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, and sustainability and 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 Transit Security Budget Administrator manages comprehensive budgeting, analytical, and fiscal support activities for all activities associated with the Security & Emergency Management Department (S&EM), including those pertaining to the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) capital budget. S&EM is a shared service department with MassDOT and the individual in this position will be expected to support all applicable department activities across the organization.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Manage the fiscal budgets of the Security & Emergency Management (S&EM) Department, presently amounting to well over $20 million dollars annually across several different operating, capital, and grant funding sources.
- Serve as the primary liaison between S&EM, Fiscal Budget Office, and Capital Delivery Department.
- Develop and provide monthly financial reporting with variance analysis and explanations to department management and the budget offices.
- Work closely with department management, Project Managers, Project Coordinators, and other staff to track, analyze, and report on budget trends and variances.
- Resolve payment issues and communicate clearly, effectively, and promptly with vendors.
- Review and evaluate past and current data pertaining to the finances of the department.
- Advise department staff on cost analysis and fiscal allocations; recommend alternate methods, procedures, or processes to reduce or modify spending.
- Submit recommendations for budget allocations and adjustments, work closely with department management, project managers, project coordinators, and other staff on budget planning and forecasting.
- Develop, implement, and maintain electronic systems using Peoplesoft, Smartsheet, CMS, FMIS, Project Info, and others to most efficiently document, reconcile and analyze data.
- Directly support project management activities relating to procurement, budgeting, forecasting, and invoicing.
- Maintain awareness of other department resources and activities to ensure alignment of project activities and timelines with budgeted funds and forecasts.
- Assist in the preparation of documentation pertaining to FOIA, audit, reviews, investigations, and similar requests.
- Create and develop internal financial reporting dashboards and tools that cater to the needs of management and project staff.
- Perform procurement and accounting duties such as creating requisitions and posting journal entries.
- Assist in the management of the DHS TSGP Grant Program by supporting the Security Projects Administrator with associated planning, budgeting, cost tracking, and more as funds are drawn down (monthly and quarterly).
- Review and analyze capital spending forecasts vs. CIP planning vs. actual spending.
- Leverage Smartsheet/Excel/PowerPoint and other software applications to prepare, package, and distribute executive reports to department and senior management of both MBTA & DOT.
- Evaluate, implement, and expand innovative reporting solutions such as dashboards and quick glance KPIs.
- Work closely with many departments across the MBTA and DOT, including procurement, finance, accounting, and capital delivery, as well as with numerous outside consultants.
- Develop the GEC Monthly Summary Report for tracking task orders with consultants.
- Provide updates on accurate task order financial status.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Security & Emergency Management, or other department management staff.
- Respond to customer, vendor, and coworker inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
- Adhere to the rules, and regulations, and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
- Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
- Five (5) years of experience in budgeting, finance, accounting, or related field.
- Two (2) years construction and/or contract management/procurement related accounting/finance experience.
- Project management experience and/or coursework.
- Effective analytical, confidentiality, and multitasking skills.
- Advanced experience with Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint and Smartsheet and PeopleSoft applications.
- Able to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
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 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 year of experience.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- None.
Job Conditions:
- Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
- Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
- Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a 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 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 medical Clinic screening, potentially including a 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
Disclaimers and Definitions:
- 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.
- Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
- 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.
- Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
- 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.
- Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.