Chief Financial Officer

Metra•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be responsible for the accurate and efficient operations of the Financial Affairs department, which includes 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 CFO will provide leadership and oversight of these areas, ensuring compliance with all applicable financial and accounting requirements. This role involves establishing and implementing policies and procedures, supporting internal control activities, and reporting to the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer (ED/CEO) on operational and strategic issues. The CFO will serve as a business partner to the ED/CEO, providing financial analysis and guidance to the Board of Directors and senior managers. Key responsibilities include overseeing cash flow planning, investment and asset management, financing strategies, budget development and monitoring, and financial reporting. The CFO will also represent Metra to financial partners, coordinate financial interests, and lead a staff of approximately 150 people. Participation in strategic planning and ensuring effective use of technology are also crucial. The CFO will collaborate on annual regional budgets and multi-year plans, provide input on policy recommendations, develop alternative strategies for budgetary pressures, and facilitate compliance with state legislative budget requirements. Metra is a railroad employer subject to the Railroad Retirement Tax Act.

Requirements

At minimum possess a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

An MBA or master's degree in finance or accounting is preferable.
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.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA); Certified Management Accountant (CMA); Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Responsibilities

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.
Develop alternative strategies due to budgetary pressures, present recommendations to the Agency Board, and facilitate compliance with state legislative budget requirements.