Brief Description
Under the general direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the SVP – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the principal financial executive of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). This position is responsible for providing strategic leadership, oversight, and administration of the Authority's financial planning and analysis, budgeting, revenue management, fixed assets, grants management and accounting and information technology (IT).
The SVP – CFO ensures that all activities under their purview are conducted in full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements, and JTA policies and procedures.
Collaborates closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team (ELT), and the JTA Board of Directors to ensure fiscal integrity, operational efficiency, and strategic alignment across all divisions under their direction.
Essential Function(s)
Financial Planning, Analysis & Budgeting
- Direct all phases of the Authority's financial planning programs, ensuring sound financial forecasting with adequate assumptions to account for and protect the assets of the Authority.
- Manage the preparation of budgetary records and related reports for all revenue, treasury, and asset management functions.
- Direct the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets and present budgets to senior leadership and the CEO for approval.
- Oversee the development and submittal of monthly budget/expenditure reports; prepare and review monthly financial reports for presentation to the Board of Directors and senior leadership.
- Develop, administer, and monitor financially-based internal controls and reports related to both capital and operating expenditures to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
- Supervise cash management systems, investments, and controls; assure the integrity of various funds and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices.
- Direct employees engaged in the receipt and recording of revenues, investment of funds, monitoring of expenditures, administration of contracts, and disbursement of funds.
- Analyze complex financial reports and develop related management recommendations and proposals for executive leadership and the Board.
- Interface with City, County, and State agencies; respond to inquiries from the public and other stakeholders regarding financial matters.
Grants Management & Grants Accounting
- Provide executive oversight of all federal, state, and local grant programs, ensuring full compliance with grantor requirements, grant agreements, and applicable regulations including FTA, FDOT, and other funding agency requirements.
- Direct the preparation, submission, and management of grant applications, budgets, amendments, and financial reports in coordination with program managers and department heads.
- Oversee grants accounting functions, including accurate tracking, reporting, and drawdown of grant funds in the Authority's financial systems.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of National Transit Database (NTD) reporting requirements and other federal financial reporting obligations.
- Maintain compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and other applicable cost principles and audit requirements.
- Coordinate with external auditors and oversight agencies in the conduct of grant-related audits, program reviews, and financial monitoring activities.
- Develop and maintain grants management policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard grant funds and ensure audit readiness.
Information Technology (IT)
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Authority's Information Technology division, ensuring technology investments align with JTA's operational goals and long-term strategic plan.
- Direct IT operations including infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, data management, software applications, and technology service delivery.
- Champion the evaluation, procurement, and implementation of new technologies to drive operational efficiency, data integrity, and service innovation across the Authority.
- Ensure IT policies, procedures, and systems are compliant with applicable federal, state, and local standards, including cybersecurity frameworks and data privacy requirements.
- Oversee IT capital planning and budgeting, including the prioritization of technology projects and resource allocation in alignment with organizational needs.
- Collaborate with executive leadership and department heads to identify technology solutions that support mission-critical transit operations and administrative functions.
- Direct IT vendor relationships, contracts, and service-level agreements to ensure cost-effective and reliable delivery of technology services.
Leadership & Organizational Development
- Recruit, hire, develop, and retain a high-performing team of financial, grants, IT, and procurement professionals aligned with JTA's mission and values.
- Establish and communicate clear performance expectations; conduct regular evaluations and provide coaching and mentoring to direct reports and department staff.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-accountability work culture within all divisions under the SVP – CFO's purview.
- Actively demonstrate JTA's Elements of a Leader, including engagement, courageous decision-making, effective communication, empathy, critical and strategic thinking, teamwork, customer focus, innovation, and integrity.
- Represent the CFO division on the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to Authority-wide strategic planning, policy development, and organizational decision-making.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of GAAP, GASB standards, governmental fund accounting, and public sector financial management.
- Thorough knowledge of federal grant management regulations including OMB Uniform Guidance, FTA Circular requirements, and NTD reporting.
- Broad knowledge of public procurement law, FTA third-party contracting requirements, and best practices in contract administration.
- Working knowledge of information technology operations, cybersecurity principles, and enterprise technology planning.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic-thinking skills with the demonstrated ability to create, implement, and monitor complex plans and translate them into actionable goals.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including elected officials, federal oversight agencies, the JTA Board of Directors, and the public.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, lead, and sustain a high-performance, multi-disciplinary work team with an emphasis on collaboration, mentoring, and exceeding organizational goals.
- Technologically savvy with the ability to leverage information systems and data analytics to drive organizational efficiency and informed decision-making.
- Strong skill in developing departmental objectives and providing effective long- and short-range financial and operational planning.
- Demonstrated track record in budget management, stewardship, and developing strategies to build multi-faceted administrative and financial programs.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university is required.
- Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, Accounting, or related field) and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation strongly preferred.
Experience
- Ten (10) years of progressively responsible executive or senior management experience, with demonstrated leadership in financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and multi-departmental administration in the public sector.
- Prior experience as a division or department head at the executive level, with responsibility for multiple functional areas.
- Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state grant programs, grant accounting, and compliance requirements applicable to public transportation agencies.
- Proven success leading or overseeing information technology and/or procurement divisions within a government or public agency environment.
Additional Requirements
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience with ERP or e-procurement systems (e.g., OpenGov, Tyler Munis, SAP, Oracle, Bonfire, or similar platforms).
- Ability to pass a comprehensive background check and drug screening as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in public transit finance, grants management, and FTA regulatory compliance preferred.
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation is a plus.
- Familiarity with NTD reporting, FTA oversight requirements, and OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).
Work Environment/Physical Demands
The SVP – Chief Financial Officer works primarily in an office environment. The position requires a flexible working schedule to successfully navigate daily functions across the Authority's offices and to engage with external vendors, consultants, financial institutions, and private investment groups.
Must be available to attend meetings with the JTA Board of Directors, City Council, FTA, FDOT, and other stakeholder groups. The position may require extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to respond to emergencies or meet Authority needs, and may require periodic travel to attend meetings, conferences, or training sessions.
Physical Demands May Include
- Sitting and/or standing for prolonged periods.
- Performing repetitive motions.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Acknowledgements
This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. This document does not constitute an employment contract, expressed or implied, nor does it alter the at-will nature of employment.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. JTA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law
This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees are responsible for completing all mandatory training classes. Employees must also review and comply with all JTA/JTM policies, procedures, and directives. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship. All employment offers are contingent upon pre-employment drug testing.
Positions marked as ‘
Safety Sensitive’ will be subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use and if any testing is positive, the application for employment will be rejected, or if hired, employment may be terminated. Positions marked as “
COOP Essential” may be required to work whenever the Continuity of Operations Plan is activated.
Driver’s License – The position description will specify whether a driver’s license is required and the acceptable class of license. Unless an exception under Florida law exists, a nonresident must obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of hire. If a driver’s license has a corrective lens restriction, the employee must wear corrective lenses when operating any vehicle for work purposes. Suspended or revoked licenses, work permits, and certain restricted licenses are not acceptable.
