DIRECTOR OF FINANCE at MS State Port Authority in Gulfport, Mississippi

Job Description:

Open Position Posting: Director of Finance

As a hub for global trade and economic development, the MSPA is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of operational excellence and strategic innovation. We are in search of an experienced Director of Finance who will oversee the financial and accounting functions. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, strategic planning, and budgeting. The ideal candidate will prioritize leadership skills, possess the ability to position Finance as a service-oriented department and be enthusiastic about partnering with the executive leadership team to model, forecast, and plan for the organization’s long-term goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Oversight and Reporting:

• Supervise and manage all financial and accounting functions, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and audits.

• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial statements and compliance with State and Federal regulatory requirements and accounting standards.

• Oversee the preparation of timely and accurate financial reports for internal stakeholders and external regulatory bodies.

Strategic Planning and Forecasting:

• Partner with the executive leadership team to develop and implement strategic financial plans aligned with the port authority’s mission and long-term goals.

• Lead the budgeting and forecasting processes, providing insightful analysis and recommendations to support decision-making and strategic initiatives.

• Model financial scenarios and projections to guide the organization’s financial strategy and resource allocation.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, including the Assistant Controller and other finance staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

• Position the Finance department as a service-oriented function, providing value-added insights and support to other departments and the executive team.

• Ensure effective communication and coordination between finance and other departments to support organizational goals.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Oversee internal controls and risk management processes to safeguard the port authority’s assets and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

• Manage relationships with external auditors, regulatory agencies, and other financial stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability.

• Process Improvement:

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations and reporting.

• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging trends in financial management and accounting.

• Assist in the upcoming rollout of a new Accounting ERP system by applying extensive financial and accounting systems expertise. Although leading the implementation is not a requirement, the Director of Finance should be adept at guiding the department through technological transitions. This includes facilitating engagement with financial systems and ensuring that internal users, such as managers, can efficiently interact with the system for tasks like expense requests and departmental spending reviews.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time without notice.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive financial management experience, including at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role. Experience in governmental, quasi-governmental, non-profit, regulatory organizations, or port operations is preferred but not required.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a strong bonus but not required.

• Mississippi Driver’s License

• Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) within 30 days of employment. (See: https://www.tsa.gov/twic)

• Must pass pre-employment drug screening and background check

Skills, Competencies, and Personal Attributes:

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide a team.
• Strong understanding of financial modeling, forecasting, and strategic planning.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership and other stakeholders.

• High level of analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to position Finance as a strategic partner and service department.

• Enthusiastic and forward-thinking, with a strong commitment to the port authority’s mission and goals.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.

• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience no later than 12AM CT Sunday September 29th, 2024 by email to employment@shipmspa.com or by mail to: Human Resources Department, MSPA, PO Box 40, Gulfport, MS 39502

For more information, and to view the official position posting, please visit www.shipmspa.com. 

recblid 97et5znhft5wtclr1wkikn6ftp1ox3

Apply Now