Cora Bell, CPA

Deputy Chief Financial Officer

Professional Overview
Cora Bell is an accomplished finance and accounting professional with over 14 years of experience in the public sector. As the Deputy Chief Financial Officer for Multnomah County, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance fiscal management and transparency.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Multnomah County, Cora is responsible for managing the county's $2 billion annual budget and leading a team of 25 finance professionals. She oversees all aspects of financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls, and has implemented data-driven decision-making processes to optimize resource allocation and cost savings. Under Cora's leadership, Multnomah County has maintained a strong AA credit rating and received several awards for its comprehensive annual financial reports.

Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Cora served as the Fiscal & Grant Compliance Manager and Fiscal Compliance Senior at Multnomah County, where she developed expertise in grant management, cost allocation, and compliance monitoring. She also gained valuable experience in public accounting, working as an Audit Senior at Perkins & Co and in various roles at Hoffman Stewart & Schmidt P.C. and Chadwick, Steinkirchner, Davis & Co.

Academic Background
Cora holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Oregon and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She is committed to continuous learning and has completed additional professional development courses in financial management, project management, and leadership.

Areas of Expertise

• Public sector finance and accounting

• Budgeting and financial reporting

• Grant management and compliance

• Internal controls and risk management

• Strategic planning and data-driven decision making

• Leadership and team management

Professional Impact
During her tenure at Multnomah County, Cora has played a key role in implementing several successful initiatives, including the streamlining of the county's financial reporting processes, the development of a comprehensive grant management system, and the implementation of a robust internal control framework. Her efforts have contributed to the county's strong financial position and have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades.

Conclusion
Cora Bell is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with a proven track record of success in the public sector. Her expertise, strategic mindset, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to Multnomah County as it navigates the evolving financial landscape and works to enhance its fiscal management and transparency.