Chief Financial Officer Full Time

FLSA: Exempt
JOB TITLE: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
DEPARTMENT: Executive
REPORTS TO: CEO

JOB FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides executive leadership and oversight of all financial operations for the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). The CFO serves as the chief fiscal advisor to the CEO and the Board of Commissioners, providing strategic financial guidance to ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency, and sustainability. This role oversees Finance, Pension Administration, and Risk Management functions, ensuring that financial policies, systems, and procedures comply with applicable laws, regulations, and best practices in public transit financial management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides executive oversight of all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, payroll, pension administration, and risk management.
• Develops, implements, and monitors financial strategies that ensure the long-term fiscal health and stability of MATA.
• Prepares and presents financial statements, budget reports, forecasts, and analytical summaries to the CEO, Board of Commissioners, and external stakeholders.
• Oversees development of the annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local funding requirements.
• Serves as treasurer for MATA funds, overseeing banking, investments, and cash flow management.
• Establishes, maintains, and monitors internal control systems to safeguard assets, ensure accurate financial reporting, and maintain compliance with audit standards.
• Leads the coordination and completion of annual financial audits and ensures the timely resolution of findings and recommendations.
• Oversees the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and other financial documentation required by the Board and regulatory agencies.
• Provides financial planning and analysis to support decision-making, project evaluation, and performance measurement across all departments.
• Advises the CEO and executive leadership team on financial impacts of strategic initiatives, contracts, and capital investments.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable accounting standards, FTA and DOT financial reporting requirements, and GAAP principles.
• Directs and supports the Pension and Retirement Plan administration, ensuring compliance with FASB, GASB, and fiduciary standards.
• Manages financial risk, insurance coverage, and claims resolution through oversight of the Risk Management unit.
• Leads development and implementation of financial technology systems that improve data accuracy and reporting efficiency.
• Cultivates relationships with auditors, lenders, investment advisors, and regulatory bodies to maintain fiscal accountability and transparency.
• Oversees staffing, performance evaluations, and professional development for the Finance Department to maintain a high-performing team.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the financial integrity and mission of MATA.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is required. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, accounting, or related disciplines, including at least ten (10) years in a leadership role and five (5) years at the director or executive level.
• Extensive experience in public sector or transit agency finance, budgeting, and capital planning.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and FTA financial reporting standards.
• Proven ability to manage multimillion-dollar budgets, grants, and complex funding structures.
• Demonstrated skill in developing internal controls, managing audits, and overseeing risk management programs.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal abilities, with a focus on collaboration and transparency.
• High proficiency in financial software systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must comply with all MATA policies, including Drug and Alcohol Policy and Safety Protocols.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is typically performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels. The position requires frequent sitting, standing, and use of standard office equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

DISCLAIMER:

The above description is intended to describe the general content, identify the essential functions, and set forth the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. MATA reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary to meet business needs.

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