CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO)

Chief Financial Officer

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the District's senior financial executive and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This role ensures the District's financial integrity, short-term and long-term fiscal health, and compliance with all public-sector financial requirements. The CFO works closely with the CEO on long-term financial strategies and advises the CEO and Board of Directors on financial risk and performance, and leads a comprehensive Finance Department supporting districtwide operations. This position serves as a representative and spokesperson on issues applicable to areas of responsibility; ensures all assigned operations and functions serve the needs of internal customers and external RTD stakeholders, while complying with applicable laws and regulations; and performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Interprets directives from the CEO and Board of Directors; applies RTD rules, policies, and applicable laws and regulations to ensure compliance within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Leads the Finance Department, setting goals, operational plans, and performance expectations aligned with the District's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Participates in districtwide strategic planning and policy development.
• Prioritizes customer service delivery and fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance culture within the Finance Department.
• Develops, monitors, and reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of financial strategies, ensuring alignment with the District's goals and continuous improvement of financial operations.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversees all financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, payroll, fixed assets, grants, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Ensures compliance with GAAP, GASB, IRS regulations, FLSA, state and federal rules, and all applicable public-sector accounting standards.
• Ensures accurate, timely financial statements and regulatory reports for internal stakeholders, the Board, and external agencies.
• Directs month-end and year-end processes, financial controls, audit schedules, and recordkeeping requirements.

Organizational Leadership & Staff Development

• Plans, organizes, and manages or directs assigned activities and operations, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, payroll, fixed asset, and financial analysis.
• Directs, mentors, and evaluates Finance Department staff, sets performance standards, and supports professional development.
• Recruits and retains highly capable finance personnel, promoting a culture of integrity, service, and continuous improvement.
• Prepares and presents clear, comprehensive financial reports and recommendations.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• In consultation with the CEO, leads the development of the annual operating and capital budgets; monitors financial performance and recommends corrective actions as needed.
• Oversees financial modeling, forecasting, risk assessments, and long-range financial planning.

Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Serves as the primary liaison to independent auditors; oversees the annual audit and implementation of audit recommendations.
• Develops, manages, and continually strengthens internal control systems and financial policies.
• Ensures policies, procedures, and financial systems support transparency, accountability, and audit readiness.

Cross Department Collaboration & Advisory Support

• Provides expert guidance on financial issues to executive leadership, operational departments, employee groups, and external partners.
• Leads or participates in special financial studies, scenarios, and complex analyses tied to operational initiatives or policy decisions.

Customer Service & Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage proactively with community stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and the public to develop relationships, promote transparency and trust in the District's financial stewardship.
• Represents the District's financial interests with professionalism, accuracy, and tact.

Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Public-sector accounting principles, including GAAP and GASB standards.
• Cost accounting, fixed-asset accounting, internal controls, and audit practices.
• Federal, state, and local laws governing public-agency finance.
• Budget development, financial forecasting, and cash management.
• Public administration principles, procurement practices, and records management.
• Automated financial systems and business data processing.
• Effective leadership, communication, and personnel management practices.

Ability to:

• Lead and integrate complex financial operations in a public-sector environment.
• Consider digital transformation, data analytics, or sustainability, which are increasingly relevant in public finance leadership roles.
• Develop financial policies, procedures, and effective internal controls.
• Exercise strong, independent judgment within policy frameworks.
• Navigate sensitive personnel and organizational issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Identify and develop future finance leaders.
• Build productive working relationships with executive leaders, Board members, staff, regulators, community partners, and the public.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field: additional degrees may be considered with specific work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role and seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience, at least three of which were in a supervisory or program management capacity; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Proof of required education beyond high school, such as college transcripts, diplomas, and/or certificates may be required at the time of employment.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• A valid California Class C driver's license.
• Preferred Qualifications: Certified Public Accountant, MBA or Certified Management Accountant is desired. Experience in a public transit agency or governmental setting.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. While performing the duties of this class, the employee works under typical office conditions, and the noise level is moderately quiet.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift weights up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information, and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with constant interruptions; work under intensive deadlines and interact appropriately with all levels of RTD management, staff, employees, representatives of employee organizations, other governmental officials, and the public.

Employment Process

Applicants must complete and submit an official application form. The standards as stated on the front of the job announcement represent only the minimum required to fill an application. Resumes will be accepted but may not be substituted for the required application form. Meeting the listed standards does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited for an interview as the Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to the most qualified for the vacancy. The selection process for this position may include a written assessment. All statements made on the application are subject to verification and investigation. False statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list or termination of employment. Employment is conditional upon successfully passing all pre-employment screens. Substance abuse tests paid by the Transit District are required of each prospective employee. Candidates are cautioned that offers of employment are conditional and subject to the satisfactory