Job Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director/CEO the Chief Financial Officer, will be responsible for the accurate and efficient operations of the Financial Affairs department which is comprised of Metra's Accounting (payroll, accounts payable, revenue accounting, general accounting, capital accounting, and accounts receivable), Treasury, Budget Management, Analysis, and Business Efficiency and Process Improvement teams.

The primary duties includes:

Provide leadership and oversight of Metra's accounting operations (including payroll, accounts payable, general accounting, capital accounting, and accounts receivable), as well as treasury, revenue accounting, operating budget, and process improvement functions, including compliance with FTA, federal, and all applicable financial and accounting requirements.
Establish and implement policies and procedures, and support internal control activities, to ensure financial accounting operations are performed in alignment with financial policies, regulations, and law.
Report to and work closely with the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer (ED/CEO) on operational and strategic issues as they arise. Serve as a business partner to the ED/CEO on the organization's financial, budgeting and administrative processes.
Partner with and provide financial analysis and guidance for the Board of Directors and ED as needed. Participate in corporate policy development with ED/CEO and Board. Engage board and related committees around financial issues and trends.
Partner with senior managers to provide them financial analysis and guidance.
Oversee cash flow planning and ensure availability of funds as needed, cash, investment and asset management, financing strategies and activities, as well as the development and administration of Metra's budget.
Coordinate the development and monitoring of budgets, business plans and forecasts. Direct and review the preparation and presentation of budget reporting.
Represent Metra to financial partners including financial institutions, auditors, other public officials, NITA/RTA/CTA/Pace/NICTD, PSA carriers, etc. Coordinate and represent Metra's financial interests in Metra's dealings with these entities.
Oversee the accounting department to ensure maintenance of all accounting processes and systems.
Direct and review the preparation of financial statements to meet statutory and regulatory requirements, and to inform Metra's financial constituency (Metra Board, Executive Director, government officials, and the public).
Through subordinate managers, lead a staff of approximately 150 people, driving accountability and performance to objectives, recruiting and retaining talented staff.
Participate in the ongoing strategic planning process as an integral member of the senior management team.
Ensure effective computer software and hardware are utilized to support all functions of the organization.
The CFO participates and collaborates in developing the annual regional budget and multi-year plans, and provides input and guidance on policy recommendations related to transit finance administration and operational issues, ensuring alignment with state legislation and directives from the NITA board.
The CFO is expected to develop alternative strategies due to budgetary pressures, present recommendations to the Agency Board, and facilitate compliance with state legislative budget requirements.

Budget Authority:

Has indirect authority over 150 people with annual expense budget of approximately $20 million and capital spending of $10 million.
Has responsibility for the budget of entire organization with 4,500 people, an expense budget of $700 million and capital spending of $300 million.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Job Requirements

At minimum possess a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. An MBA or master's degree in finance or accounting is preferable.
In addition to #1, the candidate must have at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, budgeting, treasury/cash management, or related financial functions. Experience may be obtained in the public sector; transportation (including rail, transit, or logistics); manufacturing; construction; utilities; infrastructure; government; consulting; or other comparable, complex organizations.
A minimum of ten (10) years of supervisory or leadership experience is required, including responsibility for directing staff and/or cross-functional teams. This experience should include strategically prioritizing work, coaching and developing employees, resolving conflicts, workforce planning, overseeing budgets, and contributing to senior leadership decision-making and organizational planning.
Demonstrated experience with governmental or public sector accounting and financial reporting is preferred. This includes knowledge of and/or experience applying Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and other applicable regulatory and reporting frameworks.
Relevant experience may include financial statement preparation, technical accounting, audit coordination, and compliance within entities subject to governmental oversight, such as transit agencies, state or local governments, quasi-governmental entities, public authorities, not-for-profit organizations, higher education, healthcare organizations, or firms providing audit or advisory services to these sectors.
Experience with areas such as capital asset accounting, grant and fund accounting, single audits, internal controls, and financial reporting for governmental or publicly funded entities.
Relevant experience may include roles such as Controller, Deputy or Assistant CFO, Finance Director, Accounting Manager, Treasury Manager, Budget Director, or audit/advisory leadership roles, or similar senior-level financial positions demonstrating increasing scope and responsibility.

Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of organization, administration, fiscal and personnel management; government at the local, regional, state and federal levels; modern public and business administration; and laws and regulations governing the issuance of tax-exempt bonds, financial activities, and debt/risk management.
Strong verbal/written communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to effectively utilize the services of various financial consultants, bond counsel, underwriter and rating agencies.
Able to work in a demanding environment.
Able to work in a large and diverse public organization with increasingly responsible organizational responsibilities.
Ability to represent Metra before city councils, and other Federal, State and local agencies, boards and commissions, and in public meetings and hearings.

Preferred:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA); Certified Management Accountant (CMA); Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at RAC@metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

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