Transit Finance Manager

General Description

Be a Key Player in Metro Transit’s Evolution!

Metro Transit is growing, and we’re looking for a skilled and motivated Transit Finance Manager to join our leadership team. With more than 500 employees and a budget of over $70 million, we’re one of the largest City of Madison agencies—and we’re in an exciting period of transformation.

In this role, you'll lead a team handling payroll, purchasing, and accounting. You’ll play a big part in rolling out a new agencywide technology system and help shape how we manage our resources for years to come.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Developing and managing Metro Transit’s capital and operating budgets and financial statements
• Setting up strong financial systems and internal controls
• Overseeing payroll, procurement, and personnel processes
• Coordinating grant funding within our financial systems
• Analyzing data and providing strategic financial recommendations

You’ll also ensure that racial equity is at the heart of everything we do in Finance—from daily operations to long-term planning.

Reporting directly to the Transit Chief Administrative Officer, you'll be part of Metro’s Senior Management Team and will be trusted to make key decisions with a high level of independence and professionalism.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

IMPORTANT: THERE ARE SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY QUESTIONS ON THIS POSTING. YOU MUST UPLOAD YOUR ESSAYS IN THE ATTACHMENT SECTION OF YOUR APPLICATION.

**APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT YOUR ESSAYS WILL IMMEDIATELY BE ELIMINATED FROM CONSIDERATION. **

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Budgeting, Accounting, and Financial Policies

• Develop and administer Metro Transit's accounting operations, including systems and procedures, financial reporting and budgeting, and capital asset accounting
• Develop and maintain accounting procedures and financial policies
• Develop and maintain financial forecast with a focus on cash flow to ensure a healthy cash reserve
• Interpret data in reports and financial statements
• Conduct or coordinate internal audits of records and systems used for internal control
• Research and develop information for the preparation of capital and operating budgets
• Work to monitor and integrate grant funds into financial operations and systems
• Review and summarize budget requests and assist management in developing budget item justifications and related information
• Coordinate budgetary process with the City Finance Department
• Monitor systems, gather information and perform analytical work relating to specific problems such as organizational workflow, forms design and work coordination
• Plan and coordinate studies to evaluate the effectiveness of Metro operations and prepare recommendations designed to affect economies of time, money, personnel and equipment
• Lead annual external financial audit
• Lead financial matters for the transit utility, consulting with the City Finance Director, Transit General Manager, and Transit Chief Administrative Officer

Supervising and Managing Staff

• Supervise, train, and assign work to professional staff
• Oversee finance unit directly and through a front-line supervisor

Systems, Contracts, and Reporting

• Supervise the preparation of purchasing specifications and contracts
• Through a front-line supervisor, oversee payroll functions, including collaborating with other Metro units (HR, Operations etc.) to ensure efficient, accurate and timely submissions that are compliant with the union contract and labor law
• Ensure compliance with governing standards, ordinances and contract provisions
• Act as a liaison between Metro and other governmental agencies in handling day-to-day fiscal, budgetary, and related operations
• Represent Metro Transit to public agencies and groups on specific financial programs or projects

Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years’ experience in financial leadership with a principal role in developing and implementing professional accounting and administrative programs and systems, in any of the following areas: fiscal planning and analysis, budget development, or financial statement development; and

• Such experience will include at least two (2) years’ supervisory experience in a financial or other role

-OR-

• An Associate’s or higher degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field with coursework and/or internship demonstrating basic training in relevant topics (e.g. accounting, business administration, economics, finance, public administration, public policy) may substitute for up to two (2) of experience but may not substitute for the supervisory experience

For a complete list of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, please see the class specification online.

Special Requirements

The employee will be expected to attend occasional evening meetings and provide presentations outside the normal work schedule

Ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Physical Requirements:
Work is primarily sedentary, sitting or standing at a desk, working with a computer and standard office equipment.