Finance Director

MEET MVTA

At Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), we are more than a transit agency; we are the pulse of connected communities, driven by our guiding principles. We prioritize safety for riders, employees, and communities while delivering transformative transportation services that exceed expectations. We strive for eco-friendly practices, foster inclusivity, and fairness with a focus on innovation, uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and remain customer-focused, placing riders at the center of all our endeavors.

As the second-largest transit agency in Minnesota, MVTA serves seven cities in Dakota and Scott counties. Our extensive network includes 25 routes, offering local, express, micro-transit, and event services. Join us in shaping the future of transit, fostering community ties, and delivering innovative solutions. Together, we propel MVTA as the most connected transit agency, transforming the way our communities live, work, and play.

POSITION SNAPSHOT

The Finance Director plans, directs, managers, and oversees all activities and operations within MVTA’s Finance division, providing highly responsive and complex administrative support to stakeholders to ensure all MVTA activities align with state, federal, and internal policies, procedures, and regulations. This position’s responsibilities include cash management, investments, general accounting, budgeting, fixed assets, financial reporting, grant accounting, advice on legislative matters, and debt service administration. The Finance Director plays a pivotal role in optimizing financial performance while upholding a strong sense of fiscal responsibility.

This position requires the ability to be on-call and occasional travel for conferences and on-site vendor visits.

KEY CONTRIBUTIONS

• Supervise employees engaged in a variety of financial activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and other federal, state, and regional policies and regulations.
• Oversee the planning and distribution of departmental work, review reports, conduct performance management and evaluation, and provide coaching and guidance.
• Direct the MVTA treasury management procedures, overseeing banking, cash and debt management, bond rating, and investment activities.
• Ensure compliance with regulations for managing current debt and timely payments and collaborate with bond attorneys and financial advisors for debt issuance and potential financing recommendations.
• Prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements, activity reports, forecasts, budgets, and results for the agency and regulatory bodies, recommending actions based on budget comparisons and advising on financial objectives, policies, and strategies.
• Review and monitor status reports, recommend appropriate action, and prepare financial forecasts for presentation to the CEO and Board.
• Guide, oversee, and appropriately delegate the annual budget development process, preparing and presenting recommendations, including necessary supplemental budgets.
• Interface with the Metropolitan Council, state agencies, fellow transit providers, and member cities and counties to present MVTA’s stance on financial matters.
• Direct the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other governmental audits, preparing financial statements and auditing agency expenditures to ensure compliance with contracts, procedures, and laws.
• Supervise the Cost Allocation Plan consultant to ensure timely development, provision of adequate information, and distribution to FTA-designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and other grantees.
• Lead and manage the preparation and submission of the annual National Transit Database report.
• Regularly monitors transit and related legislative agenda items and resolutions.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, business management, or related field.
• 8+ years of professional accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or public sector environment.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience.
• Completion, or ability to complete, National Database Training.
• Proficiency in financial software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Strong understanding of Federal Cost Principles requirements under 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, including direct and indirect costs, indirect cost rate negotiations, and financial reporting requirements for state and federal awards.

DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Graduate degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant.
• Governmental Accounting Auditing and Financial Reporting (GAAFR) certification.
• Government Finance Officer Association certification.
• Completion of the National Transit Institute NTD reporting training.
• Knowledge of public transportation regulations, funding sources, and challenges.

MVTA offers a collaborative and innovative work environment with a commitment to equity, sustainability, and community service. Even if your skill set doesn’t perfectly align, we value relevant experience, passion for making a positive impact, and a keen willingness to learn!

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions which might include but are not limited to remaining stationary for extended periods, occasional movement throughout the department, and occasional transport of objects weighing less than 10 pounds. This position requires the ability to observe and analyze details at close range and communicate to exchange accurate information with others.

EMPLOYEE ADVANTAGES

Healthcare: Access to medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.

Employee Assistance Program: Access support services for personal and professional challenges.

Life and Disability Coverage: Gain peace of mind with life and disability benefits, ensuring financial security for you and your loved ones.

Deferred Compensation: Build a foundation for long-term financial security with the flexibility and control provided by our deferred compensation plan.

Retirement: MN PERA is a government pension program; employer and employee contributions are mandatory.

Paid Time Off: Achieve work-life balance with paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.

Investing in Your Growth: We invest in your professional development through a variety of continuous learning opportunities and programs.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MVTA believes in providing equal employment opportunities. MVTA will not violate any law prohibiting discrimination for or against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, familiar status, disability (including those related to pregnancy or childbirth), membership or non-membership in a labor organization, sexual orientation, gender identify, status regarding public assistance, genetic information, complaining in good faith to MVTA or public authority, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. Applicants and employees will be evaluated solely based on their conduct, their compliance with MVTA’s policies, practices, and legitimate expectations, and their performance and experience.