Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Department: Accounting
Status: Full-Time
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Company: CARTA (Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority)
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
About CARTA
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides essential public transportation services to the Chattanooga metropolitan area. As an organization committed to excellence in public service, we are seeking a dynamic financial leader to join our executive team during a period of transformative change.
Summary:
The Chief Financial Officer will oversee all financial operations and information technology functions for CARTA. The senior leadership role requires a strategic thinker who can balance fiscal responsibility with the agency’s public service mission. This role encompasses financial planning, risk management, record-keeping, financial reporting, and strategic planning that drives the financial excellence while supporting CARTA’s evolution in the changing landscape of public transportation.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership, Strategy and Planning:
- Direct all financial activities including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, treasury, and audit functions.
- Lead long-term intentional financial leadership to enhance operating and financial performance to mitigate risks, focusing on optimizing costs and return on investment analysis (ROI) that align with the organization’s financial strategies.
- Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with CARTA’s strategic objectives.
- Provide financial leadership during organizational change initiatives.
- Present financial reports to the Board of Directors and other stakeholders
- Provide strategic recommendations to the CEO and executive leadership team.
- Prepare annual operating budget.
- Serve on the pension committee and assist in making decisions regarding the pension plan.
- Revenue forecasting
Accounting & Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, and all relevant federal, state, and local regulations.
- Oversee grant accounting and reporting for federal, state, and local funding sources.
- Maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure fiscal responsibility to include revenue, expenses, and procurement.
- Payroll oversight.
- Budget preparation.
- Manage and lead all audit processes and implement recommendations.
- Maintain cash accounts, manage, maintain all financial systems, and bank relationships.
- Maintain compliance with labor laws, tax regulations and reporting requirements.
- Oversee the preparation and communication of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
Information Technology Oversight
- Direct IT strategic planning, operations, and infrastructure maintenance
- Ensure IT systems support organizational needs and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee cybersecurity initiatives and data protection measures.
- Drive technology improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, develop and mentor finance and IT staff.
- Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate effectively with other departments to support agency-wide goals.
- Advocate for public service values throughout financial operations.
Other duties may be assigned that are in keeping with the goals and objectives of CARTA.
Qualifications:
Required:
- CPA certification
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
- Minimum of six years of progressive financial management experience, with at least three years in senior leadership roles.
- Demonstrated experience with governmental accounting and compliance requirements.
- Strong knowledge of financial systems and IT Management.
- Excellence in budgeting, revenue forecasting, financial modeling, financial analysis, and scenario planning.
- Strategic management in forecasting, cost analysis, and financial risk mitigation to align financial resources with long term goals.
- Managerial finance and decision support, used to evaluate financial trade-offs and investment feasibility.
- Proven leadership abilities during periods of organizational change.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to public service and fiscal stewardship.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft applications and financial management software (e.g., Oracle)
Preferred:
- Experience in public transportation or related government agency.
- Familiarity with transit funding mechanisms and FTA regulations.
- Fuel hedging to mitigate financial risk due to price fluctuations.
- MBA or other advanced degrees in relevant field.
- CGFM (Certified Government Financial Manager) certification.
Work Location & Compensation
- Location: On-site at CARTA headquarters in Chattanooga, TN
- Salary Range: $125,000-$175,000.00
- Comprehensive benefits package.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to . Please include “CFO Application” in the subject line.
CARTA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.
CARTA values excellence in public service and seeks candidates who share our commitment to serving the transportation needs of our community with integrity and fiscal responsibility.