Director, Corporate Treasury

Metra•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Financial Affairs is headed by the Chief Financial Officer and divided into four groups: Treasury; Accounting, Budget and Management Analysis and Business Efficiency & Process Improvement. The core mission of these groups is to provide accurate financial information so that Metra can run its business efficiently. Together these departments employ approximately 100 people. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director Corporate Treasury is responsible for the planning and execution of treasury, public finance, and investment activities; management of cash flow forecasting; identification of cost-saving and profit maximizing opportunities; and ensuring policies and procedures meet agency objectives, needs, and regulatory requirements to protect cash assets.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, business administration, public administration, or related field OR in lieu of a specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in cash or investment management or treasury.
Must possess eight (8) years of experience in finance, accounting, or budget performing financial analyses, cash management, bank or investment relations or related duties at the management level, preferably in a public or private sector transit agency, large transit operation, or railroad.
Must have three (3) years of supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, dispute resolution, budgeting, hiring, discipline and/or termination.
Considerable knowledge of treasury, forecasting, budgeting and relaxed accounting principles and practices.
Comprehensive understanding of banking regulations and procedures.
Strong knowledge of financial instruments, credit facilities, and treasury best practices.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), capital and currency markets, and accounting.
Proficient skills in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiar with operations of D365 or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Strong analytical and financial modeling skills with attention to detail.
Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to interface with senior leadership and establish and maintain external relationships.
Strong presentation, project coordination, and negotiation skills.
Strong organizational, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to synthesize complex financial data into a high-level, forward-looking visuals for executive and board-level presentations.
Ability to partner effectively with cross functional groups and operational leaders in support of broader agency goals.
Ability to handle time-sensitive transaction issues and navigate unforeseen economic fluctuations.
Ability to research information to establish facts and draw conclusions.
Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification or advanced degree in a related field is highly desirable.
Experience with Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting and SOx compliance.
Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Responsibilities

Provide direction and leadership to staff responsible for treasury activities; conduct hearings and investigations regarding employee matters; and provide input on strategic decisions that affect areas of responsibility.
Monitor treasury operations to ensure compliance with established internal controls, policies and procedures, and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOx); and provide support for internal and external audits.
Develop and oversee the cash flow forecast process; identify and implement best practices to improve cash flow forecasting and reporting; and direct financial planning and analysis activities related to cash flow.
Develop treasury and key cash management metrics; determine cash requirements, cash concentration, and short-term cash investments; manage liquidity to ensure appropriate cash flow is maintained; and develop a reporting package for the executive team.
Direct investment activities; identify and determine goals, objectives, and investment strategies for the investment portfolio; conduct analyses, evaluate and compute yield, and average daily balance and interest earned statements to continually optimize the investment portfolio.
Oversee corporate treasury operations with an annual operating budget in excess of $645 million and capital spending program over $400 million per year.
Manage investment portfolio in excess of $100 million.
Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives.
Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures.
Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures.
Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.