Mgr, Budget & Admin Services

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Click here to learn more about our benefits!

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Mechanical coordinates and oversees the repair, inspection, cleaning, rebuilding, replacing and maintenance of 1,180 pieces of rolling stock used in commuter service. The department's goal is to provide safe, clean and reliable service while maintaining the fleet to the standards of the Federal Railroad Administration, Association of American Railroads, American Public Transit Association and the original equipment manufacturers.

Reporting to the Chief Mechanical Officer, the Manager, Budget and Administrative Services manages the development of the department's operations and capital budgets, including supervising employees responsible for performing budget and operational analysis, requisitioning materials and services, and monitoring contract compliance. The position is required to oversee the purchase and delivery of all fuel and lubricants for Metra (not responsible for contract development) and for ensuring the right level of support is provided to all functions within the Mechanical department.

The Primary Duties Include: Manage and participate in the development and administration of the department's budgets including: working with department managers to determine operational needs, reviewing historical cost data, and preparing forecasts for future requirements, and communicating with the Grants and Budget Departments on funding and accounts information. Monitor budgets and expenditures for various large scale capital modification works completed by the Burlington Northern and Union Pacific Railroads under Purchase of Service (PSA) contracts for cost efficiencies and contract compliance. Monitor expenditures and funding limits for large scale capital programs completed by Metra and make recommendations for reallocation of funds as needed. Perform complex budget and operational analysis of Mechanical Department operating expenditures for each division including Rock Island, Milwaukee, and Metra Electric districts to assess actual vs budgeted expenses and reallocate funding as needed. Assist managers and division directors in developing and updating financial informational reports and budget requests. Supervise budget and account maintenance functions ensuring the appropriateness of cost allocations, project funding, and account reconciliations. Review and approve general ledger adjustments for labor and materials. Manage administrative functions including: processing and approving invoices, approving material requests over $500, submitting purchase requests, issuing release orders, and preparing check requests. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting.
2. In addition to #1, must have six years of financial/budget experience.
3. Considerable knowledge of budgeting concepts, principles, and techniques.
4. Considerable knowledge of accounting and auditing and principles.
5. Good knowledge of procurement and contract administration principles.
6. Good knowledge of supervisory and management principles.
7. Strong analytical, organizational, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
8. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
9. Good management, leadership and interpersonal skills.
10. Good knowledge of the Maximo-Asset Management Program, Microsoft Dynamics D365, Kronos, and Microsoft Office Suite.
11. Ability to manage a detailed oriented financial operations.
12. Ability to set priorities and meet strict deadlines.
13. Ability to manage multiple projects.
14. Ability to build consensus and work effectively with cross-departmental teams.
15. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
16. Ability to establish controls, processes, and procedures to mitigate challenges and risks.
17. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
18. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
19. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.