Financial Analyst

Management Analyst

Under general direction, performs a variety of professional and complex analysis in support of specialized financial activities, and the preparation of forecasts and reports; conducts rate/fee studies and forecasting; collects and analyzes business performance data; collects and analyzes market and risk data; serves as a resource to managers, supervisors, and employees on financial matters; maintains special taxing district budgets and assessment levies; develops processes to enhance special district administration, bond issuance and monitoring; participates in complex policy development and strategic planning; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and performs related financial work as required.

Receives administrative direction from the Deputy City Manager, Department Director or senior management staff as assigned. May exercise functional, technical, or lead responsibility on a project basis and/or direct supervision over para-professional, technical, and clerical support staff.

This is the specialized/advanced journey level class in the Management Analyst job series. Employees at this level are generally assigned responsibility for the management and administration of multiple significant programs, projects, functions, and/or service areas within a department. Employees at this level also independently perform the most complex, difficult, and responsible analyses related to financial, systems, statistical, programmatic, management, and other administrative areas in providing highly responsible staff support to a City department. Assignments are typically received in broad, outline form, and employees are expected to act independently in developing applicable resources and information. Employees at this level are assigned to highly complex areas and the scope of duties requires greater expertise than at the Management Analyst level.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs rate analyses as assigned and takes a leadership role in coordinating work with other departments and outside consultants for the preparation of City fees and charges.
• Prepares reports for use in preparation of the City's annual budget, mid-year review, and year end summary.
• Assists in the maintenance of the City's financial model and review various proposed projects and provide economic analyses.
• Performs professional technical and analytical work in the areas of financial analysis and forecasting.
• Develops analytical models, business reporting and other tools to identify trends and provide useful control mechanisms on various aspects of business processes.
• Collects and reports operating, and financial data needed for performance management reporting and performance improvement projects.
• Ensures that the State laws and regulations governing the Department are administered and enforced by following established procedures and performing assigned tasks as required.
• Organizes an orderly workflow to allow for the timely reassessment of properties by following guidelines and effectively managing the staff.
• Partners with local government agencies to resolve mutual problems by communicating with departments such as Finance, Planning/Community Development, Public Works and Engineering.
• Reviews and approves annual reassessments to ensure that the final figures adhere to established standards of uniformity by following procedures and working with other staff.
• Attends various public meetings representing the Department speaking on topics that relate to the assessment process.
• Responds to requests for information from news media, State Legislators, County and other agencies to ensure that work is completed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Responds to inquiries from the general public that involve highly technical issues relating to property valuation and various legal topics by direct communication and task allocation.
• Coordinates and oversees assigned administrative service areas, programs, and/or functions, such as budget development, administration and analysis, financial analysis, and/or special staff projects for assigned department.
• Coordinates and participates in the work of other staff involved in developing, preparing, and monitoring operating and capital budgets for the assigned department.
• Identifies, reviews, and presents recommendations to department management regarding alternative funding and service level recommendations.
• Identifies and resolves budgetary and financial issues and problems; provides timely, accurate, and informative financial analysis; performs financial analysis and financial forecasting as assigned; reviews and evaluates cost benefit proposals; makes recommendations for improvements.
• Performs the full range of duties involved in researching, negotiating, and monitoring assigned contracts and agreements with outside suppliers, service providers, leasing agents, and others; ensures work is performed in compliance with contracts and agreements.
• Provides training, technical support, and group presentations to employees, executive management, and elected officials regarding operational policies and procedures.
• Prepares council reports, financial reports, statistical tables, charts, and graphs.
• Serves as a management liaison to various boards, committees, and citizen advisory groups, as assigned.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public agency finance and accounting; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Advanced project and/or program management, analytical processes, and financial report preparation techniques; municipal programs such as, but not limited to community development block grant, finance, budgeting, and other related governmental programs.

• Assessment and Taxation rules, laws, regulations and City policies as required by the position.
• Advanced principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• General accounting principles and practices.
• Financial analysis and modeling methods and tools.
• Principles and practices of contract negotiation, preparation, and evaluation; and public agency budget development and administration, and sound financial management policies and procedures.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical, administrative, and financial record keeping, report preparation, and presentation.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Independently perform professional duties in the analysis of a variety of complex financial and accounting data.

Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations including those related to assessment and taxation.

Conduct rate studies and other financial studies.

Perform financial planning and economic analysis.

Perform computerized modeling and forecasting.

Monitor assigned accounting and financial analysis activities including compliance with local, State, and Federal requirements and professional standards.

Provide authoritative review of Special District budgets to ensure Taxing District's authority to levy tax.

Coordinate and oversee programmatic administrative, budgeting, and fiscal reporting activities.

Conduct research on a wide variety of administrative topics including contract feasibility, budget and staffing proposals, and operational alternatives.

Analyze complex problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.

Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies or methods.

Prepare clear and concise technical, administrative, and financial reports.

Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.

Research, negotiate, manage, and monitor contracts and agreements.

Properly interpret, ensure compliance with, and make recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.

Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.

Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business or public administration, finance, accounting or a closely related field and four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience conducting financial analyses, preferably for a municipal or local government agency.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to