JOB
SMART: WHO WE ARE
Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is the Bay Area’s newest passenger rail service providing a safe, reliable and congestion-free transportation option for Marin and Sonoma counties. The current 48-mile system connects stations from Larkspur to Windsor. SMART’s system also includes over 39 miles of bicycle and pedestrian pathways along the rail corridor. SMART is in a period of visible growth and transition, having opened two new stations since 2025 (Petaluma North and Windsor) with construction on the Healdsburg extension breaking ground in March 2026 and completion expected in 2028. Ridership is at an all-time high. FY26 ridership is 105% higher than FY19. In June 2026, voters in both Sonoma and Marin counties approved a 30-year extension of SMART's quarter-cent sales tax with over 70% support, a measure that provides approximately 50% of the agency's total revenue, which is used for operations, maintenance, preserving assets in a state of good repair, and leveraging funding for rail and pathway extensions.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
As the leader of the District’s Finance Department, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plays a crucial role in developing and implementing a first-class public transportation system in the Northern San Francisco Bay Area. This influential position is one of three roles that contract directly with the SMART Board of Directors. The CFO is an at-will, executive leader who reports to the General Manager, and provides strategic direction to a team of supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff. Working under broad administrative direction, the CFO, plans, organizes, and oversees all financial and procurement functions of the District, ensuring operational excellence, fiscal integrity, and long-term sustainability. This position serves as a key advisor to the General Manager and Board of Directors leading strategic financial planning and the effective management of the District’s revenues, accounting operations, procurement, risk management, and grant programs to deliver quality transportation options to Marin and Sonoma Counties. The position will:
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Provide overall leadership to the District in formulating and achieving financial plans to support the agency’s current operations and future expansions.
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Support the General Manager by providing accurate financial data and reporting and preparing/presenting Board agenda items related to budgets, contracts, policy and procedural development and administrative matters.
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Cultivate an external presence in the community by representing SMART in its relationships with elected officials, public agencies, the business community, civic organizations and the public.
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Assist the General Manager and the Board in managing existing revenues while also attracting new funding sources, such as public-private partnerships and grant opportunities.
KEY STRATEGIC DUTIES INCLUDE:
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Successfully manage all aspects of finances for the District including but not limited to:
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Accounting and payroll systems, including accounting procedures and internal controls.
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Annual comprehensive financial statements preparation and audit.
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Annual budget preparation, financial forecasting, and comprehensive financial reporting.
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Strategic financial planning in conjunction with the General Manager and Board of Directors.
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Oversee risk management and other organizational needs as directed by the General Manager.
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Manage cash flows, investments, banking and debt.
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Ensure that capital project control systems provide accurate and timely fiscal data required for project implementation and management.
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Develop, direct, and coordinate the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; establishes, within District policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
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Manage the procurement process including approval of purchase orders and compliance with state and federal requirements.
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Negotiate contracts and agreements; coordinate with legal counsel and District department representatives to determine District needs and requirements for contractual services.
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Oversee Grant Administration and develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable government codes.
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Conduct departmental studies and investigations; recommend modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
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Prepare, review, and present staff reports, management updates, and special project reports as assigned by the General Manager.
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Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of transit finance and accounting.
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Respond to public inquiries and complaints with resolutions and recommendations and serve as a spokesperson for the Department at community events and public relations activities.
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Ensure staff observe and comply with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
SMART is seeking an exceptional Finance professional with a proven track record of success in government accounting and financial management to serve as its Chief Financial Officer. The ideal candidate will be a confident and collaborative leader with good judgment, a strong professional presence and an inspiring demeanor who can develop and sustain a highly functional team. This candidate will require capability in government finance and financial planning to maintain a fiscally responsible organization, be committed to diversity and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. The candidate will have:
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A passion for public service.
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Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) regulations.
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Demonstrated success directing and managing finance and staff.
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Knowledge of the principles and practices of strategic plan development.
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Experience with capital projects financial management, including managing multiple funding sources and the issuance of debt.
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Sensitivity to the interests of a wide range of stakeholder groups, strategic partners, elected officials, regulatory agencies and administrative colleagues, with an understanding of the functions, authority, responsibilities, and limitations of an elected board.
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Organizational and fiscal management skills noted for transparency and accuracy.
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Direct experience managing audits, preparing annual financial reports, and writing and producing other publicly available reports.
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Knowledge of State and Federal grant management and applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in finance, accounting, business management, public administration, or a related field.
Experience: Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible professional and administrative experience in public agency financing, including four (4) years of management experience. Transit experience is preferred.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The annual salary is $254,696 - $318,364 depending on experience and qualifications. The District also offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance, deferred compensation, flexible spending accounts and participation in the California Public Employees Retirement System. The retirement formula for new CalPERS members is 2% at 62. Employees currently contribute 7.75% of pre-tax wages.
APPLICATION PROCESS
SMART has engaged K&A, a retained executive search firm, to assist with the recruitment of the Chief Financial Officer. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please contact:
The position is open until filled.
The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered in accordance with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
To learn more about SMART visit us online at www.sonomamarintrain.org.
