Sr. Contracts and Cost Analyst

The Sr. Contracts and Cost Analyst role offers a dynamic opportunity to play a key part in managing the Mechanical Department's finances, ensuring efficient use of both operating and capital budgets. You'll track expenses, analyze variances, and generate reports that provide valuable insights for senior leadership.

Working closely with project managers, you'll help monitor capital project funding, coordinate budget adjustments across departments, and support strategic financial planning. You'll also investigate discrepancies, assist with capital grant applications, and oversee large contracts-ensuring invoice accuracy and managing vendor relationships.

Beyond financial oversight, you'll handle purchase requisitions, resolve invoice issues, and ensure accurate account coding, contributing to the smooth financial operations of the department. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoys making a tangible impact on budget management and financial efficiency.

This key role plays a vital part in managing both operating and capital expenses within the Mechanical Department. The Sr. Contracts and Cost Analyst will:

• Track and analyze financials - Monitor capital and operating expenses, ensuring cost efficiency.
• Deliver data-driven insights - Generate budget reports and expense forecasts to support strategic decision-making.
• Optimize purchasing - Assist in acquiring materials and professional services while ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
• Ensure accuracy - Review and approve invoices to maintain financial integrity.
• Maximize funding - Partner with the Grants and Strategic Capital teams to adjust capital project funding as needed.
• Investigate financial trends - Collaborate with Metra's Budget and Grant Administration Departments to identify and resolve irregularities.
• Adapt and support - Perform additional duties as required to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about ensuring financial efficiency within the transit industry.

The Mechanical Department is the driving force behind the maintenance and reliability of a 1,180-piece commuter rail fleet. Our team ensures that every train meets the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and performance through expert repair, inspection, cleaning, rebuilding, and replacement. We are committed to delivering a smooth, dependable ride while adhering to the rigorous guidelines of the Federal Railroad Administration, Association of American Railroads, American Public Transit Association, and original equipment manufacturers.

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.

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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.

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 Accounting, Business, or Finance OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years in financial analysis, purchasing, or budgeting.
2. In addition to #1 above, must have a minimum of four years experience that includes a combination of any of the following: procurement, data or financial analysis, cost accounting, and budgeting.
3. Considerable knowledge of cost accounting and budgeting concepts, and techniques.
4. Considerable knowledge of statistical and program analysis.
5. Good knowledge of accounting and forecasting principles.
6. Knowledge of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) rules and regulations as they apply to procurement processes.
7. Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suites, specifically Word, Excel, and Power Point. Must be able to write compound formulas, consolidate data, use pivot tables, and create charts.
8. Considerable analytical, organizational, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
9. Good verbal and written communication skills.
10. Ability to work independently, lead meetings, and manage projects.
11. Ability to complete assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
12. Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
13. 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.