Manager, Budget and Analysis

26-MBAA

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is seeking to fill a critical role with a strategic and analytical professional to serve as the Manager, Budget and Analysis for the Budget and Treasury division. Under the general direction of the Treasurer, Budget & Financial Analysis Division Manager, the incumbent is responsible for managing the development, analysis, and monitoring of the regional operating budget and two-year financial plan. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) provides financial oversight, funding coordination, and regional transit planning for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace (collectively, the Service Boards).

The organization is expected to transition to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA). More information can be found here regarding the legislation.

The position also coordinates with the agency’s capital programming group to provide a unified regional business plan that incorporates the budgets and capital programs of the Service Boards, and the RTA/NITA (Agency). Responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership on short and long-term business plans to ensure region-wide service operations are financially stable and consistent with the agency’s strategic plans and provisions of state legislation. Designs and directs activities, timeframes, and schedules to deliver end products to meet departmental and division goals. Works with the agency’s senior management, Service Board senior management, and other external stakeholders as required. Directs division staff and consultant resources to achieve objectives.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Manages annual regional budget development process. Coordinates work of division Analysts to review regional and Service Board budgets and prepare analyses for agency management, Board, and public that review key budget issues and Service Board compliance with budget criteria as outlined in the state legislation. Prepare materials for Board review and adoption of annual budget and two-year financial plan.
2. Leads efforts to develop reliable forecasts of regional and state operations funding and funding levels for the Service Boards’ operating budgets and short and long-term financial plans.
3. Manages preparation of monthly Board reports on regional financial performance. Prepares analyses of trends and variances from budget for region and Service Board activities. Ensures primary factors are studied and clearly made known (written/oral) to management.
4. Works with Treasury, Controller, and Capital divisions to develop plans on financial capacity and condition of the regional system including a ten-year financial plan. Coordinates long-range financial planning efforts with Service Boards.
5. Develops ideas for innovative services and/or institutional arrangements involving the Service Boards to identify strategies for improving service, increasing efficiency and effectiveness, and otherwise benefiting the transit system. Possible examples include ADA paratransit operations, reverse commuting, timed transfers, proposed new services, and other service improvements including bus, rail, BRT, paratransit, vanpooling, fare coordination and collection, competitive contracting, and public-private partnerships. Seeks opportunities to investigate potential innovations.
6. Undertakes other assignments as required, involving matters inside and beyond the service area, encompassing such areas as fares, operating practices, funding, regulatory requirements, and institutional arrangements.
7. Advises and makes recommendations to senior management regarding the region’s financial condition and business practices that are logical, clearly documented, and supportable.
8. Acts in a manner that is consistent with the agency’s strategic goals and objectives as developed by the Board of Directors, while providing service of the highest level to our customers -- both internal and external. Ensures the confidentiality of all information obtained in the performance of job duties.
9. Performs other related duties as required or assigned that contribute to the effectiveness of the department.

The ideal candidate must have the following:

• The ideal candidate has the knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Planning or a related field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of seven to ten (7 – 10) years of progressively responsible corporate finance and/or budget analytics and management experience in public or private business is required, particularly in the transportation industry.
• Advanced quantitative analysis skills are required via Microsoft Excel including forecasting and scenario planning.
• Knowledge of budgeting tools is desired.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Able to present complex budget information to board members and the public in a clear, accurate, and accessible manner, including preparing briefing materials, visualizations, and verbal presentations.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with service board members to resolve and negotiate outstanding budget issues collaboratively.
• Problem analysis and problem resolution skills at both a strategic and functional level needed.
• Position requires use of Microsoft Office and business systems software.
• Experience with budgeting software, financial modeling, and/or database software a plus.

The RTA offers highly competitive benefits package:

• Pension plan or 401(k) salary match provided by the RTA at no cost to you
• 401(k) and/or 457 plan options
• Hybrid work environment and flexible work schedules
• Transit benefits to support your commute
• Twelve paid holidays and one floating holiday
• Competitive personal leave package
• Parental leave
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/AD&D Insurance/Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership discount
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Employee Assistance Program

This role typically offers salaries near $109,808, and the RTA offers competitive salaries with the possibility of a higher offer for highly qualified candidates.

For more information about the RTA, visit our website at

To apply online: Select Login and within the drop-down box, “Login” to your account or create an account by selecting "Register.”

For assistance during your application process (e.g. password login, errors, attaching documents), please contact us at: [email protected]

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

** Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-RTA employment while employed at the RTA, or within one year immediately after ending RTA employment, the employee may be required to notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine. **