Director of Finance

EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/14/2025FLSA:                       ExemptJOB TITLE:              Director of FinanceDEPARTMENT:        Finance
REPORTS TO:        Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

JOB FUNCTION: The Director of Finance serves as a senior leader within MATA’s Finance Department, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The position oversees all accounting, budgeting, grants management, payroll, treasury, and internal control processes to ensure MATA’s financial integrity and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.This role provides strategic and operational leadership in rebuilding financial systems, implementing internal controls, modernizing fiscal operations, and strengthening organizational accountability. The Director supports the CEO in ensuring transparent, data-driven decision-making that advances MATA’s mission of safe, reliable, and equitable transit service.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesFinancial Operations & Compliance

• Oversee daily accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Ensure adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
• Coordinate external and internal audits, including the annual Single Audit for federal grant compliance.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintain and reconcile accounts to ensure accurate reporting and fiscal transparency.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Direct preparation and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Collaborate with departments to align budgets with strategic priorities, service goals, and funding availability.
• Develop multi-year forecasts, scenario analyses, and budget-to-actual reports.
• Present financial reports and recommendations to the CFO, CEO, and Board of Trustees.

Treasury & Cash Management

• Manage MATA’s cash flow, investments, and debt obligations under the guidance of the CEO.
• Oversee banking relationships, cash forecasting, and daily liquidity needs.
• Support pension and retirement fund accounting, investment tracking, and fiduciary compliance.

Procurement, Grants & Contract Oversight

• Partner with Procurement and Grants Management to ensure proper financial oversight of bids, contracts, and expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with FTA and City of Memphis procurement regulations and documentation standards.
• Oversee financial tracking and reporting of grant reimbursements, match requirements, and allowable costs.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Design, implement, and maintain an Internal Controls Framework that ensures financial accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for key finance processes including payroll, procurement, accounts payable, and cash handling.
• Identify control gaps and develop mitigation plans; conduct periodic reviews and internal control testing.
• Coordinate with the CFO and internal auditors to remediate audit findings and strengthen system integrity.
• Lead automation and modernization efforts to improve efficiency, data accuracy, and cross-departmental workflows.
• Support organization-wide training on financial controls, fraud prevention, and ethical standards.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and mentor finance staff, promoting a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Lead cross-training and capacity-building initiatives to reduce operational risk and strengthen internal knowledge.
• Partner with HR, Operations, and Executive Leadership to ensure fiscal alignment with workforce and service priorities.

Minimum QualificationsEducation:
Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred.Experience:

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible finance experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in public sector, transit, or municipal finance strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing internal controls, audit readiness, and financial modernization initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and FTA financial requirements.
• Proven ability to design and enforce internal control systems.
• Advanced