City of Orangeburg, South Carolina
Classification Specification
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
The City of Orangeburg, South Carolina, affectionately known as “The Garden City”, operates under a Council form of government and is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This executive-level position is responsible for ensuring sound financial management, strategic fiscal planning, and effective leadership of the City's Finance Department.
The CFO plays a critical role in guiding the City through a period of transformative growth and investment, including major initiatives such as revitalization of the City's downtown, the Railroad Corner Development Project, the development of a new Civil Rights Museum, and the recent announcement of Ferrara Candy Company's $675 million manufacturing investment in Orangeburg County. These initiatives position Orangeburg as a hub for economic development, cultural preservation, and long-term financial sustainability.
This is more than a career opportunity; it is a calling for a public finance professional who is passionate about shaping the financial future of a growing and evolving community.
About the Community
Orangeburg is the county seat of Orangeburg County, with a city population of approximately 14,000 and a county population of roughly 85,000. The community is widely recognized for its annual Festival of Roses, held in the beautiful Edisto Memorial Gardens, which attracts visitors from across the region each spring.
Orangeburg is home to Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Southern Methodist College, and two distinguished historically Black colleges and universities: Claflin University and South Carolina State University.
The City is experiencing renewed economic momentum, highlighted by significant private-sector investment, including the forthcoming Ferrara Candy Company manufacturing facility. Complementing this growth are catalytic public projects such as a recently constructed new City Hall, continued renovation of the historic Stevenson Auditorium, the Railroad Corner Development Project, which will revitalize a key gateway corridor, and the planned Civil Rights Museum, which will honor Orangeburg's pivotal role in American history.
Culturally and recreationally, Orangeburg offers a rich quality of life, including Edisto Memorial Gardens, the historic Stevenson Auditorium, the I.P. Stanback Museum & Planetarium, the Orangeburg Civic Ballet, and the Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center. Outdoor amenities include the Edisto River and a newly developed athletic complex. The City is conveniently located approximately 37 miles south of Columbia and within an hour's drive of Charleston and the South Carolina coast.
About the Organization
The City of Orangeburg operates under a Council form of government and employs approximately 175 employees across nine departments. The City maintains a total annual budget of approximately $27 million and is self-insured for health, dental, and vision coverage.
The CFO reports directly to the City Administrator and works closely with department heads, and external partners. The position oversees a complex municipal finance operation and plays a central role in aligning financial strategy with the City's policy priorities and development goals.
About the Position and Department
The CFO leads a Finance Department responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, purchasing, revenue collection, debt management, and risk management, with a staff of approximately six employees.
In addition to overseeing daily financial operations, the CFO will be a key strategic partner in advancing major capital initiatives, ensuring fiscal stewardship of transformative projects and supporting operational, infrastructure, and service needs.
Key Priorities for the Next CFO
- Evaluate the structure, staffing, and operational efficiency of the Finance Department and recommend improvements
- Proactively manage cash flow, reserves, and daily financial operations
- Lead the issuance and management of debt for current and future capital projects
- Partner with the City Administrator in the development and execution of the annual budget
- Maintain and strengthen the City's bond rating through disciplined financial practices
- Develop long-term financial strategies to support economic development and capital investment initiatives
- Ensure financial readiness to support large-scale projects and public-private partnerships
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (required)
- Master's degree in a finance-related discipline (highly preferred)
- A valid SC Drivers License (or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
- 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in governmental financial management
- 3–5 years of supervisory experience
- Local government experience (required)
- CPA and GFOA certification (highly preferred)
The Ideal Candidate Will Be:
- A collaborative and strategic leader with impeccable integrity
- Highly knowledgeable in governmental accounting standards (GASB), municipal finance, debt issuance, capital markets, and investment management
- Skilled in financial forecasting and aligning fiscal policy with economic development goals
- An effective communicator who can clearly present complex financial information to diverse audiences
- Experienced in managing financial operations within a council-manager form of government
- A proactive problem-solver with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and service delivery
- Adept at identifying opportunities to expand revenue while responsibly managing expenditures
- A strong leader committed to staff development, accountability, and organizational excellence
- Capable of supporting high-impact projects through disciplined financial oversight and strategic planning
Salary Range and Application Process
The hiring range is up to $150,000, with a starting salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Residency within the City is not required but is strongly preferred.
Applicants must submit both a resume and cover letter through the City's application portal:
www.orangeburg.sc.us
The position is open until filled. Interviews will be conducted following an initial screening process.
All inquiries should be directed to: [email protected]
The City Orangeburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
