Financial Business Analyst

Financial Business Analyst

General Description

The Business Financial Analyst works under the leadership of the Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for performing complex financial analysis, cost reporting, and financial management support for the organization. This position provides financial information and analysis to assist executive leadership and management in making informed business and operational decisions.

This position adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures of Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Denton County MHMR Center.

Education, Training and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field required.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, cost reporting, governmental finance, nonprofit finance, or a related field required.
• Experience working for a governmental entity, local mental health authority, behavioral health organization, nonprofit organization, healthcare organization, or other publicly funded entity preferred.
• Experience preparing governmental, grant, contract, or cost reports preferred.
• Experience with governmental funding requirements and cost allocation methodologies preferred.
• Experience with state or federal grants and contracts preferred.
• Experience with financial audits and governmental monitoring reviews preferred.
• Experience with enterprise financial/accounting systems and financial reporting software preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of governmental, nonprofit, or healthcare financial management and reporting principles.
• Knowledge of cost allocation principles and governmental funding requirements.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial reporting.
• Ability to analyze complex financial information and identify trends, inconsistencies, and potential risks.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and general ledger activity.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, financial modeling, and data analysis.
• Ability to work with financial and accounting software and reporting systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize competing assignments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly to individuals who do not have a financial background.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to independently research governmental regulations, contractual requirements, and financial reporting standards.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Financial Analysis and Reporting
• Performs detailed financial analysis of revenues, expenditures, program costs, staffing costs, and operational activities.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management and executive leadership.
• Analyzes actual financial results compared to approved budgets and prior-period results and identifies significant variances.
• Investigates financial variances and works with department managers to identify causes, trends, and potential corrective actions.
• Develops financial schedules, spreadsheets, reports, and analytical tools to support organizational decision-making.
• Provides financial analysis and recommendations regarding program operations, expenditures, funding utilization, and resource allocation.
• Assists in developing financial projections, forecasts, and long-range financial models.

Cost Reporting and Governmental Reporting
• Prepares, reviews, and analyzes cost reports required by governmental agencies, funding sources, and contractual agreements.
• Ensures costs reported to governmental and funding agencies are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and adequately supported by appropriate documentation.
• Analyzes direct and indirect costs and ensures costs are appropriately allocated to programs, contracts, grants, and funding sources.
• Maintains and applies approved cost allocation methodologies and procedures.
• Reconciles cost reports to the organization's general ledger and supporting financial records.
• Identifies and resolves discrepancies between accounting records, program records, budgets, and reported costs.
• Monitors changes in governmental funding requirements, reporting requirements, and cost principles that may affect financial reporting.
• Maintains organized supporting documentation for cost reports and other external financial submissions.
• Assists with audits and monitoring reviews by governmental agencies, funding organizations, and independent auditors.

Budgeting and Forecasting
• Assists with the development and maintenance of the organization's annual operating budget.
• Reviews departmental budgets and expenditures to identify trends, potential overages, and opportunities for improved financial management.
• Prepares budget-to-actual analyses and provides explanations for significant variances.
• Assists departments with budget development, budget revisions, and financial projections.
• Monitors budgetary activity to ensure expenditures remain consistent with approved budgets and funding restrictions.
• Provides financial analysis related to new programs, contracts, grants, staffing changes, and operational initiatives.
• Assists management in evaluating the financial impact of proposed changes to programs and services.

Contract and Funding Analysis
• Reviews financial requirements associated with governmental contracts, grants, and other funding agreements.
• Monitors expenditures against contract budgets and funding limitations.
• Assists in determining appropriate allocation of expenses among multiple funding sources.
• Identifies potential underutilization, overspending, or compliance concerns related to funding agreements.
• Works with program and contract personnel to resolve financial reporting issues.
• Supports the financial components of contract renewals, amendments, budget adjustments, and funding requests.

Management Support
• Serves as a financial resource to program directors, department managers, and leadership.
• Explains financial information and governmental financial requirements to non-financial personnel.
• Provides financial information for management meetings, executive reports, board reports, and strategic planning activities.
• Assists management in evaluating the financial impact of operational decisions.
• Develops ad hoc financial reports and analyses as requested by management.
• Identifies opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls.