Description
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads, manages, and directs TriMet's financial functions and activities. This position is responsible for overseeing a system of internal controls to adequately safeguard District assets and manage District liabilities, to ensure a long-term financially sustainable organization. The CFO must be aware of all District financial requirements, and structure future obligations in a manner that is sustainable and allows the transit system to grow with regional needs and expectations.
TriMet is currently going through an organizational transformation, and is in the early phase of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) replacement; this position may assume additional responsibilities, and will serve as a member of the Steering Committee for the ERP replacement.
The incumbent must have the ability to work any days, hours, or shifts as required by the District. They must be available to respond to emergencies and be on-call 24/7 as it relates to Finance and Administrative Services.
Ensure a commitment to safety through consistent and professional behaviors in performance of job requirements. Safety is a fundamental value that guides all aspects of our work. Perform related duties as required.
Serve as a good steward of TriMet and maintain a strong and current understanding of customers’ experiences and of TriMet’s product and service offerings. Reliable in-person attendance is an essential function of all positions.
TriMet is an in-person first organization, with a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration, customer service, and safe and efficient operations. Some positions may be able to work up to two days remotely depending on department policy, business needs, and manager discretion.
Interested candidates are invited to reach out to learn more about this opportunity by calling Emily Alkek at (971) 610-6100.
To learn more about TriMet and Portland, click here: TriMet & Portland Brochure
Essential Functions
- Direct agency financial activities, assuring effective financial controls and planning for future financial requirements. Provide strategic direction of all financial functions including accounting, treasury, investment, cash flow, budget, grant administration, insurance, procurement and contracting, risk management and revenue functions.
- Serve as TriMet’s Budget Officer (ORS 294.331). In the capacity as Budget Officer, oversee the preparation of the annual budget in accordance with Oregon Budget Law and serve as primary liaison with the Multnomah County Tax Supervising and Conservation Commission.
- Provide the General Manager and Board of Directors with accurate and timely communication of financial issues. Advise TriMet’s General Manager and Board of Directors on the strategic financial direction for the organization. Ensure TriMet’s system of accounting is accurate, transparent, and reflects the true financial condition of the District.
- Enforce appropriate financial controls to assure the safety of District assets, such as the collection of revenues from fares, payroll, and self-employment taxes; federal, state, and local grants; intergovernmental agreements, and other revenue sources.
- Oversee development of the financial forecast which sets the parameters for spending in the short and long terms. Evaluate current and future fiscal conditions to guide policy, operating and capital decisions, providing analysis of alternative forecast scenarios and policy alternatives to assure future financial stability.
- Oversee the annual budget function, providing alternatives to ensuring TriMet is in compliance with Oregon Budget Law while maximizing the spending of appropriated funds in achieving results and desired outcomes.
- Effectively manage all facets of TriMet’s debt program including the issuance of various types bonds and other financing instruments, managing an investor relations program, reporting of specified events, and maintaining a competitive bond rating. Ensuring all legal and statutory contingencies and loan/bond covenants are met. Maintain relationships with Municipal Advisor, Underwriters, Rating Agencies. Negotiate debt and develop alternative ways financial requirements can be satisfied.
- Oversee TriMet’s cash management program, maintaining resources needed for TriMet’s operating and capital needs. Manage TriMet’s investment portfolio, appropriately balancing risk and reward. Control TriMet’s cash flow position, understand all sources and uses, and maintain integrity of the funds. Oversee the receipt, custody and disbursement of resources of the organization. Maintain relationships with Investment Bankers to maximize earnings of funds in both short and long-term investments. Establish investment policies and guidelines.
- Oversee TriMet’s procurement, revenue collection, and risk management functions.
- Manage agency’s defined benefit pension, deferred compensation, and defined contribution plans. Serve as trustee and advisory committee member of the plans.
- Coordinate TriMet Board's Finance and Audit Committee and the appropriate Citizens Advisory Committees.
- Develop, control, monitor, and approve budgets and operational forecasts for division, including capital expenditures, labor resources, and materials and supplies (M&S); accountable for monitoring own department. Identifies opportunities for containing costs, and may be responsible for increasing revenue. Accountability for budget includes direct reports’ monitoring.
Position Requirements
A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree is required.
A Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration is required.
A Master's Degree in Finance, Business Management, or Accounting is preferred.
Coursework or equivalent in Auditing, Financial Management, Economics, and Human Resources is preferred.
A minim um of thirteen (13) years total credited experience.*
Ten (10) years of financial or administrative experience in a financial institution, government agency, or private corporation at the senior management level are required.
Five (5) Years Of Management Experience Are Required.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or other related certification such as the CGFM (Certified Government Financial Manager) or CPFO (Certified Public Finance Officer) is preferred.
Or any equivalent combination of training or experience.
- The amount of credit a candidate receives for prior years of experience is based on the relevancy of that experience to the required or preferred prerequisites of the job description. Experience is prorated based on hours worked. LRHR assigns and validates the "credited experience".
Selection Criteria
Type of Position / Grade / FLSA
Grade 27, Exempt, Non-Union, Full-Time
Salary Range
Minimum: $247,545.00
Maximum: $371,363.00
Salary offers will be determined by a candidate’s education, training and relevant experience. Any final offer of employment will fall within the range stated above. For transparency, we choose to list the full available grade range, however, TriMet’s salary administration process will ultimately determine the final salary offered.
Selection Process
Candidates will be selected based at a minimum on the result of:
- Application Review (please include: Cover Letter and Resume)
- Panel Interviews
- Reference Check and Degree Verification
- Background Check and FCRA Credit Check
Salary offers will be determined by a candidate’s education, training and relevant experience. Any final offer of employment will fall within the range stated above. For transparency, we choose to list the full available grade range, however, TriMet’s salary administration process will ultimately determine the final salary offered.
Supplemental Information
Make sure you describe in detail how your education, training and work experience fit with this role. You are encouraged to attach a resume, cover letter, training certificates and/or letters of recommendation with your application. You are permitted five attachments of less than 5MB each.
Internal applicants: Information in your personnel file will not be used in lieu of information requested on your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
If you are a qualified veteran and would like to apply for veterans' preference points, you will need to reflect your status on the application and attach supporting documentation at the time of application submission.
If you need accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process, contact our Human Resources staff at 503-962-7505, or the TTY line at 7-1-1. Note that we require a minimum of two workdays' notice prior to the need for accommodation.
TriMet is an equal opportunity employer, committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and sensitive to the needs of the diverse community we serve, including veterans, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
ADA Statement
As applied to the workplace, applicants and employees must be qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions may include required job functions performed infrequently as well as production standards related to the quality and quantity of work.
If a person with a disability could meet job qualifications with a reasonable accommodation, TriMet will work with the employee to accommodate the need. If TriMet's accommodation is effective in allowing the employee to perform the essential functions of the job, it need not be the employee's preferred accommodation.
