Financial Analyst

Finance Department Position

The purpose of this classification is to provide financial support and conduct accounting / financial activities involving budget preparation, financial analysis, account reconciliation, maintenance of records, and other financial activities. This classification is distinguished from the Accountant series in that the primary focus and emphasis is on financial analysis and heavier involvement with intermediate financial management functions, whereas the focus of the Accountant series is on accounting functions and processes (journal entries, maintaining fund ledgers, account reconciliation, allocation, A / P, A / R, etc.). This is an intermediate professional classification responsible for non-routine reporting, research, and special projects in direct support of financial decisions and management; work involves compiling, reporting, and analyzing data to calculate trends, evaluating operational or performance measures against standards, and making recommendations to assist management in making financial decisions.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Provides financial analysis and support for Director of Finance and County officials; collects information, analyzes data, identifies trends, and makes recommendations to assist management in making financial decisions; prepares special reports for Chief Financial Officer, County Administrator, department managers, staff members, or the public; provides financial / budgetary guidance, assistance, and support to County staff members as needed; and designs and develops spreadsheets to conduct analysis and monitor financial transactions. Prepares annual budgets for County departments; forecasts / projects revenue, expenditures and project budgets based upon historical data, research, and future plans; and inputs budgets for new fiscal year; provides budget worksheets to department managers; assists department managers with preparation of budgets and correction of problems; compiles department budgets for preparation of comprehensive County budget; makes adjustments to budgets as needed.

Prepares monthly financial reports and budget reports; distributes financial / budget reports to County management and department management : provides technical expertise to department managers, finance staff, City employees, and the general public regarding interpretation and analysis of reports; provides information regarding budget status, encumbrance status and other accounting operations; researches account information; explains policies and procedures; and explains budget situations and recommends budgetary solutions.

Researches general ledger problems and makes corrections as appropriate; prepares monthly journal entries; enters general ledger information into computer; researches and reconciles various bank accounts against the balances of appropriate general ledger accounts.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures.

Assists in interpreting, applying, and ensuring compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.

Performs monthly closing of County books.

Reconciles primary bank account with bank statements; communicates with bank personnel regarding account problems / discrepancies, stop payments, service charges, or other issues.

Assists auditors in conducting annual / periodic audits; obtains information, retrieves records, prepares reports, and provides other assistance as needed for auditors; reviews audit reports for implementation of recommendations.

Performs a variety of general accounting / bookkeeping functions, such as preparing journal entries, balancing accounts, balancing / reconciling reports, calculating data, researching financial discrepancies, correcting data errors, keying financial data, generating reports, or maintaining financial records.

Conducts research of department files, account records, hardcopy materials, Internet sites, or other sources as needed.

Conducts or assists with special projects as assigned.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, annual budget documents, budget reports, bank reconciliations, special reports, spreadsheets, or other documents.

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, annual budget documents, budget reports, bank statements, meeting agendas, audit reports, accounting guidelines, policies, procedures, manuals, directories, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, financial, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner.

Assists in maintaining inventory of department equipment, supplies, forms, or other materials; ensures availability of adequate materials to conduct work activities; initiates requests for new / replacement items.

Maintains file system of department files / records; prepares and sets up files; reviews, sorts and organizes documents to be filed; files documents in designated order; retrieves / replaces files; disposes of obsolete documentation.

Communicates with supervisor, County officials, employees, other departments, banking personnel, the public, state / federal agencies, outside agencies, the media, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, resolve problems, or give / receive advice / direction.

Attends meetings, participates on committees, and makes presentations as needed.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, standards, and guidelines; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends seminars, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.

Performs general / clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, making copies, sending / receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming / outgoing mail.

Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.

Performs other related duties as required.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business / Public Administration, or closely related field; supplemented by five (5) years previous experience and / or training that includes municipal budget development, governmental accounting, financial analysis, general accounting, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.