Director of Finance

WHO WE ARE

We 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.

Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job

Leadership & Strategic Financial Direction

Provide 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 Oversight

Oversee 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 & Compliance

Ensure 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 Modernization

Lead 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 Leadership

Strategic 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 & Representation

Proactively 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.

What education and experience are required for this job (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 experience

Master's degree with eight (8) years of experience and five (5) years of senior leadership experience

This 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.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications) :

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job :

Knowledge of Financial Practices and Financial Techniques

Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of business administration

Knowledge of policy analysis, development and implementation

Knowledge / Understanding and able to explain complex financial issues

Knowledge of Financial Systems, Accounting Best Practice, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

Knowledge of management / supervisory practices, performance management including coaching, counseling, staff development, performance improvement and discipline.

Organizational, administrative and analytical skills including continuous process improvement and performance measurement skills.

Development, motivation and fostering of collaborative relationships both inside and outside of the organization.

Project management, financial strategic development and strategies, presentation skills, and presentation to senior management, staff, and leadership boards.

Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to develop effective working relationships.

Strategy Development and ability to provide strategic timely identification of financial analysis for relevant issues and provide sound recommendations and solutions.

Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats. Includes conducting meetings and effective presenting information before leadership boards and all levels of management inside the organization and to external stakeholders.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures and government regulations and legislation.

Abilities in collaboration, facilitation and communications.

What you can expect from us :

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union / Grade : NRC Grade EX-1

FLSA Status : Exempt

Safety Sensitive : No

What your work environment would be :

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 :

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then :

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, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council , you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files / databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and / or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT : If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us .