Assistant Director, Finance

Southern California Regional Rail Authority•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Finance, assists executive management in planning, directing, organizing, and coordinating the Accounts Receivable and Cash Management Division within the Finance Department. The role serves as a business partner to the CFO and SCRRA leadership team, supports the organization’s strategic vision, and manages and monitors the work of an assigned team or department. The position receives general oversight from Director- or Executive-level management. The role oversees financial processes and reporting, supports budget administration and audits, and helps ensure accounting practices comply with applicable policies, contractual, grant, and legal requirements. It evaluates financial systems and technology, develops and monitors performance indicators, prepares reports, and works across departments and with external entities. The Assistant Director also supports staff performance and training, participates in organizational committees, and prepares and presents Board materials as directed. The position typically works in a normal office environment, with possible work at outdoor locations, construction sites, railroad tracks and rights-of-way, and warehouses. These settings may involve loud noise, moving mechanical parts, and potentially hostile or irate individuals. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
At least 8 years of experience in accounting, auditing, finance, budget, or a related field, including experience in a public agency.
At least 5 years of experience supervising a finance department team in an environment that uses grant funds and/or is an enterprise fund.
A combination of training, with at least an associate degree, and/or experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered; advanced relevant coursework may substitute for part of the required experience.
Knowledge of GAAP, General Accounting Standards, and GASB principles.
Knowledge of management, supervision, training, and performance evaluation principles.
Knowledge of practices, policies, and procedures related to the assigned function and of SCRRA policies and procedures in a public agency environment.
Knowledge of cost principles under 2 CFR Part 200 and Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 31; applicable federal, state, and local regulations; capital budgeting and project management; and public-agency banking, cash management, and investment practices.
Skill in complex analysis and preparing concise, insightful summaries or reports; developing and implementing objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls; and using Microsoft Office and database software.
Skill in using Oracle or other financial software and reviewing, understanding, and administering contracts, memorandums of understanding, or cooperative agreements.
Ability to use or deploy technology innovatively to accomplish department goals efficiently and effectively.
Ability to lead, motivate, and mentor a team; exercise sound judgment and discretion; collaborate and build consensus across organizational levels; and provide sound organization-wide advice.
Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately to the audience, apply critical thinking to assess inputs and outputs, manage relationships and conflict, prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines.
Ability to move between a stationary desk position and locations throughout Metrolink facilities or other work sites; operate computers, office equipment, and work-related machinery; and transport equipment or boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.
Visual acuity and hearing sufficient to detect and observe employees, train movement, barriers, and sounds when working on or near railroad tracks.
Ability to balance, ascend and descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, or crawl in assigned working conditions or locations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration or Public Administration.

Responsibilities

Direct, manage, monitor, and evaluate the work and activities of the assigned team.
Participate in developing policies and procedures, recommend improvements to standards and procedures, and support compliance.
Serve as a business partner to the CFO and SCRRA leadership team and support the strategic vision.
Monitor, assess, and address issues related to the assigned function across the Authority.
Review Agency financials, project plans, staffing plans, and assignments.
Participate in preparing and administering the departmental budget, submit recommendations, and monitor expenditures.
Manage internal and external reporting to meet applicable business, contractual, grant, and legal requirements.
Assist with the financial audit process.
Control and manage accurate accounting practices, financial analyses, and reporting.
Participate in accounting closing processes.
Coordinate financial processes with SCRRA departments and external entities as needed.
Evaluate financial software and technology and recommend ways to ensure effective use of systems.
Define, monitor, and publish key performance indicators and dashboards to support management decisions.
Prepare analytical and statistical reports on assigned project operations and activities.
Monitor and evaluate staff performance, identify training needs, and support achievement of objectives and compliance with policies and procedures.
Participate in cross-functional committees, task forces, and professional group meetings addressing general accounting activities.
Collaborate with Finance Department leadership and other departments, and facilitate communication about departmental needs.
Direct preparation and processing of Board items related to department goals and objectives; make public presentations and prepare information for the Board as directed.