Chief Financial Officer

Job Title:  Chief Financial Officer

 

Description:
The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA or the agency) is a vital part of the community, providing safe and efficient transportation services to residents and visitors. As we continue to grow, we seek an experienced and strategic CFO to lead our financial operations.

The CFO is a key member of our executive leadership team responsible for the
management and oversight of MATA’s financial stability and sustainability as well as strategic efforts, partnering across all departments to ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency, and compliance with regulations. The CFO also directs the management and general operations of Financial Services, Grants, Purchasing and Contracting, Risk Management, and all other
financial functions of the organization in a manner that supports the agency’s vision, mission, and organizational priorities.

 

Location:
Memphis, TN

 

Salary Range:
$160,000 - $190,000

 

Why Memphis:
One of the most attractive features of life in Memphis is a remarkably low cost of living. Memphis has all of the amenities of a large city with a cost of living more than 20% below the national average. Plus, Tennessee is one of the lowest-taxed states per capita in the nation.

Memphis is also the home of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, housing, or food, because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. It will cost $1 billion to operate St. Jude this year, and more than 75% of those funds must be raised from donations.

The Memphis metro area has 18 public school districts, over 100 private schools, and more than 250,000 students. Memphis area schools annually attract national recognition and honors for the innovative programs and academic excellence provided to students of all ages. With so many choices, parents in Memphis have the opportunity to choose what will truly be best for their child. Shelby County’s Unified School District encompasses the Memphis city limits. It is the largest school district in the State of Tennessee and 22nd largest in the United States, with more than 200 schools within the district.

 

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the agency’s mission and goals.
• Create long-term financial plans, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital investment, including the preparation and administration of the six-year Transit Development Plan capital program and financial forecast.
• Evaluate financial risks and opportunities, providing recommendations to the CEO.
• Provides general financial consulting services to all MATA departments including financial analysis for existing and proposed capital projects, service and other initiatives.

2. Financial Operations and Policies:

• Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures.
• Implement internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.
• Ensure the operation and maintenance of the Tyler Munis enterprise resource system are carried out effectively and efficiently.
• Oversee financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and other relevant standards.
• Monitor bank balances, investments, and cash flow.
• Ensures financial compliance with government grant requirements.

• Lead the annual budgeting process, collaborating with department heads to allocate resources effectively.
• Monitor budget performance, identify variances, and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Prepare financial reports for the executive team, board of directors and other stakeholders.

• Oversees the purchasing and contracting process to ensure maximum value, manage risk, and drive efficiency across the agency.
• Ensures compliance with MATA, local, state, and federal procurement/purchasing requirements, including the DBE program.

• Deals with insurance related issues, including applications for self-insurance programs and other coverages.
• Monitors risk across the agency and collaborates with the executive team to create mitigation strategies.

 

Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a field
such as finance, accounting, business or public administration with ten (10) years of
increasingly responsible administrative experience in directing financial activities, with five (5)
years in a senior management position. Experience in a larger public or private sector
organization is desirable. A graduate degree or CPA designation is strongly preferred.