Strategic CFO Leadership for Rural Health Growth

Hunter Ambrose International is leading the search for a Chief Financial Officer for Gothenburg Health, a modern Critical Access Hospital in South Central Nebraska. This opportunity is ideal for a finance executive who is energized by rural healthcare, community impact, and hands-on operational leadership. Our transparent, high-touch search process includes weekly updates, strategic onboarding support, and a deep understanding of South Central Nebraska’s healthcare landscape to ensure a strong, long-term match.

View the Job Reel.

Gothenburg Health is a modern 15-bed Critical Access Hospital

The organization provides comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, surgical, and emergency services for Dawson County and the surrounding rural communities.

Gothenburg Health operates with an estimated annual revenue of $55 million.

Its strong financial position allows continued investment in facilities, technology, and clinical expansion—rare for a rural hospital of its size.

The hospital recently completed major facility upgrades.

Including a state-of-the-art surgical suite, expanded outpatient services, and modernized inpatient rooms, positioning it as one of the most advanced CAHs in the regio

The Opportunity

Gothenburg Health, a modern Critical Access Hospital located in central Nebraska, is entering a period of financial stabilization and operational alignment following a major facility renovation and expansion.

The CFO will also partner with a strong Director and provide disciplined leadership across the financial operations of a high-performing rural health system

The salary range is $165,000 - $200,00 based on credentials and years of related experience. Relocation assistance is available.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will serve as a key strategic partner to the CEO, CNO, senior leadership team, and Board. This role oversees all financial functions, reimbursement strategy, audit and compliance, revenue cycle performance, capital planning, and financial forecasting. The CFO will also partner with a strong Controller and provide disciplined leadership across the financial operations of a high-performing rural health system.

Key areas of impact include:

Financial leadership during significant payer, regulatory, and reimbursement complexity
Revenue cycle review, optimization, and integration of AI-supported workflow improvements
Budget planning, capital planning, and monthly financial cycles
Board-level financial reporting, forecasting, and decision-support

CFO Leadership Opportunity

Lead finance for a modern 15-bed Critical Access Hospital with strong operational stability and recent multi-million-dollar facility investments.

Competitive Compensation

The salary range is $165,000 - $200,000. The position offers relocation assistance.

Modern CAH Environment

Gothenburg Health offers upgraded surgical suites, modern inpatient rooms, expanded outpatient services, and advanced technology uncommon in rural settings.

High-Impact Role

Partner directly with the CEO and senior leadership team to shape financial strategy, capital planning, and long-term sustainability.

Community Lifestyle

Gothenburg, Nebraska offers safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, low commute times, and an exceptional quality of life.

Outdoor Recreation

Access to lakes, golf courses, walking trails, hunting, fishing, and nearby state parks — ideal for professionals who value nature and wide-open spaces.

Family-Friendly Community

Gothenburg Health has an on-campus YMCA, and the town boasts a newly built early education and daycare center.

Central Nebraska Access

Conveniently located along I-80 with easy drives to Kearney, North Platte, and regional airports.

Preferred Experience

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in finance or accounting
CPA or MBA strongly preferred
10+ years of revenue cycle experience in a healthcare organization
Minimum 3+ years as a CFO or VP of Finance in a hospital, Critical Access Hospital, or ambulatory care setting
Expertise in CMS reimbursement, including CAH cost-based methodologies, is highly preferred
Deep experience with cost reporting, pro formas, and advanced financial modeling
Proven ability to manage and optimize the full revenue cycle from patient access through collections
Strong background in vendor management, contract negotiation, and external partnership oversight
Familiarity with Lean, Agile, Gantt, Sprint-based project management frameworks
Experience leading finance during EMR transitions or major organizational change
Ability to leverage AI tools for workflow efficiency, financial reporting, analytics, or revenue cycle improvement
History of building strong cross-department relationships in rural or community-based hospitals
Prior success in presenting to Boards, Finance Committees, and regulatory stakeholders

What makes this CFO role unique compared to other rural hospitals?

Gothenburg Health is a financially stable, modern Critical Access Hospital with recent capital improvements and strong executive alignment. The CFO has influence across operations, strategy, capital planning, and community partnerships — a scope of impact rarely available in larger systems.

What level of Cost Reporting experience is Gothenburg Health looking for?

Gothenburg Health is seeking a CFO with direct, hands-on experience preparing or validating Medicare cost reports for a Critical Access Hospital, not just reviewing completed drafts. The ideal candidate understands how cost allocation, reimbursement rules, and CAH-specific methodologies directly impact financial performance and long-term sustainability.

What is the reporting structure?

The CFO reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serves as a key member of the senior leadership team. The role partners closely with clinical, operational, and administrative leaders across the organization.

Tell me about the CEO.

Gothenburg Health is led by Andrew Knust who previously served as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer. He was appointed CEO in Q4 of 2025, bringing deep financial, operational, and strategic expertise to the role.

Andrew’s transition from CFO to CEO creates an ideal partnership for the incoming CFO. He is seeking a well-rounded, forward-thinking healthcare finance leader who brings innovative ideas, strong analytical skills, and a collaborative leadership style.

Under Andrew’s leadership, Gothenburg Health values:

Transparency and teamwork
A modern, data-driven approach to rural healthcare
Space for new leaders to bring fresh thinking and drive results
A partnership model between CEO and CFO built on trust and shared vision

This is a highly supportive environment for a CFO ready to elevate performance and build the next chapter of Gothenburg Health alongside a CEO who understands the role at a deep operational level.

What are the top priorities for the new CFO in the first 12 months?

Key priorities include strengthening revenue cycle performance, optimizing cost structure, supporting service line growth, preparing for future capital projects, and ensuring continued financial sustainability in a rapidly evolving rural healthcare environment.

Where is Gothenburg, Nebraska?

Gothenburg is a welcoming community in central Nebraska, located directly along I-80 between Kearney and North Platte. It offers small-town living with convenient access to major hubs.

Closest Airport: North Platte Regional Airport (45 minutes)
Nearest Major Airport: Lincoln Airport (2 hrs 20 min) or Omaha Eppley Airfield (3 hrs 30 min)
Closest Walmart: Lexington, NE (20 minutes)
Distance to Denver: ~5 hours
Average Home Price: ~$240,000–$260,000
Known for: Safe neighborhoods, great schools, outdoor recreation, Lake Helen, Pony Express history, and a strong local health system.

Is relocation required, and what is the community like?

Yes, this is an on-site leadership role. Gothenburg offers affordable housing, excellent schools, a safe community, and access to lakes, recreation, and outdoor activities. It’s ideal for leaders seeking a balanced lifestyle with meaningful impact.

Does the hospital support professional development and long-term growth?

Yes. Gothenburg Health invests in leadership development, continuing education, and cross-functional growth. The CFO will have the opportunity to influence future service line expansion, technology investments, and strategic initiatives.

Recruiting a Chief Financial Officer Gothenburg Health - Gothenburg, Nebraska