Principal Analyst, Treasury

26-PAT

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is seeking to fill a critical role with a detail oriented and analytical professional to serve as the Principal Analyst, Treasury for the Treasury division. Under the general direction of the Manager, Treasury, the incumbent monitors, analyzes, and reports on the Agency investment and liability portfolios, Agency liquidity, and funding. Invests Agency funds and assists in debt issuance activities. Assists in the development, implementation, distribution, and reporting of additional sales tax and new sales tax on motor fuel funding to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace (collectively, the Service Boards). Utilizes the Agency's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Treasury Management System for reporting, funding, debt service, purchase requisitions, and ad hoc analysis. Conducts analysis and business improvement initiatives as needed to advance the goals and objectives of the Agency. On occasion, may coordinate and lead projects. A new era has begun for transit in the Chicago region. The Illinois General Assembly recently passed a landmark transit funding and reform bill. This legislation includes an estimated $1.2 billion in new annual operating funding for CTA, Metra, and Pace. The bill reorganizes the transit system under a new regional authority, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), transforming the RTA to take on new responsibilities including setting fares, enhancing and coordinating service, overseeing long-term capital planning, and leading implementation of unified rider-focused tools such as more seamless mobile ticketing (see more details).

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Calculates twice-monthly debt service payments and reviews results with Agency bond trustee. Processes payments and prepares reports on Agency debt portfolio.
• Compiles and monitors monthly capital bond drawdowns to Service Boards and other bond proceeds held by bond trustee. Prepares Letters of Direction to bond trustee for purchases of securities based on available capital assets account cash balances.
• Following the Agency Investment Policy and the Illinois Public Funds Investment Act, invests Agency funds and funds held by the bond trustee in irrevocable trust accounts. Prepares quarterly report on investment portfolio performance.
• Manages Agency's Certificates of Deposit (CD) portfolio. Initiates renewal process of maturing principal amounts and researches Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) ratings of potential and existing banks within the CD portfolio. Maintains and updates CD activities within custom cash and investments software module.
• Determines actual monthly and annual Service Board funding receivables and payables. Distributes results within the Agency and to the Service Boards. Processes funding receivables, payables, and payments.
• Orchestrates the development and implementation of calculation and disbursement protocols for additional 2026 PA 104-0557 sales tax and new sales tax on motor fuel funding as well as development of new sales tax allocation and reporting processes based on PA 104-0457 funding formula commencing in Fiscal Year 2027.
• Partners with the Treasury Manager to forecast and monitor the Agency's liquidity position, utilizing custom Cash Management software to deliver cash flow trends and reporting.
• Monitors Agency account balances to determine availability of funds. Executes reports and queries on bank portals. Initiates or approves transfers of funds between Agency accounts and electronic payments.
• Assists in short/long-term debt issuance activities, including the preparation of official statements, offering memoranda, rating agency presentations, and other Board documents.
• Continuously evaluates and improves financial processes and systems. Recommends implementation of best practices and technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Continuously creates or updates Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to maintain optimal documentation within the Treasury Division.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned that contribute to the effectiveness of the department and the Agency.

The ideal candidate must have the following:

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Public or Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• Master's Degree in Business, Public Policy or Administration or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of four to six (4 - 6) years of experience in public or private business with an emphasis on finance, economics, or statistical analysis methods or combination of work experience, including internship(s) and advanced degree.
• Previous expert knowledge with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) financial planning systems required. Experience with Infor and/or a Treasury Management System is preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidential information required.
• Compliance experience in treasury operations required; government/municipal preferred.

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of public policy analysis and finance principles required.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to manage complex spreadsheets and analyze data.
• Ability to transform complex financial data into clear, decision-ready insights, reports, and presentations.
• Ability to work independently, plan and organize tasks, solve problems and complete projects in collaboration with various Agency, Service Board, and contract personnel required.
• Demonstrated ability to build and interpret advanced financial models to support forecasting, liquidity analysis, investment strategy, and data-driven decision making.

The RTA offers highly competitive benefits package:

• Pension plan or 401(k) salary match provided by the RTA at no cost to you
• 401(k) and/or 457 plan options
• Hybrid work environment and flexible work schedules
• Transit benefits to support your commute
• Twelve paid holidays and one floating holiday
• Competitive personal leave package
• Parental leave
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/AD&D Insurance/Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership discount
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Employee Assistance Program

This role typically offers salaries near $82,500, and the RTA offers competitive salaries with the possibility of a higher offer for highly qualified candidates.

For more information about the RTA, visit our website at https://www.rtachicago.org/.

To apply online: Select Login and within the drop-down box, "Login" to your account or create an account by selecting "Register."

For assistance during your application process (e.g. password login, errors, attaching documents), please contact us at: humanresources@rtachicago.org

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer