Senior Financial Analyst - Financial Services (2024-25)

DUTIES : (Incumbent may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but are intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Participate in the more difficult work of staff responsible for complex financial, statistical and program management analysis.
• Participate in the preparation, planning, administration and monitoring of District-wide budgets; compile and analyze budget data;

provide information and assist staff and administrators in budget preparation, implementation and control.

• Prepare quarterly, semi-annual, and special analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities for management, regulatory and outside agencies.
• Assist in loading final budgets into applicable systems and perform required reconciliations.
• Perform statistical, cost and financial analysis of data extracted from various internal sources.
• Analyze and review financial data; identify discrepancies of financial information; recommend solutions ensuring corrections or changes are implemented properly.
• Perform research and participate in the preparation of a variety of financial and statistical reports related to assigned activities and required by the State and Federal agencies, administration and the Board of Education.
• Compile financial and statistical data; prepare related reports and submit to local, County, State, Federal and other agencies.
• Provide technical expertise, information and assistance as requested to Senior Leadership, Management Staff and other personnel regarding matters relating to financial data.
• Develop and recommend improvements to computerized financial management system.
• Coordinate project activities with other departments, divisions and external agencies.
• Communicate with all levels of District personnel, outside organizations, auditors and other related positions to perform essential functions, resolve issues and conflicts and to exchange information.
• Serve as consultant to all levels of management to provide decision support for initiatives, policies and procedures.
• Manage complex cross-functional projects that require input from multiple stakeholders within the District.
• Lead project teams, setting priorities and milestones, tracking progress, troubleshooting issues, providing status reports to management, and ensuring successful project implementation.
• Work with other members of the finance team to implement and maintain best practice accounting processes and internal controls;

raise issues, provide perspective on practices used, and introduce necessary changes to stay in compliance with laws and regulations.

• Leverage research-based process improvement tools and techniques (e.g., Six Sigma) to design, develop, document, and assist in implementing standard processes.
• Analyze data and workflow to identify areas of opportunities and possible solutions for achieving increased productivity or efficiency.
• Document and update changes to processes, policies, and procedures to ensure proper documentation and / or compliance requirements have been met.
• Prepare financial analyses to evaluate potential decisions, assisting the CBO and CFO with strategic planning.
• Leverage solid Excel and financial modeling skills to develop and maintain financial models used in reporting, analysis and financial forecasting.
• Analyze data to explain trends and variances from budget and forecast.
• Design innovative analytical and simplified management reporting tools for improved understanding of financial impact for informed decision making.
• Provide in-depth analysis of business results, identifying emerging risks and opportunities and regularly communicate findings to senior management.
• Assist Controller with audit preparation and examinations.
• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline and improve the month-end and year-end closing process; assist with activities related to fiscal year transition, year-end closing and audits of the financial records of the District.
• Train employees in their areas of work including budgeting and financial analysis methods, procedures and techniques.
• Attend a variety of meetings, workshops and conferences to maintain current knowledge of laws, codes, rules and regulations;

provide resources for administrators and supervisors.

Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

The District determines whether a candidate is qualified based on fulfillment of prerequisites, relevant work experience, ability to perform the essential functions, reference checks, effective interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated by interview performance and / or writing samples, and achievement on performance-based assessments (if applicable) that demonstrate the candidate possesses the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities.

Meeting prerequisites only satisfies the initial screening process and does not indicate the candidate is qualified to perform the essential functions of the position.

KNOWLEDGE OF :

Public school finance

Generally accepted accounting principles and procedures (GAAP) in governmental agencies

Standardized Account Code Structure (SACS)

Use and application of online payroll / accounting systems

Standard software applications related to financial applications including intermediate Excel

Advanced accounting theory

Principles and techniques of budget preparation, administration, statistical methods, technical writing, and related record keeping

Customer services strategies and techniques

Federal and State compliance rules, regulations and policies

Project management principles and methodologies

Organizational development & organizational change management principles and practices

Planning, organization and coordination needed for assigned program

Diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of District students and staff

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation

Computer software, hardware, and related technology

ABILITIES TO :

Research, retrieve and organize data to prepare reports and financial documentation; analyze and audit data to detect, and correct errors

Perform advanced financial analyses and prepare complex financial studies

Use and leverage computer-based accounting applications

Work with automated financial services systems

Set up and maintain spreadsheets and databases

Accurately perform complex mathematical computations; organize and maintain accounting records

Set priorities and organize work to meet strict deadlines

Coordinate a variety of projects simultaneously

Communicate effectively in English orally and in writing

Work independently, exercise sound judgment and initiative in an environment of rapid change, and in a lead capacity as a team member

Adapt to changing program needs

Train, plan, and coordinate the work of others assigned to the section / department

Build high-functioning relationships with analysts both inside and outside of the Fiscal Services Division

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others of diverse backgrounds, experience, and personalities

Use and leverage computer-based accounting applications

Interpret and explain complex rules, regulations, policies and procedures

Make decisions on a variety of complex matters in accordance with established procedures

PREREQUISITES

• A Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration
• Masters in economics, finance, or financial accounting preferred
• Five years experience with public school district budget or fiscal control
• Recent related experience working as a lead in a school district or a public agency; increasingly responsible experience in budgetary analysis, auditing, and complex accounting procedures preferred
• Prior California public school district fiscal experience preferred
• Customer service experience preferred
• Valid California Driver’s License, if applicable

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS :

Employment eligibility will include fingerprints, tuberculosis and / or other employment clearance

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT :

Office and diverse school site environments; driving a vehicle to conduct work; fast-paced work; constant interruptions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Consistent mental alertness; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects up to 30 pounds, occasionally 30+ pounds;
• bending and twisting at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; dexterity of both hands and fingers while performing duties;

seeing to read, write and use the computer; hearing and speaking to exchange information, in person or on the telephone, and make presentations.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY :

The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.