Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Header

Senior Director of Finance Operations

Boston 02116), MA
Full-Time

Job Description

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Finance Operations will oversee project accounting and financial reporting for the MBTA's operating budget. This position will work closely with the MBTA's Controller and MBTA's CFO. The Senior Director will be responsible for developing and implementing cost savings initiatives and driving financial productivity and efficiency improvements. The Senior Director will lead projects involving complex analytics, visualization dashboards, regular and ad hoc reporting to various stakeholders, and mentorship of a team of financial professionals.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Partner with Deputy and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to help drive initiatives focused on cost savings and productivity and efficiency improvements across the organization.
  • Develop and implement these efficiency programs across the operations and administrative segments of the MBTA including strategies for curbing reliance on overtime addressing bus maintenance costs and low ridership transportation routes, lowering use of 3rd party professional services, and other efficiency programs as needed.
  • Review annual Budget and Proforma requests for operations departments, National Transit Database (NTD) reporting, and monthly/quarterly/year-end closing including accruals and reporting.
  • Review and approve departmental requests for procurement of materials and services.
  • Review current and prospective contracts for award including a cross departmental collaborative contractual review and financial modeling.
  • Manage and monitor implementation of key cost saving initiatives in partnership with department heads across the organization on an ongoing basis.
  • Prepare and distribute monthly overtime, quarterly projections, and Executive summary reports.
  • Lead projects and programs across the team including complex analytics, Tableau dashboards and other special projects.
  • Collaborate and lead FTA reporting and other funding /reimbursement programs.
  • Lead and respond to ad hoc requests whether from a customer, media, vendor, co-worker or public agency (State, Federal) in a courteous and professional manner.
  • Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
  • Mentor and develop a team, managing work allocation, systems training, performance evaluations and the building of an effective and efficient team dynamic.
  • Implement policies, procedures and processes as deemed appropriate by senior leadership team.
  • Work closely with many departments across the MBTA, including procurement, legal, finance/ accounting, capital delivery and vehicle engineering as well as with outside consultants.
  • Identify, communicate and recommend options for improved organizational efficiency.
  • Facilitate the sharing of knowledge and practices among change agents in the business in order to promote a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the MBTA including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
  • Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

  • Direct supervision of a team of financial professionals including senior analyst  and analysts

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in business, finance, government, economics, engineering or related field.
  • Ten (10) years of experience in accounting or finance.
  • Seven (7) years of supervisory, leadership, and/or project management experience.
  • Ability to communicate with all levels within the organization.
  • Advanced expertise in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Experience working with external auditors, internal controls and compliance-related issues.
  • Ability to weigh and manage priorities.
  • Advanced experience with or in financial reporting.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence decision-making.
  • Organizational skills and ability to multitask (work on several projects at once).
  • Ability to progressively elaborate on high-level business processes to define and document supporting standards and procedures.

Substitutions Include

  • A High School diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement. 
  • An Associate's degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
  • A Master's degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience. 
  • A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one (1) year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Required Skills

  • Four (4) years of experience in finance in the transportation industry.
  • Master's degree from an accredited institution in Business or  Finance.
  • Experience with PeopleSoft and/or business intelligence tools such as Tableau

Job Conditions:

  • Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
  • Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
  • Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
  • Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
  • Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
  • Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
  • Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
  • Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
  • Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
  • Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

  1. General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
  2. Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
  3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
  4. Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
  5. Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
  6. Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
  7. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
  8. On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
  9. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
  10. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
  11. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
  12. Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.
PDN-a07248ea-c71a-4c94-b84c-02ae1d279f1f

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Finance Operations will oversee project accounting and financial reporting for the MBTA's operating budget. This position will work closely with the MBTA's Controller and MBTA's CFO. The Senior Director will be responsible for developing and implementing cost savings initiatives and driving financial productivity and efficiency improvements. The Senior Director will lead projects involving complex analytics, visualization dashboards, regular and ad hoc reporting to various stakeholders, and mentorship of a team of financial professionals.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Partner with Deputy and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to help drive initiatives focused on cost savings and productivity and efficiency improvements across the organization.
  • Develop and implement these efficiency programs across the operations and administrative segments of the MBTA including strategies for curbing reliance on overtime addressing bus maintenance costs and low ridership transportation routes, lowering use of 3rd party professional services, and other efficiency programs as needed.
  • Review annual Budget and Proforma requests for operations departments, National Transit Database (NTD) reporting, and monthly/quarterly/year-end closing including accruals and reporting.
  • Review and approve departmental requests for procurement of materials and services.
  • Review current and prospective contracts for award including a cross departmental collaborative contractual review and financial modeling.
  • Manage and monitor implementation of key cost saving initiatives in partnership with department heads across the organization on an ongoing basis.
  • Prepare and distribute monthly overtime, quarterly projections, and Executive summary reports.
  • Lead projects and programs across the team including complex analytics, Tableau dashboards and other special projects.
  • Collaborate and lead FTA reporting and other funding /reimbursement programs.
  • Lead and respond to ad hoc requests whether from a customer, media, vendor, co-worker or public agency (State, Federal) in a courteous and professional manner.
  • Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
  • Mentor and develop a team, managing work allocation, systems training, performance evaluations and the building of an effective and efficient team dynamic.
  • Implement policies, procedures and processes as deemed appropriate by senior leadership team.
  • Work closely with many departments across the MBTA, including procurement, legal, finance/ accounting, capital delivery and vehicle engineering as well as with outside consultants.
  • Identify, communicate and recommend options for improved organizational efficiency.
  • Facilitate the sharing of knowledge and practices among change agents in the business in order to promote a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the MBTA including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
  • Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

  • Direct supervision of a team of financial professionals including senior analyst  and analysts

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in business, finance, government, economics, engineering or related field.
  • Ten (10) years of experience in accounting or finance.
  • Seven (7) years of supervisory, leadership, and/or project management experience.
  • Ability to communicate with all levels within the organization.
  • Advanced expertise in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Experience working with external auditors, internal controls and compliance-related issues.
  • Ability to weigh and manage priorities.
  • Advanced experience with or in financial reporting.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence decision-making.
  • Organizational skills and ability to multitask (work on several projects at once).
  • Ability to progressively elaborate on high-level business processes to define and document supporting standards and procedures.

Substitutions Include

  • A High School diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement. 
  • An Associate's degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
  • A Master's degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience. 
  • A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one (1) year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Required Skills

  • Four (4) years of experience in finance in the transportation industry.
  • Master's degree from an accredited institution in Business or  Finance.
  • Experience with PeopleSoft and/or business intelligence tools such as Tableau

Job Conditions:

  • Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
  • Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
  • Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
  • Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
  • Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
  • Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
  • Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
  • Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
  • Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
  • Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

  1. General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
  2. Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
  3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
  4. Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
  5. Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
  6. Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
  7. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
  8. On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
  9. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
  10. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
  11. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
  12. Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.
PDN-a07248ea-c71a-4c94-b84c-02ae1d279f1f

About Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, often referred to as the MBTA or simply The T, is the public operator of most bus, subway, commuter rail and ferry systems in the greater Boston, Massachusetts, area. 

The MBTA is the largest transit provider in New England, and the fifth largest in the country. 

The MBTA directly operates or contracts out for service using eight different modes: heavy rail, light rail, bus rapid transit, local/express bus, trackless trolley, commuter rail, commuter boat, and paratransit. 

In Boston, 55% of all work trips and 42% of all trips into downtown are made by transit. 

The MBTA district is made up of 175 communities with a total population of 4.7 million. 

Almost three-quarters of all Massachusetts residents live within the MBTA service area.

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Senior Director of Finance Operations
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
Boston 02116), MA
Nov 26, 2025
$146,439 - $164,439.50 a year
Full-time
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