Department: Finance
Job Category: Administrative
Employee Type: Full-Time – Exempt
Rate of Pay: $85,000 – $95,000
Location: 1617 Wilcox Blvd. Chattanooga, TN 37406
Revision Date: August 14, 2026
Summary of Job:
The Director of Finance at the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) plays a pivotal role in managing the financial operations of the organization. This position oversees accounting functions, financial reporting, budgeting, grants management, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The Director of Finance provides leadership to the Finance Department, supports strategic decision-making, and safeguards the Authority’s financial stability.
Essential Job Functions:
- Prepare and review financial statements, reports, and reconciliations in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) regulations.
- Lead the monthly close process including the review and preparation of journal entries, account reconciliations and supporting documentation.
- Prepare the balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows and perform budget versus actual comparisons.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, including FTA regulations.
- Assist in the development of the annual budget and long-term financial plans, including operating and capital budgets.
- Maintain and update cash flow projections.
- Analyze budget variances and provide actionable insights to management.
- Monitor and manage grant funding, ensuring accurate accounting and compliance with grant requirements.
- Prepare financial reports for grantors and participate in grant audits as needed.
- Oversee the accounts payable and receivable processes, ensuring timely and accurate processing of transactions.
- Reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Oversee the payroll processes, ensuring timely and accurate transactions.
- Acts as backup to the Payroll Administrator.
- Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Coordinate with external auditors during the annual audit and implement audit recommendations.
- Supervise and mentor junior accounting staff, providing guidance and fostering professional development.
- Collaborate with other departments to support overall financial management and reporting needs.
- Maintain and improve accounting systems and processes, ensuring they meet the organization’s evolving needs.
- Oversee the implementation of financial software upgrades and training for the finance team.
- Identify and pursue automation and process improvement initiatives to optimize the finance and accounting function of the organization, reduce costs, accelerate time to close, and reduce process errors.
Supervisory & Operational Authority:
- This position will oversee other positions
Compliance:
- Responsible for completing all mandatory training classes.
- Responsible for reviewing and complying with all CARTA policies, procedures and directives.
Required/Preferred Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role, preferably in a public transit agency or governmental organization.
- Experience with grant accounting and FTA regulations is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong understanding of GAAP, GASB, and other relevant accounting standards.
- Proficient in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Proficient in financial reporting, general ledger, and payroll systems. NetSuite experience strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of data analysis tools such as PowerBI and NetSuite reporting capabilities strongly preferred.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
Physical Demands:
- Standing for prolonged periods.
- Sit for prolonged periods.
- Perform repetitive motion.
Safety Requirements & Notifications:
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transit service provider governed by requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Department of Transportation (DOT).
Due to the nature of some work performed at CARTA some jobs are classified as ‘Safety Sensitive’ and are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use. All offers for employment are required to undergo pre-employment and possible random drug testing. If test shows a positive result your application for employment will be rejected, or if hired, employment may be terminated.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
Benefits for Full-Time Employees:
- Pension Plan
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Sick Leave
- Paid Personal Days
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Employer-Paid Basic Life Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Application Process:
To apply for this vacancy, you must complete the application in full. Applications are considered for 90 days. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer — M/F/D/V.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to disclose true and accurate information on their account profile and/or resume. Falsification of this information may lead to your disqualification from vacancy consideration and/or termination of employment.
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer (protected veterans, disability) and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Employees who require a reasonable accommodation as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must notify CARTA in advance to allow sufficient time for CARTA to provide the accommodation.