The North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is seeking candidates for the position of Chief Finance Officer (CFO)

About the NCSFA:

 

The North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is a member driven organization that excels in communicating the needs of fire and emergency services in our state, engaging politically, training our members, and being responsible stewards of the financial resources.

The North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, founded in 1887, was incorporated under the laws of the State of North Carolina in 1889 as the North Carolina State Firemen’s Association. The name was changed by the legislature in 2016 to bring the name more in line with the definitive work of the membership. Throughout its long and active history, the Association has been respected and recognized as a major voice of the Fire Service. Its current membership totals approximately 1,246 fire departments and 53,000 fire service personnel. It has served its membership consistently since its founding in 1887.

That focus has never changed and is still a primary purpose for the organization today.  Everything the NCSFA does today is to improve the lives of those served by the Association.

In 1889 the NCSFA held their first convention with the idea of stimulating interest among firefighters and citizens in the fire service. They held competitions and training at conferences, the annual get together of the membership. Raleigh was the location of the first conference and has hosted many since, serving as the location of the first South Atlantic FIRE RESCUE Expo in 2009.

In 1891 the NCSFA helped establish the Disabled Firemen’s Act which became known as the Firemen’s Relief Fund when it was established as Public Law in 1907 by the General Assembly, Chapter 831 of the 1907 Session Laws. The original title was “An Act to Create a Firemen’s Relief Fund; and to Increase the Efficiency of the Fire Departments in the Several Cities and Towns of North Carolina”.  It is interesting to note that this law only applied to cities and towns and exempted any insurance company from the tax that had 50% of its business in North Carolina. The uses allowed in the original act are very similar to some of the clauses today in the Relief Fund Statutes, except that “destitute” was not used, simply referred to as “keeping firemen out of the alm’s houses” (county homes) as inmates, or for them to be dependent upon charity. It is also interesting to note that Chapter 868 of the 1907 Session Laws also created the elected position of Insurance Commissioner by the people, a position that later in the mid-20^th century was given the responsibility of State Fire Marshal.

Over the years the NCSFA created a scholarship program that provides 45 scholarships per year. The NCSFA developed insurance coverage for line-of-duty injuries and deaths and the accidental death and dismemberment program which covers all members 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  The Association works hard to fight for fire service benefits in the General Assembly, and has worked on funding for grants, relief funds, workers compensation, and pension benefits across the years. The Association works with the Office of State Fire Marshal, the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs, and other partners to promote safety in the workplace and training for the membership.

An annual conference of the Association’s membership is held in or around August of each year. During this conference the Association officers are elected, activity reports are given, annual awards are presented and scholarship awards recipients are recognized. Four delegates, who are authorized to vote on any official conference business including the election of officers, represent each member fire department at the annual conference. Current topics of interest to the fire service are presented at the workshops. A Past President’s luncheon is held each year at the conference to honor former association presidents and encourage fellowship. The lunch is a time for sharing of ideas to improve the Association. Members of the group meet to discuss old times and enjoy the fellowship with old and new friends. A 25/50 Year Pin ceremony is conducted during the business session at conference to recognize service accomplishments.

The membership of the Association may consist of any rated and certified fire department or fire marshal’s office upon payment of the required annual dues as required by the Bylaws. In addition to the Fire Department itself, all individual members of the fire departments shall be members of the Association. Also, county fire marshals, on active status, are entitled to be members of the Association upon payment of the required annual dues. The amount of the membership dues is set by the annual conference and are payable annually.

Day to day activities of the Association staff involve receiving and responding to relief fund requests, membership questions, handling of benefits, lobbying and advocating for firefighter issues, and assisting fire chiefs with managing their rosters.

Position Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides executive leadership and oversight of all financial operations for the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association (NCSFA), the North Carolina Firefighters’ Relief Fund, and the Fraternal Insurance Fund. Prepares SAFRE budget for review and approval at annual board retreat. This position ensures financial integrity, compliance, and transparency across all funds and programs, supporting the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.

The CFO manages accounting and investments, coordinates annual audits, oversees payroll and benefits, and collaborates with leadership to develop budgets and financial strategies.

The CFO reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

A major role of the position involves auditing relief funds annually to ensure compliance with NC General Statutes. Daily duties include auditing of more than 1200 fire department relief funds, relief fund board of trustees, and rosters, to ensure departments utilize relief funds in accordance with appropriate rules and regulations.

Experience and knowledge in accounting, investment portfolios, and finance software (QuickBooks) required.

Fire service experience is not required but is beneficial to the position.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee and reconcile all corporate accounts and investments across three funds.

• Manage daily financial operations, provide support to Accounting Specialist, including cash flow, journal entries, and account adjustments in QuickBooks.  Reviews work for Accounting Specialist entries for proper account posting.

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for the Executive Director, COO; prepares reports for Treasurer and Board of Directors.

• Develop and present the annual operating budget and NCSFA Pay Plan and other financial reports to the Executive Director, COO, and ultimately the Treasurer and Board of Directors.

• Provide oversight of grant funding, scholarships, and special financial programs.

• Coordinate the preparation of year-end accrual basis financial statements, tax filings, and audit documentation.

• Coordinate annual financial audit with external CPA firm; serve as key contact for all audit functions and inquiries; prepare needed schedules and workpapers.

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and organizational financial reporting requirements.

Investments & Retirement Programs

• Work with CCM, Definiti, Transamerica, and the Retirement Board to manage investments and the 401(k)-retirement system for nonprofit fire departments.

• Work with CCM staff; monitor investment portfolios and manage fund transfers to ensure liquidity and alignment with strategic goals.

• Serve as 401(k) Plan Trustee and liaison with third-party administrators and auditors.

Payroll, Tax & Compliance

• Process staff payroll, W-2s, and 1099s; ensure accurate tax withholdings and quarterly filings.

• Manage employee benefit programs, including 401(k), insurance, and retirement plans.

• Maintain compliance with all applicable tax, audit, and ERISA requirements.

Relief Fund Oversight

• Provide financial oversight and audit support for the North Carolina Firefighters’ Relief Fund.

• Assist with statutory reporting, including Relief Fund reports to the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).

• Support department treasurers with financial reporting, compliance, and investment questions.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Marketing and Conference Director on fiscal strategy, risk management, and long-term planning.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to accounting and administrative staff.

• Shall be capable of representing NCSFA at board meetings, conferences, and regional events as needed.

• Assist with financial planning and other support for major events, including the South Atlantic FIRE RESCUE Expo (SAFRE).

Education & Directly Applicable Experience

Education

• Minimum of an associate’s degree in accounting/financial management or a similar curriculum accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency; or

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation; or

• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Preferred: Minimum of 10 years of accounting experience in an environment working with external auditors.

• Preferred: Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting or in a field related to financial management that is regionally accredited.

• Other Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant
• Fire Service experience in an administrative or finance role

Additional duties

Requires broad knowledge of financial management practices and principles to oversee multiple financial funds. In the absence of the COO, the CFO assumes all finance-related duties and responsibilities of that role.

Guidelines

Guidelines exist but are not always fully applicable. The CFO exercises judgment in interpreting and adapting regulations, precedents, and policies to resolve issues and fill procedural gaps.

Complexity

The work involves broad, multifaceted functions that demand a high degree of initiative and expertise.
Assignments require analyzing undefined issues, coordinating multiple phases simultaneously, and resolving complex organizational problems through innovative approaches.

Scope and Effect

This position directly impacts the financial stability and strategic direction of the NCSFA and its affiliated funds. The CFO’s work ensures proper stewardship of member and public trust, supports member benefits, and sustains long-term organizational goals.

 Personal Contacts

Regular contact with Board members, vendors, financial professionals, attorneys, contractors, public officials, and agency leaders, including fire chiefs and municipal administrators.

Purpose of Contacts

To influence, motivate, and negotiate outcomes; to ensure compliance with financial regulations; and to gain cooperation or information from skeptical or resistant parties through diplomacy and professionalism.

Physical Demands

Duties require moderate physical activity, including standing, walking, lifting objects under 25 pounds (occasionally more), and traveling to meetings and conferences. Manual dexterity and mobility are essential.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office or meeting environment with standard safety precautions. Occasional travel and extended hours during major events may be required.

Other

This description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities of the position. It does not limit the supervisor’s authority to assign, direct, or modify tasks as necessary.

Additional Information

Salary and Benefits: The salary range for the position is $78,453 – 140,651. The starting salary is commensurate with education and experience. The NCSFA offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, a 401k retirement savings plan, an annual service bonus based on years of service, paid vacation based on years of service, and sick leave.

TO APPLY:

Please submit the following to Barry A Overman, Executive Director, NCSFA, 323 West Jones Street, Suite 401, Raleigh, NC 27603, or by email to barry@ncsfa.com.

• Resume, including work history, education and training, personal information, and 3 verifiable references.
• Submit a cover letter summarizing education and experience related to this position.
• Resumes and cover letters must be submitted and received at the office by February 27, 2026.
• The Board will invite successful semi-finalists to interview and/or skill evaluations following the completion of the application period, with final interviews as needed.
• Direct inquiries to Barry A Overman, 919-821-2132.

The NCSFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.