Manager Operating Budgets Commuter Rails

This position supports the Senior Manager in all aspects of financial management for various departments within the agency. This includes the preparation of agency budget and multi-year Financial Plan along with monthly variance expense analysis. This position will work closely with the Senior Manager and departments to ensure that the operating budget meets the operational requirements of the department. This effort includes the review and validation of comprehensive forecasts that incorporate current year expenditure trends, updates to various operating plans, assessments of capital project and management impacts on operating expenses, and other adjustments developed through on-going cost review and analysis. Tasks include analysis of headcount to assure the budgeted department headcount meets operational requirements, cost-sharing agreements, budget reduction monitoring/analysis, inventory and material monitoring, overtime reporting, employee availability, non-payroll contract tracking, etc. The position will contribute to a team responsible for corporate reporting related to headcount, material/inventory usage, overtime, employee availability, etc.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development of the financial plan for various departments within the agency. This requires a review and understanding of new need requests from each department and ensures that resources are closely aligned to operational needs. The Financial Plan is reviewed two to three times a year and requires significant time under tight deadlines; however, the planning process for future Financial Plans is ongoing.
• Prepare monthly variance expense analysis for each department and provide summary level explanations to Senior Management. This information will also be used for preparation of the Committee Book that is distributed to the MTA Board.
• Prepare Agency reports such as headcount, material/inventory usage, overtime, employee availability, etc.
• Provides variance analysis that is critical in making future financial decisions regarding the reallocation of funds among various operating priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated supervisory and/or leadership abilities.
• Professional, related, recent experience in positions within budget/accounting/cost control.
• Knowledge of general accounting and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft and/or Hyperion Financial Management System.
• Effective business writing skills (ability to focus on audience information needs, be concise and direct in language) and effective verbal communication skills (ability to interface with all levels of management).
• Ability to ascertain critical operational and functional issues and prioritize analysis accordingly.
• Ability to seek out, sort and compile data into useful information formats.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence other departments’ commitment to providing timely and accurate data and updates.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
• External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Business, Transportation, Public Policy, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 5 years of related experience and financial analyses and/or budget development.
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing professional staff and/or processes.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) in a related field.
• Minimum 3 years in a managerial and/or leadership role.
• Prior experience working in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining procedures.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America’s largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities., MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.