Senior Business Analyst-Operations

General Purpose

To be considered for an interview, please make sure your application is full in line with the job specs as found below.

The Senior Business Analyst works within the Operations Department to support the implementation of the Operations Department business plan and Service Implementation Plan.

Under general direction, this position acts as a liaison between Sound Transit Operations and FIT and other Agency Departments.

This position will perform high level financial and business analysis in support of the development of alternative Agency business and contracting strategies.

This position will perform detailed review of reports that are developed by the Operations Support Services staff, and will provide direction for the management of agreements and negotiations with third parties.

This position will take direction from the Operations Business Manager and other Department leadership team members as directed.

Essential Functions

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Supervise the creation and analysis of monthly reports to monitor budget versus actual financial performance of each of the Sound Transit operating modes.

Prepares summaries of the analysis with recommendations to the management team on a regular basis. Oversees the integrity of charges to different modes on a monthly basis with an analysis summarizing the results.

Monitors allocated charges from business units outside of Operations to ensure that hours and costs charged to Operations are legitimate;

this may include monitoring timesheet charges to operating business modes, timesheet charges to capital projects, or validating allocation rules are being applied correctly and accurately reflect agreed upon budgets.

Analyzes, researches, and resolves discrepancies noted on a timely basis.

Perform ad-hoc financial analysis and audits on complicated business issues such as competitive procurement opportunities, interlocal agreement development and negotiations, and alternative service delivery scenarios as requested.

Ability to compile and track information attained through interviews with internal constituents, internet research, peer comparisons, and obtaining an understanding of current contract and agreement terms and conditions.

• Analyze and review annual cost submittals from the partners covering : service statistics assumed by the partners reflect Sound Transit service plans and fleet characteristics;
• identify, analyze, and document variances in budget areas and obtain explanations from the partners for significant differences;

evaluate the allocation rules applied for overhead to determine the reasonableness for payment by Sound Transit; and review monthly Paratransit invoices to ensure that contract terms are being followed.

Review monthly invoices and supporting details from partners to validate adherence to Sound Transit policies such as proper tracking of fuel consumption.

Evaluate the service provided by business partners to determine if there are implications for budget performance, may include an analysis of type of bus used per budget, changes to fuel prices, cost of labor, etc.

Review utility consumption to identify potential budget issues and report on performance with respect to Agency Sustainability goals.

• Perform the annual reconciliation of costs for the service agreements to confirm the reasonableness of the actual service statistics and ensure that allocation rules applied are reasonable to established contract standards.
• Support the internal processes in the negotiation of new inter-local agreements for bus and light rail operations.
• Administer the Operations Department capital program to include compiling the annual budget materials, monitoring monthly capital budget variance reports;

and supporting the Operations Department in the Phase Gate process.

• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and / or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience : Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Operations Management or closely related field and four years of experience in business analysis that includes project analysis, negotiations support in a medium to large organization;

OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in transit operations or other service delivery field preferred.

Required Knowledge And Skills

• Basic operations, services, and activities of a budget program.
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a financial planning and budget division and associated fiscal functions.
• Pertinent state and federal regulations; Agency policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Basic budget development, monitoring, and reporting principles and practices.
• Principles of financial analysis, cash flow modeling, and cost forecasting, especially as apply to a large-scale rapid transit project.
• General accounting principles and practices.
• Financial analysis and modeling methods and tools.
• Automated financial systems.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Business / industry principles and practices for the area of responsibility.
• Integrated use of a variety of project database and report writing software applications.
• Governmental budget preparation and administration principles and practices.
• External and management reporting requirements and report preparation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Developing and monitoring divisional and program / project operating and capital project budgets, costs, and schedules.
• Formulating, planning, and executing financial and budgetary analyses and studies.
• Analyzing and reviewing financial plans and models and related budgetary information to determine the impact on the Agency-wide Program / division.
• Analyzing complex financial and policy issues.
• Planning and organizing work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Preparing and analyzing complex data and numerical computations and comprehensive reports.
• Responding to inquiries and in effective oral and written communication.
• Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.
• Analyze and synthesize information in a concise manner and make recommendations on strategies to resolve issues.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Work is performed in a standard hybrid office environment.
• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.

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