Finance Director

The Finance Director is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the transit agency, including budgeting, accounting, financial planning, auditing, and grant administration. This leadership role ensures fiscal integrity, transparency, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while supporting the agency’s mission to provide safe, efficient, and accessible public transportation services.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Leads the development and administration of the agency’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Manages day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and general ledger.
• Ensures compliance with Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements and other regulatory frameworks.
• Develops long-term financial forecasts and strategic funding plans.
• Administers federal, state, and local grants; oversee grant applications, reporting, and compliance.
• Monitors and report on financial performance, preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Coordinates external audits and ensures timely completion.
• Presents financial information to the Board of Directors, stakeholders, and government agencies.
• Evaluates financial systems and recommends improvements for efficiency and accountability.
• Collaborates with departments to align financial planning with operational goals.
• Supervises finance department staff and fosters professional development.

Attendance

Attendance should be regular and predictable.  General employment policies regarding vacation, sick, and unpaid leave apply. Occasional need to report to work on day off and work overtime.

Confidentiality

This position deals with sensitive internal information and data. The incumbent is required to keep a high level of discretion in handling confidential information and is required to maintain knowledge of rules and regulations governing employees’ private information and customer confidentiality.

Working Conditions, Exposure to Risk and Physical Dangers

The incumbent works in an office environment with minimal exposure to risk or physical dangers. Because of the potential exposure associated with the work, incumbents in this job are required to follow all Mountain Line safety procedures, manuals, and guidelines. Additionally, incumbents are required to properly don safety-related clothing, protective hard hats, gloves, footwear, tools and equipment, and other safety-related gear.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of public sector accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Proficient in financial software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and Microsoft Excel.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or related field (Master’s or CPA preferred).

Similar Work Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in governmental or public agency finance, preferably in transit.
• Experience with grant management and federal transit funding  e.g., FTA programs) is highly desirable.

Licenses, Training, and/or Certifications Required:

• Valid Arizona Driver’s License with clean 5-year Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)

Substitution:

Any combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skill to perform the duties of the position.

Mountain Line is an equal employment opportunity employer.