Financial Leadership in Community Health Centers

A practical guide for Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Chief Financial Officers navigating compliance, financial performance, and strategic leadership in real-world operating environments.
Who This Book Is For
This book is written for Chief Financial Officers and senior finance leaders in Federally Qualified Health Centers responsible for compliance oversight, financial stability, board reporting, and operational accountability.
It is also relevant for:
- New CFOs stepping into complex compliance environments
- Experienced finance leaders seeking clearer structure and practical tools
- CEOs and board members who want to better understand financial oversight responsibilities
What This Book Covers
Drawing on three decades of healthcare financial leadership—including hospital corporate finance, Community Health Center CFO leadership, and national compliance review experience—this book provides practical guidance on:
- Financial management and 2 CFR 200 compliance
- Operational Site Visit preparation and risk mitigation
- Board financial oversight and governance alignment
- Revenue cycle oversight and performance improvement
- Cash flow stabilization and financial recovery planning
- Contract management and procurement compliance
- Building a culture of financial accountability
Why This Book Is Different
While many publications address Community Health Center governance, clinical operations, or health policy, few focus directly on the financial leadership role within Federally Qualified Health Centers.
This book is written from the perspective of a CFO who has served in the role and conducted compliance reviews nationwide.
It provides practical clarity, structured guidance, and real-world insight for leaders responsible for safeguarding both financial performance and federal compliance.
Endorsements
“This book is spot on. Cris Julian translates years of real-world experience into a practical guide that reflects the true financial workings of a community health center. It provides the insight CFOs need to lead effectively in a complex, mission-driven environment.”
— Tracy Douglas, MS
Chief Executive Officer
Virginia Community Healthcare Association
“This book speaks directly to the real challenges FQHC CFOs face every day—from managing cash flow and strengthening revenue cycle performance to navigating contract management and sliding fee compliance. It offers practical, experience-based insight that helps financial leaders make sound decisions and lead with confidence.”
— Karen White, CPA
Financial Analyst & Administration/Governance Consultant
“This book reflects the real-world situations community health center CFOs face every day. Cris Julian walks through challenges with practical options and thoughtful perspective, making this a resource finance leaders will return to again and again.”
— Alice Sartore, PhD
Owner, ACS Consulting
Former Community Health Center CEO
“Having worked with Cris Julian on consulting projects, I found this book to be a standout for its practical wisdom. It offers a refreshing and honest perspective on how health center financial leaders—whether new or experienced—can take action.”
— Scot Graff
Health Center Consultant
Available Now
Now available on Amazon — get your copy today.
Order Direct from Cris Julian
Direct-order paperback copies of Financial Leadership for Community Health Centers are available through Cris Julian Consulting.
Signed copies are available upon request.
Paperback copies are $39.99 plus shipping.
Direct orders are ideal for finance teams, leadership teams, board education, and organizations purchasing multiple copies.
Bulk and organizational orders are welcome.
Please allow several business days for shipping, particularly during active consulting and site visit periods.
Companion Resources for This Book
The worksheets, dashboards, checklists, templates, and policy outlines referenced throughout this book are available on the companion resource page.
Access the companion resources here:
https://crisjulian.com/resources
Available with the purchase of Financial Leadership for Community Health Centers.