that allows you to wholeheartedly serve the noblest of missions.
   Opportunities (Responsibilities) Works with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to ensure that the operations, business, and financial objectives of the School are met in an effective and timely manner Directs the Controller with all aspects of financial accounting responsibilities Supervises the Director of Facilities and Outsourced Chef Manager Collaborates with the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team to ensure that programs remain on budget and are scaled to financial means Secures the highest level of quality products and services for the School’s business functions, with an eye to efficiency, cost effectiveness and sustainability (environmental as well as economic) Staff Liaison to the following board committees: Finance, Investment, Audit, and Buildings and Grounds Core Competencies Proven executive level financial management & leadership experience Significant expertise in Accounting/Finance, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Risk Management, and day to day business operations Passion for continuous process improvement, accuracy and detail Ability to interpret and explain complex issues and their financial/operational implications to all audiences Strong, hands-on experience in financial management including analysis and reporting, budgeting, asset management, audit compliance, federal and state tax regulations and reporting procedures Ability to strategize and develop mechanisms to manage expenses and capital projects Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and relate well to students, parents, staff, faculty, and others Must be highly analytical and able to multitask and complete projects in a timely manner The ability to be creative, seeking solutions to enable rather than deny Detail oriented and organized; excellent project management skills Ability to employ flexibility and creativity in the execution of duties Must be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines Collaborative leadership style Nonprofit and/or private school experience is preferred but not required Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, CPA, M.Ed or MBA preferred An understanding and knowledge of environmentally-friendly business practices (a proven track record of this is a plus) About Dunn School Dunn is a community centered on educating the whole student. For us, whole student education is not just a meaningless phrase, instead it captures all of what we try to do at Dunn in and out of the classroom. We deliver on whole student education through the following learning outcomes that we call core values: Emotional Wellness, Physical Readiness, Intellectual Growth, Social Responsibility, and Moral Courage. Our curriculum, co-curricular programs, advisory, evaluative systems, and pedagogical approach are measured by our core values, and this is how we know whole student education is more than just a phrase. Our school was founded in 1957 by a dynamic educator who embodied the spirit of our motto, “Ne Tentes Aut Perfice,” essentially translating to mean “all or nothing” — a statement that reflects a special entrepreneurial spirit urging Dunn community members, adults and students alike to accomplish what they set out to do. Following in the traditions of our founder, Tony Dunn, our professional community members throughout the decades have helped build the community we have today–a vibrant community of kind learners who pride themselves on building lasting relationships with each other. All this unfolds before the beautiful Santa Barbara County backdrop of Los Olivos, California, nestled in the picturesque mountains of the Santa Ynez Valley and within a stone’s throw of the Pacific Ocean. Outdoor opportunities abound, and what better way to experience them than from within such an encouraging and nurturing professional community? Requirements Work year of twelve months. Full time scheduled work week of no less than forty hours. This position is Exempt from the State of California overtime laws. Wages/Benefits This is a full time, exempt (salaried) position, which is eligible for Dunn School’s full benefits package including: medical, dental, retirement, life and AD&D, and tuition remission. Salary is set based on industry benchmarks for the position and the candidate’s experience. How to Apply This position is available to be filled immediately, but the start date may also be deferred to allow for a summer 2023 transition. Applications will be rolling and the position will be filled when the ideal candidate has been selected.
   Dunn is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks a diverse and broad spectrum of qualified candidates. Dunn's background screening process requires employees to undergo a social media check, satisfactory reference checks with prior and current employers, and a successful criminal background screening.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find chief finance and operating officers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any chief finance and operating officers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level chief finance and operating officers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your chief finance and operating officer job on Zippia to find and recruit chief finance and operating officer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with chief finance and operating officer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new chief finance and operating officer

   Once you've decided on a perfect chief finance and operating officer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a chief finance and operating officer?