Finance Manager

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for public service? We're seeking a dynamic Finance Manager to lead multi-fund budgeting, drive financial transparency, and shape the future of public sector finance.

SouthWest Transit is an award-winning public transit agency serving the core areas of Chaska, Chanhassen, and Eden Prairie. We currently offer express bus service to and from Downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, and Normandale Community College as well as daily on-demand micro-transit service in our core service area as well as adjacent cities in Carver, Scott, and Hennepin counties. In addition to our regular services, we also offer seasonal services including the Minnesota State Fair, Twins Express, Vikings Express, Gophers Express, select concerts, and more.

Mission: 
We provide a premium experience for the southwest Twin Cities through safe, reliable, and cost-effective transit that builds community and connects our customers from where they are to where they want to go.

Vision:
SouthWest Transit is the leading provider of innovative transit solutions that improve livability and enhance economic opportunity in the communities we serve.

Job Summary:
The Finance Manager will oversee financial operations in a public sector environment. They will ensure compliance with governmental regulations, manage multi-fund budgets, and support strategic financial planning to maximize resource allocation and transparency. The Finance Manager will also communicate complex financial concepts to a diverse range of stakeholders. The person in this role will need to demonstrate leadership and be committed to process improvement.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain the General Ledger accounting system and subsidiary financial systems, including the agency-wide chart of accounts
  • Approve reconciliation records, review coding, journal entries, and all postings to ensure consistency with generally accepted accounting principles
  • Prepare year-end closes and new year openings of accounts.
• Manage the procurement and grant cycles, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and efficient resource allocation.
• Coordinate all audits of financial systems including annual, compliance, and federal single audits. Prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the agency and all related supporting audit reporting.
• Manage cash funds and associated cash flow reports; prepare long-range cash and forecasts, and analysis; ensure proper funding of investment and cash accounts.
• Lead the preparation, monitoring, and management of multi-fund budgets (e.g., general, capital projects, special revenue, enterprise).
• Manage all investment activities to ensure the security, growth, and optimal management of the agency’s financial assets.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting in accordance with GAAP, GASB, and other applicable public sector accounting standards.
• Supervise month-end and year-end closing processes, including fund reconciliations and journal entries.
• Manage and oversee procurement and purchasing processes and activities.
• Analyze financial data and trends to support informed decision-making by leadership and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement internal controls to ensure integrity of financial information.
• Oversee NTD reporting for the financial modules.
• Manage a team of finance and accounting professionals, providing mentorship, training, and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with departments to ensure accurate fund allocation and budget adherence.
• Assist with policy development related to fiscal management and procurement.
• Lead process improvements and system upgrades to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly to elected officials, department heads, and the public.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture.
• Participate in professional organizations to stay current with best practices in municipal finance and fund accounting.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience with governmental accounting principles.
• Three (3) years of experience with statements issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) or the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
• Three (3) years of supervisory and performance management experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) years of governmental accounting or governmental audit experience.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a municipal, county, or state financial managerial position as an assistant finance director or comparable level.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.
• Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) credential.
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Public Administration, or closely related field.
• Experience working with state or municipal agencies.
• Familiarity with governmental grant reporting and compliance.
• Demonstrated success in leading process improvements and system upgrades.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead, motivate, train, and supervise others directly and indirectly.
• Strong organizational, planning, delegation, and prioritization skills, with a proven ability to resolve problems and conflicts effectively.
• Public presentation experience and the ability to communicate complex financial information to a variety of audiences.
• Highly developed emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Most work is indoors in a normal office environment.  Occasional lifting of 25 pounds or less is required.  Travel within the metropolitan area to attend meetings is likely to occur one to two times monthly.  There is occasional exposure to maintenance or parking facilities operated by SWT.  

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