Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer Opportunity

Are you a strategic financial leader looking for a role where you can guide organizational success while making a meaningful impact in the community? If so, read on!

Saginaw Transit Authority and Regional Services (STARS) is a vital public transportation provider serving the Urbanized Saginaw Area and plays an essential role in connecting the community. Operating approximately 1.5 million miles annually and serving more than 3,300 riders each day, the organization helps residents access employment opportunities, education, healthcare, shopping, and other essential destinations.

As a key partner in regional economic development, the organization is committed to providing reliable, accessible transportation solutions that enhance mobility and quality of life throughout the community. In addition to its fixed-route services, it offers specialized transportation through its LIFT program, which supports seniors and individuals with disabilities, providing more than 48,000 rides each year to those who rely on safe and dependable transportation. Their mission-driven approach makes a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of residents across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership and serve as the Authority's chief advisor on financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, investments, funding strategies, and fiscal sustainability.
• Monitor organizational financial performance and recommend initiatives that improve operational efficiency and financial health.
• Direct and oversee all accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, treasury management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, procurement, and grants administration functions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal controls, accounting systems, and financial management practices that ensure accurate reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, FTA regulations, MDOT requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Coordinate annual financial audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, regulatory agencies, and funding partners.
• Lead the annual operating and capital budget development process and provide ongoing monitoring of revenues, expenditures, and budget performance.
• Prepare and present financial reports, analyses, forecasts, and recommendations for executive leadership, Board committees, and the Board of Directors.
• Direct all aspects of federal, state, and local grant financial administration.
• Lead, coach, develop, and evaluate Finance Department employees while fostering a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
• Collaborate effectively with internal departments, governmental agencies, auditors, funding organizations, vendors, and community stakeholders.

About You

• Demonstrated progressive experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, or financial management.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, develop employees, manage change, and foster a collaborative, accountable culture.
• Skilled in analyzing, interpreting, and presenting complex financial data to develop strategic recommendations that support organizational goals and decision-making.
• Able to build strong relationships with board members, stakeholders, and the community.
• Proficient in enterprise financial management systems, accounting software, financial modeling tools, reporting platforms, and data analytics solutions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience managing complex budgets, grants, audits, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Strong understanding of FTA and MDOT regulations, grant administration, regulatory compliance, public procurement requirements, and federal and state funding programs.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field is required.
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in public sector, governmental, transit, transportation, or other highly regulated environments preferred.
• Professional certification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or equivalent designation is strongly preferred.

Benefits

In addition to competitive wages, STARS provides a variety of valuable benefits and retirement programs designed to support employees and their families.

Health & Welfare Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance (no employee premium)
• Vision Insurance (no employee premium)
• Group Life Insurance (no employee premium)
• Short-Term Disability Insurance (no employee premium)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (no employee premium)

Employees have access to additional voluntary benefits, including:

• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Dependent Care Spending Accounts

STARS also provides a variety of employer-sponsored programs that add significant value to total compensation:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holiday Benefits
• MERS Hybrid Benefit Pension Plan
• MissionSquare 457 Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• MERS Retiree Health Savings Program (RHSP)