Description

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency that focuses on issues critical to the region’s success, including growth and development, transportation, water resources, services for older adults and workforce solutions. ARC is dedicated to unifying the region’s collective resources to prepare the metropolitan area for a prosperous future. This is done through professional planning initiatives, the provision of objective information and the involvement of the community in collaborative partnerships.

The Financial Budget Manager will provide lead budgeting and financial support to the operational planning departments within the Office of the COO. This position will be heavily focused on budget development and management for the planning departments within the Office of the COO and the Office of Research and Innovation.  The positions will lead a small staff of financial accountants on financial, accounting, budget management, and grant management functions for the operational planning departments. 

The individual in this position must possess knowledge of budgeting and financial planning and management, outstanding customer service skills and interpersonal skills when collaborating with managers, colleagues, and individuals within the organization. The ideal candidate for this position will be familiar with advanced program accounting and budgeting processes, grant management, and an understanding of financial regulations and compliance standards. To be successful in this position, the ideal candidate must possess a strong understanding of financial principles and practices, strong organizational and time management skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to learn, understand and apply new financial concepts and procedures quickly.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

      Prepares, updates, and monitors budgets for the planning operations of the agency, including Transportation Planning, Community Development, Research & Innovation, Mobility Services, and Natural Resources.  

      Works with department directors to administer, review, and amend budgets, prepares and reviews financial status reports; and serves as financial subject matter expert for departments being supported. 

      Provides quality assurance over work performed; ensures goals and objectives are met.

      Presents financial data and analysis to staff, managers, and executives

      Leads and assigns the work of others within the Office of Operations

      Provides direction to others in order to meet standards

      Ensures plan and program compliance with all relevant state and federal guidelines. 

      Coordinates with the Georgia Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration, and other agencies/organizations as necessary for status reporting and periodic review/audits. 

      Familiarity with internal and external audits/auditors to ensure compliance and transparency in financial practices.

      Participates in the development of long-term financial plans, revenue forecasts, and organizational performance metrics

      Maintains accurate budget records, databases, and financial management systems.

      Gathers and analyzes relevant information skillfully and identifies underlying causes to problems. Develops alternative solutions. Identifies problems in a timely manner and appropriately resolves issues in early stages. Exhibits good judgment and makes sound decisions.

      Provides guidance and training to department staff on budget preparation, monitoring, and financial management best practice.

      Serves as a key advisor to leadership on budgetary and financial matters, supporting informed decision-making

      Collaborates with procurement, contracting, and grants management teams to align budgets with approved funding sources and project requirements.

      Performs other duties of similar nature and level as assigned. 

      Ability to prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements and reports to guide operational decisions in coordination with department directors, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Research and Innovation Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. 

      Understanding Enterprise Resource Planning systems to integrate financial data across departments

Requirements

       REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:

        5+ years of business, finance, or other relevant experience

        Project accounting experience

        Financial modeling experience

        Advanced knowledge of excel

        Experience working with federal grant awards and sub-grantee and contractor relationships

        Professional Certification(s) such as CPA, CMA, Certified Public Financial Officer, or other

        Ability to summarize information and present to the executive team in a clear and understandable manner

        Ability to provide presentations to internal and external partners and stakeholders

        Knowledge of databases and understanding of budget and financial principles

        Knowledge of grant award management and tracking

        Skill in defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions

        Ability to work independently, establish priorities and organize work

        Ability to multi-task with attention to detail and strong time management skills

        Ability to organize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage and prioritize competing demands

        Ability to oversee, organize, and maintain records/files

        Ability to establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with all levels of staff, management, subgrantees and contractors, and internal and external partners

        Ability to take initiative, while being proactive and independent

        Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint), particularly Microsoft Excel.

        Ability to present financial reports and insights clearly to stakeholders, department directors, and executives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

      Master’s degree in planning, public or business administration or field directly related to assignment, four years of progressively responsible related experience that includes serving in a management or lead role in area of assignment.  

OR

      An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience working with federal transportation grant awards and sub-grantee and contractor relationships

Knowledge of Cost Point Financial Software