We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail, and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The purpose of this position is to manage the development and administration of the annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring compliance with revenue resources and Council guidelines. The role involves collaborating with department directors, project managers, and senior management to maintain budget accuracy, manage amendments, and support financial planning. Additionally, the position oversees grant administration, ensuring compliance with federal FTA guidelines, managing grant applications, and providing financial guidance. Responsibilities include supervising staff, utilizing forecasting models, and ensuring compliance with Corporate and regulatory requirements, while promoting cross-training and staff development.
Budget Development (Capital and Operating) for Metro Transit Bus, Light Rail, and Commuter Rail:
- Manage the budget development process for annual operating budgets, annual capital budget, and six-year capital improvement plan while ensuring compliance and management within amounts and appropriate use of available revenue resources; ensure Operating and Capital budgets are communicated to the Director of Finance and Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration and balanced within Council guidelines.
- Manage annual operating and capital budgets providing assistance to operating units, department directors, project managers, and senior management while ensuring compliance parameters as outlined by the Director of Finance and Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration within identified projects and funding availability; meet with project managers to ensure understanding of the capital project and provide financial guidance as necessary.
- Manage the budget amendment process with Metro Transit, Department Directors and Project Managers, Metropolitan Transportation Services, and Regional Administration when necessary.
- Effectively supervise staff and utilize automated budget and forecasting models for accurate, fast, and flexible budget variance and forecasting; coordinate operating and capital budgets within Corporate Software to ensure accurate and timely completion within Corporate timelines.
- Manage and Review Operating and Capital Budgets with Department and Project Managers to ensure completeness and accuracy within project and funding parameters.
- Assist Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration with preparation of monthly financial reports for the Director of Finance, Senior Management Budget Committee Meetings, Metropolitan Council Meetings, and meetings with Department managers and Project Managers.
- Assist the Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration and Director of Finance in preparation of various budget information for presentation to the Metropolitan Council, County Funding Partners, and the State Legislature.
Manage and Supervision of Staff Within the Budget and Grants Department:
- Manage the work priorities within the Budget work unit and monitor progress to ensure timely delivery; manage department priorities in compliance with Corporate budget parameters and timelines and assist the Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration with compliance of FTA Grant Reporting and requirements.
- Promote cross training and training development opportunities within the Budget and Grants department.
- Manage and evaluate staff performance, encourage staff training and development, counsel and mentor when appropriate; document non-performance.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and Metropolitan Council personnel policies and procedures.
- Make recommendations on hiring decisions, disciplinary actions, and terminations within Metropolitan Council personnel policies and procedures.
Grants Administration:
- Assist the Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration with managing the planned capital projects with the availability of federal FTA funding and assist with competitive non-FTA source grants to coordinate the approval of the application and award of these additional resources.
- Assist with interpretation of federal guidelines and regulations for staff and project managers; suggest items for clarification and additional guidance for the Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration to obtain concurrence with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
- Manage staff and provide guidance for grant application according to internal processes, local processes, and federal processes.
- Create and document grants processes to comply with federal requirements and grant compliance; manage development of accurate grant budgets and the establishment of reporting mechanisms to ensure FTA compliance.
- Assist the Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration with management of the grant application process including coordination and review of environmental documentation; interprets grant requirements and eligibility; managing preparation of documents for inclusion in applications according to requirements.
- Monitor FTA grant status, advise project managers on FTA regulations and appropriate use of Federal Funds including review of expenditure requests, and notify the Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration if FTA prior approval or notifications are required.
- Manage and monitor award receipt and establishment according to internal processes and in compliance with FTA award regulations.
- Assist the Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration with the close out of completed grants in a timely manner that allows the Metropolitan Council to use their federal funds to the maximum advantage within FTA compliance.
- Assist the Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration with grant making processes and provides training in those processes to project staff; review and assist procurement and legal staff with preparation of grant documents and subrecipient documents that use grant funds to ensure that federal funded contracts and related documents meet all grantor and federal requirements.
- Assist the Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration with internal reviews of the grant administration program.
- Assist with the accurate preparation of grant applications for federal capital and operating funds by analyzing grant requirements for federal compliance; including in the appropriation Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) and State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP).
- Assist the Senior Manager of Budget and Grants Administration with the grant applications to be submitted in a timely manner, providing technical expertise and assistance to project staff involved in a particular grant as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications:
Any of the following combinations of experience in budget development and administration AND completed education in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or closely related field with three (3) or more years of experience in management, supervision, or project management that includes coordinating and directing the work for others:
- High school diploma/GED AND ten (10) years of experience.
- Associate's degree AND eight (8) years of experience.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher AND six (6) years of experience.
What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
- Experience with finance in the government or public sector.
- Experience presenting financial information to the executive boards or executive committees.
- Expertise with Microsoft Excel.
What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and requirements necessary for Certification of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
- Knowledge of public finance and capital improvement projects.
- Knowledge of FTA, Federal, State, and local rules and regulations.
- Knowledge of governmental agency unit budget preparation and of policies and procedures for development and implementation of capital projects and grant administration.
- Some knowledge of public sector management.
- Strong sense of urgency and commitment to meeting expectations and deadlines with quality work products.
- Strong understanding of the political process and working with government entities and outside boards and public.
- Skilled in project management and leadership skills, including developing effective units and project teams, delegating tasks, problem solving, Excel, and scheduling and budgeting.
- Ability to communicate and work well with others across department lines at all levels, including those that are not technically oriented.
- Ability to work within the accounting activities of a multi-disciplinary team; establish balance and adjust priorities.
- Ability to promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees.
What you can expect from us:
- We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
- We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
- We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a good work/life balance.
More about why you should join us!
Union/Grade: TMSA/Grade J
FLSA: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
What your work environment would be:
Work is a hybrid work environment position in a standard office. Work requires occasional local in-state travel by car to visit different facilities.
What steps the recruitment process involves:
- We review your minimum qualifications.
- We rate your education and experience.
- We conduct a structured panel interview.
- We conduct a selection interview.
Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers, or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.
If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.
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