SOUND TRANSIT CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER https://www.soundtransit.org The Organization: Sound Transit plans, builds and operates express bus, light rail and commuter rail services in Washington State s Puget Sound region. The Sound Transit District is home to 52 cities and more than 40% of the state s population. In 2017 passengers were carried on over 47 million trips, a 10 percent increase over 2016. Ø The initial phase of the regional mass transit system, called Sound Move, was approved by voters in 1996. Ø The second phase, Sound Transit 2 (ST2), was approved in 2008. Under these plans, the regional light rail system will more than double in length from just over 20 miles today to over 50 miles by 2023. Service is also increasing on the 83-mile Sounder commuter rail line from Everett to Lakewood, and ST Express buses continue to serve major highways in the region. Ø Even with these improvements, transportation continues to be one of the area s biggest challenges with approximately 800,000 more people expected to call this region home by 2040. Also by 2040 the region will support 800,000 new jobs. In the past year alone, the region s population grew by 52,000 people making daily commutes longer and more congested. In response, Sound Transit 3 (ST3) provides the next phase of high-capacity transit improvements for central Puget Sound. With the recent passage of this $54 billion ballot measure the light rail system will more than double again to 116 miles with over 80 stations. Ø Sound Transit is growing. Today there are over 900 employees and it is estimated that by the year 2023 there will be approximately 1300 employees.
The Role: Location: Overview: Seattle, WA The Chief Financial Officer will: Key Responsibilities: Plan, direct, lead and manage the operations, programs, services, and functions of the Finance Department, which includes assigned divisions of Accounting, Grants, Budget and Finance, Risk Management, and Treasury. Manage and coordinate activities of department and integrate work across Agency departments to achieve joint ownership of goals, objectives and strategic initiatives; coordinate assigned activities and collaborate with other departments and outside agencies. Serve as a member of the executive leadership team and drive change to achieve the Agency's mission. Provide executive level support to the Deputy and Chief Executive Officers as directed. Manage and lead the day-to-day operation of the department, including responsibility for: budget development and performance, treasury management, financial control, personnel management, overall strategic direction, work plan execution, and compliance with Agency policies and business practices. Actively lead and manage the culture change necessary for system expansion; act as a change agent by communicating the need for change; model and enforce new behaviors and norms for the team. Serve as an active and engaged member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) that works across functions to achieve the CEO's vision and Agency mission. Work in collaboration with peer Executive Leadership Team members to advance Agency initiatives, strategies and goals; positively and proactively participate in cross functional decisions that enable all ELT members to be successful; demonstrate joint ownership of Agency decisions that ensures an exceptional rider and community experience. Manage the development and implementation department goals, objectives, reporting, and priorities for each assigned service area; recommend and administer policies and procedures; ensure assigned program area compliance with local, state, and federal regulations; ensure consistent application and implementation policies, procedures, and practices throughout the Agency; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; establish Finance work group(s) and supporting working policies.
Develop and maintain the Agency long term financial plan through subordinate division managers; recommend the long-term affordability model and alignment of agency resources and spending. Create and promote a positive work environment. Proactively lead, mentor and develop team; assign work activities and coordinate schedules, projects, and programs; review and evaluate work and provide constructive feedback/appropriate action plan; coach, develop and motivate staff; participate in workforce planning and succession management. Plan and present materials to Board, Staff Finance Committee and Citizen Oversight panel on policy and financial issues. At the request of the CEO, interact with the Board to support policy setting and decision making on Accounting, Grants, Budget & Finance, Risk Management, and Treasury. Represent and provide liaison for Sound Transit with elected officials, government organizations and key constituent groups; serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees. Serve as representative on Risk and Safety Committee, Citizen Oversight Panel, Rating Agencies, federal oversight agencies, state oversight agencies, local jurisdictions, and partner transit agencies. Plan, direct, and manage the external relations functions with banks, advisors, auditors and other financial institutions as necessary. Negotiate, execute and monitor financial transactions, including debt sales, lease agreements, sale of notes, lines of credit and letters of credit. Review and coordinate Agency audit programs, including financial statement, NTD, A-133, subarea equity, SAO compliance and performance audits; sign disclosure and audit statements on behalf of Agency; and manage Staff Audit and Reporting subcommittee. Develop, administer and oversees the annual budgets of assigned divisions through subordinate division managers, as well as the Finance departmental budget; make recommendation and forecast for future funds needed for staffing, equipment materials, and supplies; review and approve department expenditures and implements adjustments. Maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the finance function; incorporate new developments as appropriate. Ensure processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensure accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
The Person: Professional Experience Minimum ten years of experience in managing finance and risk management operations, programs, and services in a large, complex organization, including at least four years of staff supervisory, budgetary, and management responsibility. Demonstrated ability to participate, in and advance goals and strategies of, a collaborative executive leadership team. Proven history of directing and managing operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive Finance Department including Budget, Accounting, Treasury, and Risk Management services, programs, and functional areas. Ability to initiate and lead change in a time of growth, operational scaling and rapidly changing context; comfort level with ambiguity. Proven success in adapting leadership style to a variety of partners and stakeholders. Clear history of partnering and collaborating with leaders inside and outside an organization, to prioritize resources and spending, achieve goals, and deliver strong business results Ability to create esprit de corps among different constituents, with competing priorities, to achieve organizational goals, objectives and vision. Demonstrated success leading, developing and mentoring a strong finance team, as well as elevating the financial acumen of the executive staff. Required Knowledge and Skills Ability to manage large, complex projects and making decisions in fast-paced environments. Knowledge of project and operation management of a complex technology program. Preparing and analyzing complex data and comprehensive reports. Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies. Performing high-level negotiations and effectively partnering with other departments and groups.
Conceptualizing, influencing, developing, and administering goals, objectives, guidelines, and procedures for the Finance Department. Analyzing and reviewing budgetary information to determine the impact on the Finance Department and the Agency. Highly effective oral and written communication. Maintaining confidentiality and communicating with tact and diplomacy. Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods and techniques. Applying project management techniques and principles. Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies. Developing and monitoring departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules. Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority. Education: Minimum Bachelor s Degree in finance, accounting, business administration, economics, or closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's Degree in finance, accounting, business administration, economics, or closely related field preferred. ** * How to Apply: If you or someone in your network is interested in exploring this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to: Larry Griffin Partner, Bridge Partners larry.griffin@bridgepartnersllc.com or Tory Clarke - Partner, Bridge Partners tory.clarke@bridgepartnersllc.com