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Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport

Director of Finance

Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport, Gulfport, Mississippi, United States, 39500


Position:

Director of Finance

Department:

Finance

Position rated by:

Chief Operations Officer

Salary range:

$150,000 - $225,000 Exempt, Full Time

Application Deadline:

12AM CT Sunday September 29th, 2024

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter, outlining their qualifications and experience via Indeed, by email to employment@shipmspa.com or by mail to: Human Resources Department, MSPA, PO Box 40, Gulfport, MS 39502.

Position Summary:

The Director of Finance will oversee the financial and accounting functions of the Mississippi State Port Authority. 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.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.

Experience:

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.

Certifications:

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

Other Requirements:

Mississippi Driver’s License

Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) within 30 days of employment.

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.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position primarily entails sedentary work within an office environment, requiring prolonged periods of sitting and computer usage.

WE OFFER:

A pivotal role as a top executive for a governmental entity focused on growth and expansion of a major maritime hub in the Gulf of Mexico.

State of Mississippi employee benefits, including retirement, health, dental.

Opportunities for professional development.

A collaborative and dynamic work environment on the coast of Mississippi.

ABOUT US:

Situated on the Gulf of Mexico in Gulfport, Mississippi, the Port of Gulfport is a deep-water, international seaport and a major contributor to the local and national economy. As the second-largest importer of green fruit in the U.S., and a pivotal gateway for Central American trade, it connects 75% of the U.S. market within just 24 hours. The MSPA directly employs almost four dozen staff and directly supports nearly 3,500 jobs regionally.

The Port plays a crucial role in military logistics and has become an epicenter for marine research. Its recent strategic partnerships with entities like Ports America and the Canadian National Railway highlight the MSPA’s ongoing expansion and modernization efforts. The Port is more than a maritime hub; it's a key driver of economic development and innovation in the region and State, and a significant player in global maritime trade and the Blue Economy.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

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