Assistant Director, Finance (Grants)

PURPOSE OF POSITION
Metrolink is seeking a highly skilled Assistant Director, Finance to join our Finance team. The Assistant Director, Finance will assist executive management in planning, directing, organizing, and coordinating the programs of a team within the Finance Department.

TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment with the first review of applications beginning September 20, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This job description is not part of a job series.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

• Receives general oversight from Director or Executive level management.
• Responsible for managing and monitoring work performance of a team or department.

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

• Direct, manage, monitor, and evaluate work and activities of assigned staff.
• Participate in the development of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
• Serve as trusted business partner to the CFO and the SCRRA leadership team and support the strategic vision.
• Monitor, assess and address issues related to assigned function across the Authority.
• Review Agency financials, project plans, staffing plans, and assignments.
• Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned departmental budget; submit recommendations and monitor expenditures.
• Manage internal and external annual reporting to comply with various applicable business, contractual, grant, and legal requirements.
• Assist with the financial audit process.
• Control and manage accurate accounting practices, financial analyses, and reporting.
• Develop balance sheets and trial balance statements, and coordinate and conduct account closing processes.
• Coordinate financial processes with other SCRRA departments and external entities as required, such as coordinating with vendors to administer payroll process, coordinate withholding amounts, etc.
• Evaluate functionality of financial software and technology; and make recommendations to ensure best use of systems.
• Define, monitor, and publish key performance indicators (KPI) that provide meaningful dashboards to assist management in making prudent business decisions.
• Prepare analytical and statistical reports on assigned project operations and activities.
• Monitor and evaluate departmental staff performance to establish training needs ensuring objectives and expectations are met, along with compliance of policies and procedures. Participate in various cross-functional committees, task forces, and professional group meetings within the Authority to address general accounting activities.
• Provide overall management and supervision of assigned team or the department.
• Collaborate with SCRRA managers and departments to accomplish mutual organizational and departmental objectives.
• Facilitate collaboration and communication of departmental needs.
• Direct the preparation and processing of all Board items in relation to department goals and objectives, make public presentations, and prepare information as required for the Board and directed by executive level management, as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• A minimum of (8) years of experience in accounting, auditing, finance, budget, or a related field, including experience in a public agency.
• A minimum of (5) years of experience supervising a team in a finance department in environment that uses grant funds and/or is an enterprise fund.
• A combination of training, with a minimum of an associate degree and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience.
• Valid Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than three moving violations and no DUI’s within the last (3) years.

Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Business Administration or Public Administration preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Capital budgeting and project management tools and techniques.
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), General Accounting Standards (GAS), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
• Principles of management, supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Principles and practices and corresponding policies and procedures related to assigned function.
• SCRRA policies, rules, and procedures, in a public agency environment.
• Applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Skilled In:

• Judgment and discretion.
• Collaboration and consensus building.
• Use of Microsoft Office and database software.
• Use of Oracle or other financial software.
• Preparing and administering large program budgets.
• Preparing clear and concise administrative financial reports.
• Strong and effective leadership, team building, communication, and time management.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls.
• Perform complex analysis and prepare associated reports.
• Interact, communicate, and facilitate discussion with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Provide expert and sound advice on organization-wide issues.
• Effectively deliver sensitive and complex (or high level) information.
• Facilitate discussion and communicate company directives to a broad audience.

Working Conditions

Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.)

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Selection Process:
Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills, and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment maybe contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA.

Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA