Chief Financial Officer
: Job Details :

MASS TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

CLASSIFICATION: EXECUTIVE

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under minimal supervision, the Chief Financial Officer must oversee, lead, coordinate, plan, direct, delegate, administer, and coordinate the financial affairs of the MTA; to ensure the MTA meets its financial goals and objectives; in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and other regulatory requirements. Ensure continuous total quality management and appropriately assign work activities to meet all company cost, quality, contractual, and quantity requirements.

SUPERVISION BY: GENERAL MANAGER

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work in collaboration with, and as a strategic partner of the General Manager to develop and implement short and long-term finance strategies to align with the MTA's Annual Plan and Programs, as well as, develop and monitor the annual budget for the agency.
• Direct the organization's financial planning and accounting practices, as well as its relationship with stakeholders, and the financial community. Create financial information as needed/directed.
• Manage grant information for all local, federal, other resources, and carry-over funds; assure information is compliant with grant requirements and contracts entered into the Authority. Act as advisor from the financial perspective on any contracts into which the MTA may enter.
• Determine the accuracy of fiscal information contained in all grant applications submitted.
• Supervise, direct, and monitor work performance of all assigned staff and monitor work flow. Direct staff and schedule work flow in appropriate chronological order.
• Prepare and maintain the Authority's budget through oversight of departmental spending and analyses of the Authority's financial position.
• Provide necessary financial and economic analysis to aid the Authority decision making, including, but not limited to, long-range revenue and expense projections, cost-benefit analysis, ROI, etc.
• Accomplish goals by communicating job expectations and goals; plan, monitor, and appraise job results; coach, counsel, and discipline employees; conduct performance management; initiate, coordinate, and enforce Authority procedures and processes.
• Assess, prepare, prioritize and appropriately administer Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable.
• Maintain Authority's financial records through the development of internal controls to ensure accuracy and compliance with established fiscal policies, applicable laws and regulations and accounting requirements.
• Maintain banking relationships and serve as the primary liaison with financial institutions, IRS, State of Michigan, and County government agencies.
• Deal with insurance related issues, including preparation of annual State of Michigan application for self-insurance.
• Compile and analyze financial information to prepare entries to account such as general ledger accounts, fixed asset accounts, and grant accounts; document business transactions.
• Analyze financial information detailing assets, liabilities and capital and prepare balance sheet, profit and loss statements, and other reports to summarize and interpret current and projected company financial position for other managers.
• Audit contracts and vouchers and prepare reports to substantiate individual transactions prior to settlement.
• Install, modify documents, and coordinate implementation of accounting systems and accounting control procedures.
• Make recommendations regarding the accounting of reserves, assets, and expenditures.
• Collect appropriate data and prepares federal, state, and local reports and tax returns.
• Maintain all accounting records on accurate and current basis and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and procedures.
• Direct staff inputs into an annual expense budget document which will establish monthly targets.
• Analyze staff expense budget inputs and provide recommendations to General Manager to meet annual organizational goals and publish the approved annual MTA Expense Budget.
• Develop and execute an annual Revenue Budget for the MTA.
• Develop annual Cash Flow Budget and monitor and maintain effective cash flow to facilitate timely payments of all MTA liabilities.
• Issue requests for payments against Federal and State approved grants.
• Responsible for financial oversight of major MTA construction/property projects.
• Process essential documents to draw local millage funds.
• Develop and organize materials for Authority Board with MTA Finance Committee.
• Administer internal MTA Audit Program, which reviews current staff operations for compliance with operating procedures.
• Monitor financial progress of each grant, keeping State and Federal funding agencies informed through reports, such as Quarterly Progress Reports.
• Prepare monthly budget variance reports and Revenue Expense Report. Complete financial data and submits NTD report in a timely manner.
• Administer and communicate MTA financial policies and standard operating procedures to the staff and employees.
• Perform special projects as assigned and all job duties within the scope and direction of MTA policies, procedures, and contractual agreements.
• Ensure safety inspections in work area and brief individuals, as necessary.
• Prepare annual budget working with key staff in all areas of the organization.
• Promote and build good working relationships with staff of the MTA. Embrace mission. Work with team; assist whenever and wherever needed/required.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Public Accountant or Masters Degree in a business related field.
• At least three (3) years of experience in management or related experience and/or training; in the transit industry required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous Total Quality Management experience preferred.

COMPETENCIES:

• Strong financial management and operating experience.
• Exceptional leadership skills – ability to direct, plan, coordinate, lead, and motivate others.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong, direct, and forceful communication skills.
• Decisive and forthright in decision making.
• Strong performance management skills.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, research and interpret complicated issues.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely.
• Strong ability to problem solve and manage conflict.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people.
• Personal effectiveness, credibility, and ethical conduct.
• Strong knowledge of budgets and capital management.
• Results oriented and goal driven.
• Dependable and self-starter.
• Strong knowledge of Federal and State regulations.
• Strong interpersonal Skills.
• Ability to learn and multitask.
• High-energy and ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Flexible and Adaptable.
• Ability to work as a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The position manages a staff of up to 20 employees and is responsible for staff performance management, scheduling, and disciplines, within the Finance, Purchasing, Inventory, and Grants Administration departments. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with MTA's policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to comprehend, read, and write complex instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to leadership, Board of Directors, community members, visitors, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts, such as discounts, interest, ratios, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions. High-level ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of financial instructions in transit diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have proficient knowledge of computer usage, including: emails, Microsoft suite products, Internet search, data collection, and other financial database and spreadsheet programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, and/or use repetitive motions. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, climb, balance, pull, push, and/or reach. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment is that of a typical office. The noise level is usually moderate.

Salary Range: $125,000 - $140,000.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.