Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Department: Financial/Executive
Classification: Salary
Location: Chicago, IL
Reports To: President/General Manager
Salary Range:

Position Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior executive responsible for the strategic leadership and management of all financial operations at the Belt Railway Company of Chicago. This role oversees the Company’s financial planning, accounting, treasury, budgeting, business analysis, financial compliance, and administrative functions. The CFO partners closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to guide strategic decisions, manage risk, and ensure regulatory and organizational compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Company’s financial functions, including accounting, treasury, budgeting, payroll, accounts receivable/payable, and revenue management.
• Develop annual and interim budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and full compliance.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to the President/General Manager, Board of Directors, and senior leadership on business planning, investments, mergers/acquisitions, and operational improvements.
• Establish financial and administrative policies and procedures that drive efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate financial statements and reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Direct the Company’s tax strategy, prepare all tax filings, and oversee audits and compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including Railroad Retirement Tax Act (RRTA) requirements.
• Monitor and optimize cash flow, manage banking relationships, and lead debt/investment strategy.
• Serve as a liaison to auditors, rating agencies, bond counsel, and financial institutions.
• Maintain corporate records and minutes, and participate in all Board meetings.
• Represent the Company before regulatory bodies, public entities, and in professional forums as needed.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• CPA preferred; CMA or CFA a plus.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field is preferred.

Experience:

• 15+ years of progressively responsible leadership in accounting, finance, or treasury, preferably in rail, transportation, manufacturing, or construction industries.
• 10+ years of direct supervisory experience, including performance management, hiring, and organizational leadership.
• Experience managing financial affairs for organizations with large capital and operational budgets.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strategic thinker with exceptional financial acumen and operational insight.
• Advanced understanding of GAAP, audit practices, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and lead large teams.
• Exceptional communication skills—verbal, written, and interpersonal.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable presenting complex financial information to executives, boards, and public stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment with changing priorities.
• Proficiency in financial systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and modern ERP platforms.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with minimal exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Must be available for occasional travel.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, early mornings, late evenings, or weekends as required.