Director, Corporate Treasury

Metra•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Director, Corporate Treasury reports to the Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for planning and executing treasury, public finance, and investment activities. The role manages cash flow forecasting, identifies cost-saving and profit-maximizing opportunities, and ensures that policies and procedures meet agency objectives, operational needs, and regulatory requirements to protect cash assets. The Director provides leadership for treasury staff and oversees treasury operations, cash management, liquidity, investment activities, financial planning and analysis related to cash flow, and associated reporting. The role oversees corporate treasury operations with an annual operating budget exceeding $645 million and a capital spending program exceeding $400 million per year, and manages an investment portfolio exceeding $100 million. The position also carries staff-management responsibilities and promotes safe work practices. Metra is a railroad employer subject to the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, business administration, public administration, or a related field; alternatively, a combination of education and experience equivalent to four years in cash or investment management or treasury.
Eight years of experience in finance, accounting, or budget work involving financial analyses, cash management, bank or investment relations, or related duties at the management level; experience in a public or private sector transit agency, large transit operation, or railroad is preferred.
Three years of supervisory experience including 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 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.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with D365 or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Strong analytical and financial modeling skills and attention to detail.
Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills for interfacing with senior leadership and establishing and maintaining external relationships.
Strong presentation, project coordination, and negotiation skills.
Strong organizational, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to synthesize complex financial data into 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 agency goals.
Ability to handle time-sensitive transaction issues and navigate unforeseen economic fluctuations.
Ability to research information, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
Willingness to travel within Metra’s six-county region.
Availability to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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