Chief Financial Officer

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

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.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director/CEO the Chief Financial Officer, will be responsible for the accurate and efficient operations of the Financial Affairs department which is comprised of 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 primary duties includes:

• 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.
• The CFO participates and collaborates in developing the annual regional budget and multi-year plans, and provides input and guidance on policy recommendations related to transit finance administration and operational issues, ensuring alignment with state legislation and directives from the NITA board.
• The CFO is expected to develop alternative strategies due to budgetary pressures, present recommendations to the Agency Board, and facilitate compliance with state legislative budget requirements.

Budget Authority:

• Has indirect authority over 150 people with annual expense budget of approximately $20 million and capital spending of $10 million.
• Has responsibility for the budget of entire organization with 4,500 people, an expense budget of $700 million and capital spending of $300 million.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.