Overview

Utah Transit Authority Description As the Budget Director for the Utah Transit Authority, you will have the opportunity to shape the financial strategy behind one of the largest public transit systems in the region. You will translate strategy into funded action-balancing operational needs, capital investment, and long-term fiscal sustainability while supporting safe, reliable service and major system growth. This is a highly visible leadership role where your work directly influences both day-to-day operations and the future of transit expansion. As the Budget Director, you will: Provide strategic financial leadership for Utah Transit Authority's (UTA) operating and capital budgets, long-range financial planning, and forecasting activity to support safe, reliable, and fiscal sustainability along the Wasatch Front. Be responsible for developing and managing the annual operating budget and current-year capital budget, leading short- and long-term financial planning, and providing timely, accurate financial information and analysis to the Chief Capital Services Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director, Executive Team, and other internal stakeholders. Oversee analysis of operating expenses, current-year capital expenditures, personnel and non-personnel costs, sales tax and other revenue streams, and grant-funded programs. Lead finance data modeling to support decisions related to service levels, capital budget execution, workforce planning, and budget sustainability. Be responsible for budget policy discipline and forecast governance, including quarterly and year-end spend estimate reviews, and no-surprise escalation of budget and funding risks. Coordinate closely with Accounting, Procurement, the Contract Management Office (CMO), Grants, Treasury, Capital Development, Service Planning, and the People Office. Note that post-award contract administration, vendor performance management, and amendment workflow governance are led by the CMO; this role retains responsibility for the budget and financial impact of contract decisions. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/TRAINING 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, financial planning, or related finance functions (public sector/transit/local government/infrastructure preferred); 3-5 years of supervisory/management experience leading professional staff. Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES Deep knowledge of operating and capital budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning in a public or quasi-public environment. Strong financial modeling, scenario analysis, and data visualization skills; experience with enterprise financial systems, budget models, and reporting tools. Understanding of public sector/transit finance including dedicated funding sources (sales tax), grants, and capital funding structures; knowledge of fund accounting/GASB and grant compliance preferred. Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to internal leadership and stakeholders. Ability to establish budget governance discipline across multiple departments while partnering effectively with Treasury, Accounting, Grants, Procurement, and the Contract Management Office. Demonstrated leadership, team building, and change-management skills; high integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to fiscal stewardship. Maintain regular and predictable attendance. UTA Competencies: Business Acumen - Maintaining an up-to date understanding of the broader issues affecting field of expertise and organization. Managerial Courage - Standing strong in the face of adversity and taking necessary risk to achieve results. Change Management - Dealing comfortably with the uncertainty of change. Dealing constructively with problems that do not have clear solutions or outcomes. Communicates Effectively - Creating an open environment i