Position Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for the strategic oversight and operational execution of all financial functions for the Seaport Authority. This role ensures fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, and long-term financial sustainability while supporting the authority’s mission to facilitate maritime commerce, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and implement long-range financial strategies aligned with port development, capital planning, and operational goals
• Advise the CEO and Board on financial policy, investment priorities, and risk management

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process, multi-year financial planning, and scenario modeling
• Monitor revenue streams (e.g., lease income, tariffs, grants) and expenditure trends to optimize financial performance

Accounting & Compliance

• Oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls in accordance with GAAP and governmental standards
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including grant management and bond covenants

Capital Projects & Asset Management

• Partner with engineering and operations teams to finance and track infrastructure investments, dredging projects, and terminal upgrades
• Manage fixed asset lifecycle, depreciation schedules, and capital reserve planning

Treasury & Financing

• Direct cash flow management, debt issuance, and banking relationships
• Evaluate financing options for capital expansion, including public-private partnerships, revenue bonds, and federal programs

Business Administration

• Prepare monthly agenda
• Maintain policies and procedures
• Input tariff changes and initiate annual general rate increase discussions
• Coordinate with the Port’s risk management consultant and acts are liaison for all insurance matters
• Liaison with Port legal counsel

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Prepare and present financial reports to the Board, auditors, rating agencies, and public stakeholders
• Support transparency and accountability through clear communication of financial health and strategic priorities

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop finance, procurement, and grant administration teams
• Foster a culture of integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (CPA required)
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership, ideally in government sector.
• Deep understanding of governmental accounting, capital finance, and regulatory frameworks
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate complex financial concepts to diverse audiences.

About SeaPort Manatee

SeaPort Manatee is the closest U.S. deepwater seaport to the Panama Canal, serving bulk, breakbulk, container, heavy lift, project and general cargo customers. The port generates more than $5.1 billion in annual economic impact for the local community, while supporting more than 37,000 direct and indirect jobs, without the benefit of ad-valorem taxes.

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