Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The MoDOT and Patrol Employees’ Retirement System (MPERS) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee all financial aspects of MPERS

The CFO is responsible for directing the accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting activities of MPERS. This role requires advanced professional accounting work and the ability to make independent decisions and exercise judgment. The CFO is part of the highly responsible five-person MPERS executive team and reports directly to the Executive Director.

ABOUT MPERS

Established in 1955, The MoDOT and Patrol Employees’ Retirement System (MPERS) is dedicated to providing secure and sustainable retirement benefits to public employees. We are committed to excellence, integrity, and innovation in managing our members’ retirement funds.

MPERS’ mission is to provide sustainable benefits for the lifetime of our 18,000 members. To carry out this mission, our staff of 23 diligently ensures our members receive the highest level of service and that the funds entrusted to us are skillfully invested. Our smaller size allows our team members to collaborate across departments, regularly interact with every level of the organization, and have a tangible impact on our success.

MPERS strives to be an employer of choice in the Jefferson City area through our competitive pay, excellent benefits, work-life balance, and collaborative culture. On top of that, our work has a positive impact on thousands of Missourians’ lives.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

MPERS requires that the CFO be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). In addition, the successful candidate will have:

• A minimum of eight years of responsible professional experience in accounting and/or auditing.
• A working knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements and statements specifically, those pertaining to governmental pension plans.
• Experience with producing an ACFR and PAFR.
• Knowledge of investment markets, economic theories, investment principles, statistical risk data, and performance calculation methodologies.
• Extensive knowledge of accounting principles and procedures for payroll processing and reporting.
• Knowledge of federal and state tax laws, including the IRS code, as they pertain to governmental pension plan reporting and investment accounting.
• Extensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), accounting practices and procedures, and financial management.
• Familiarity with actuarial standards and practices.
• Recognizes the importance of and provides excellent customer service to both external and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate complex financial, statistical, actuarial, and technical information effectively.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and the ability to evaluate and analyze data and systems.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with MPERS staff, members, outside vendors, other contacts, and stakeholders.
• High level of ethics and demonstrated commitment to transparency, accountability, risk management, and confidentiality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The CFO partners with the Executive Director and other senior leaders to develop an organizational culture of excellence and accountability through clear governance structures, performance management systems, and transparent decision-making. In addition, the CFO:

• Plans, develops, implements, documents, and maintains the reporting system for both financial and investment accounting.
• Designs and evaluates an integrated accounting system, including general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory/fixed assets, payroll, and purchasing subsystems.
• Develops and documents accounting and internal control policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and accounting standards.
• Manages the System’s budget, including preparation, presentation, maintenance, and reporting. Presents the budget to the Board.
• Analyzes, researches, and develops financial statements as prescribed by the GASB and in accordance with GAAP to ensure the statements are materially correct and withstand audit scrutiny.
• Conducts research, prepares reports, and communicates financial information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversees all monthly, quarterly, and annual federal and state tax reporting and payments.
• Serves as the direct contact for independent auditors, state auditors, and MPERS’ depository bank.
• Responsible for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), including compiling data and information from internal staff in multiple departments and production.
• Supervises the Assistant Chief Financial Officer and guides other staff as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Working at MPERS comes with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and financial security of our employees. MPERS staff enjoy the same benefits as MoDOT and Patrol employees, including:

• Competitive Salary: Starting minimum salary is $144,000. Additional salary consideration given for experience in excess of the minimum requirements. MPERS regularly performs compensation studies and provides salary increases to keep pay competitive.
• Defined Benefit Retirement Plan: Members hired for the first time on or after January 1, 2011, contribute 4% of pay.
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 13 Paid Holidays Per Year
• 15 Paid Vacation Days a Year
• 15 Paid Sick Leave Days a Year
• Vacation accruals increase at 10-and 15-year service anniversaries.

JEFFERSON CITY AREA

Jefferson City, the charming capital of Missouri, offers a unique blend of historical allure and modern convenience. Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, this city is not just a place to live but a community to belong to. With a population of around 43,000, it provides a small-town feel while still offering the amenities and opportunities of a larger city.

One of Jefferson City’s standout features is its affordability. The cost of living here is lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Housing is reasonably priced, and everyday expenses are manageable, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Education is a cornerstone of the community, with excellent public and private schools catering to the needs of all students. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the array of parks and green spaces, including the scenic Katy Trail for hiking and biking. The Missouri State Capitol adds historical charm with its stunning architecture.

Strategically located between Kansas City and St. Louis, Jefferson City provides easy access to the experiences of both cities. Columbia is just a 30-minute drive from Jefferson City, making it easy to enjoy the amenities and opportunities of this vibrant SEC college town. Additionally, Jefferson City is surrounded by a multitude of smaller communities that offer small-town charm and opportunities for a more rural lifestyle. The Lake of the Ozarks, a popular destination just 45 minutes away, offers boating, fishing, hiking, and a variety of water sports.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Chief Financial Officer search is being conducted nationally by MPERS. First consideration will be given to applications received by June 9, but the position will remain open until filled.

To apply for this opportunity, please electronically submit your resume and letter of interest at www.mpers.org/careers.

The letter of interest should outline your interest in the role and your relevant accomplishments. Please provide two examples of why you would be a strong candidate and the key attributes you would bring to this position.