In this section, “chief financial officer” means: the highest ranking executive who, for a period of at least 6 months, is responsible for directing all financial operations, including: budgeting; accounting; procurement; grant management; establishing fiscal policies; ensuring compliance with State and federal regulations; and providing strategic financial leadership to agency leadership; or a position with equivalent duties. Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, this section applies to a unit of the Executive Branch of State government that: receives at least $1,750,000,000 annually in State and federal funding; and employs a chief financial officer. This section does not apply to the University System of Maryland. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may set the pay scale for chief financial officer positions in order to assist with recruitment and retention. An appointing authority subject to this section shall make an appointment of a chief financial officer who meets the qualifications in subsection (e) of this section. The Secretary shall establish minimum qualifications for chief financial officer positions that consider: education; executive experience and the duration of that experience; supervisory or managerial experience; technical competence; certifications; scope and complexity of the role; and alignment with the government or industry standards. On or before November 1, 2026, the Department shall adopt regulations to establish minimum qualifications for chief financial officer positions. For preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report required under § 2–102 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, a chief financial officer of a unit of State government subject to this section shall provide to the Office of the Comptroller at the close of the fiscal year: all necessary entries of the unit’s financial information; the information necessary to prepare the schedule of expenditures of federal awards in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations; and a letter attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the information provided in items (1) and (2) of this subsection.