Description

The Principal Financial Analyst will be responsible for leading fare program operations analytics and reporting functions for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) and the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain).

Essential Functions & Duties

Examples of Essential Functions:

• Perform complex fare analysis using statistical and analytical techniques to translate complex, ambiguous business questions into measurable key performance indicators, frameworks and analytical roadmaps aligned to the agencies’ goals.
• Manage fare projects with cross functional partners including Finance, Operations, Information Technology, and vendor partners to develop and implement advanced fare-related data models and analytical framework; identify risks, and opportunities
• Drive end-to-end automation of recurring reports and data preparation to optimize analytics and reporting workflows and increase departmental throughput and accuracy. 
• Under the guidance of Fare Program Operations Manager, contribute to the analytical readiness for fare policy and system changes; quantify impacts and define success metrics.
• Serve as the Clipper liaison for SamTrans and Caltrain: coordinate with The Metropolitan Transportation Commission, system specific vendors, and internal teams to capture requirements, align data/reporting specifications, manage budget and forecasting, and lead tests for new features or changes.

Examples of Essential Duties: 

• Lead cross functional fare programs analysis that inform fare policy, pricing/promotion strategies, and operational decisions, quantify impacts and uncertainty, and recommend actions to optimize revenue performance and customer experience.
• Interpret complex datasets and present results through clear narrative briefs, data visualizations, and stakeholder-specific materials (executive summaries, board-ready exhibits, etc.).
• Responsible for fare system and analytics projects including translating business requirements into scoped configurations with measurable acceptance criteria, directing cross-functional and vendor teams through testing and implementation, and validating post-launch key performance indicators to ensure operational readiness and performance outcomes.
• Lead data-driven initiatives that link ridership trends to revenue performance, ensuring clear insights into decision-making.
• Provide analytical leadership and support for strategic initiatives and special projects; develop ad hoc analyses, financial models, and scenario assessments to inform executive and Board-level decisions.
• Participates in the presentation and approval process for fare policy changes and strategic fare projects before executive committees and agency boards.
• Collaborate with various departments including Planning, Operations, Innovation & Technology (IT), Communications, Finance, and potentially others to support project execution and successful outcomes.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision: Works under the supervision of the Fare Program Operations Manager, who directs work, establishes goals and objectives, and evaluates performance. 

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions.  Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.      

How to Apply

• Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date.  Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that applications are completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references and/or other information).
• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.  If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.  
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment.  We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, financial analysis, data analytics, information management, statistics, or directly related field.
• Four (4) years of full-time work experience in a financial or data analysis role. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional work experience in public fare operations or analyzing fare related data.
• Advanced degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or closely related field.
• Advanced skills in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word and expertise in business intelligence (Tableau, Power BI,  etc.).  
• Professional experience utilizing ERP systems (e.g. PeopleSoft).
• Public-sector experience; public transportation background strongly preferred.
• Professional project-management experience leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Effective written and oral communications skills.