Director of Finance

OverviewWe are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Metro Transit is one of the country’s largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities. How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region: The Director of Finance serves as Metro Transit’s chief financial leader, responsible for developing and directing agency-wide financial objectives, policies, and strategies. This position oversees operating and capital budgets, grants administration, accounting and financial reporting, long-range forecasting, and revenue operations including fare collection and modernization. The Director provides strategic guidance to the Finance Division and serves as Metro Transit’s lead representative and collaborative partner for Metropolitan Council and Metropolitan Transportation Services financial teams. This role is responsible for ensuring Metro Transit’s compliance with federal, state, county, and local requirements. The role also prepares legislative and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) reports and develops long-term financial management forecasting and plans that support our projected growth and demonstrates how we are delivering on the investment in public transit for our region. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.What you would do in this jobLeadership & Strategic Financial DirectionProvide executive-level leadership for agency financial strategy, planning, policy development, and long-range forecasting to ensure resources align with service enhancements and strategic and capital priorities.Advise the General Manager, Senior Management, Metropolitan Council, county funding partners, and legislative bodies on financial performance, risks, and opportunities. Lead development of 20-year Financial Management Plans for FTA and 25-year financial models that inform agency financial decisions, options, and impacts.Oversee Metro Transit's sales tax commitments, partnering with Metropolitan Transportation Services and Metropolitan Council Finance team, creating a 20-year forecast plan.Review proposed Bills and prepare Fiscal notes during legislative session.Ensure consistency of all financial strategies with Council goals, approved projects, and funding availability.Budget, Grants & Capital OversightOversee preparation and presentation of annual operating budgets, capital budgets, the six-year capital improvement program.Direct financial reporting and forecasts for Metro Transit partnering with Metropolitan Council financial teams and collaborating with external funding partners.Create mechanisms that drive active budget management, including but not limited to increased access to financial reports, data, and dashboards; budget development processes aligned to strategic framework; and mid and long-range forecasting tools.Manage grants administration, including compliance, billing, and reporting for federal, state, and local sources.Provide oversight of capital financing strategies, debt issuance, and cash flow management.Accounting, Financial Reporting & ComplianceEnsure timely, accurate, and compliant financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual statements.Oversee accounting functions, internal controls, audits, and adherence to GAAP, GASB, FTA, and other regulatory requirements.Coordinate responses to FTA oversight reviews and ensure alignment of assumptions with Council and partner forecasts.Revenue Operations & Fare ModernizationLead and direct fare revenue management, including collection systems, reconciliation, auditing, and financial reporting.Oversee fare modernization initiatives such as mobile payments, contactless fare media, and integrated mobility payment systems.Ensure the security, accountability, and efficiency of revenue processing operations (e.g., vault pulling, money room operations, event revenue).Division Oversight & Team LeadershipStrategic people-centered leadership of Finance Department teams in support of our Great Workplace norms.Establish division-wide goals, strategies, and performance metrics, ensuring alignment with agency priorities and funding requirements.Establish division-wide communication and engagement standards informed by our equity consideration tool to ensure partners and leaders across Metro Transit and Metropolitan Council as well as external partners are engaged and informed in ways that improve the quality and value of our work.Lead staff development, mentoring, and performance management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.Stakeholder Engagement & RepresentationProactively collaborate with Metropolitan Council financial team, Metropolitan Transportation Services, and other Metropolitan Council divisions.Engage and inform Metro Transit Senior Leadership and key department stakeholders to ensure financial decisions align with agency priorities.Lead collaborative continuous process improvement efforts with Metropolitan Council and Metropolitan Transportation Services financial teams, enhancing and improving the sharing of data, information, and communication.Represent Metro Transit on financial committees, task forces, and joint financial committees with county and regional partners.Present financial updates and strategic plans to the Metropolitan Council, Management Committee, county boards, and the legislature.Education and experience required (minimum qualifications)Education/Experience:Any of the following combinations of completed education (in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field) and progressively responsible experience in finance or accounting, including demonstrated expertise in budget development/oversight, capital planning, grants administration, and government or public sector finance.Bachelor's degree with ten (10) years of experience and five (5) years of senior leadership experienceMaster's degree with eight (8) years of experience and five (5) years of senior leadership experienceThis position requires professional, comprehensive and practical level of understanding of financial management, business administration and accounting/financial reporting which skill level is acquired through a degreed program with many years of practical experience.Metropolitan Council employees only: Successful completion of any one of the following four Metropolitan Council Leadership/Supervisory training programs will substitute for lead/supervisory experience. You must attach your certificate(s) as proof of completion of the program to your application. Only completion of one of the four programs listed below will substitute credit (6 months or 1 year) for lead/supervisory experience.Metro Transit Leadership Academy – 1 yearProject Management Development Program-12-month session – 1 yearProject Management Development Program-6-month session – 6 monthsFour Learning Institute Certificates - You must obtain all four certificates listed below to receive credit for 6 months supervisory experience: Leading Self-Personal Effectiveness, Leading Self-Communication, Leading Self-Business Skills, Leading Others-Preparing for SupervisorDesired qualifications:CPA, CMA and/or MBA strongly preferredBackground in financial leadership within a public transit or public sector organizationExperience with financial planning and reporting for federal and/or state funded projects, including the FTAExperience presenting complex financial information to elected officials, boards, or external funding partnersExperience leading the creation of dashboards and financial models to share complex and highly technical financial information with a wide variety of audiencesFirst six months knowledge, skills and abilities:Financial practices and techniques knowledgeKnowledge of business administration principles, practices and proceduresKnowledge of policy analysis, development and implementationAbility to explain complex financial issuesKnowledge of financial systems, accounting best practice, GAAPKnowledge of management/supervisory practices and performance managementAnalytical and organizational skills including continuous process improvementAbility to develop collaborative relationships inside and outside the organizationProject management, financial strategic development and presentation skillsProven leadership and management skills with the ability to develop effective working relationshipsStrategic financial analysis and timely recommendationsStrong verbal and written communication, including presenting to leadership and external stakeholdersAbility to read, analyze and interpret regulations and legislationCollaboration, facilitation and communication abilitiesWhat you can expect from us:Make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan areaOn-site training and tuition reimbursementCompetitive salary, excellent benefits and good work/life balanceMore about why you should join us!Additional informationUnion/Grade: NRC Grade EX-1FLSA Status: ExemptSafety Sensitive: NoWork environment: Work is performed in a standard office setting and may require travel between primary work sites to other sites.What steps the recruitment process involves:We review your minimum qualifications.We rate your education and experience.We conduct a structured panel interview.We conduct a selection interview.If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, it will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are already an employee, a criminal background check may be required for safety-sensitive, supervisory/management roles, or access to financial records. Adjustments during the selection process can be requested. The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. We strongly encourage persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you require accommodation during the selection process, please email #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-30