Financial Analyst

POSITION SUMMARY: The Financial Analyst is expected to function primarily in an oversight, analytical, coordination, and advisory capacity. Routine transaction processing, data entry, invoice preparation, maintenance of detailed accounts payable/receivable records, and other clerical accounting functions should generally remain the responsibility of the Account Clerk/Senior Account Clerk, with the Financial Analyst providing review, oversight, troubleshooting, and guidance as appropriate. The Financial Analyst will oversee the day-to-day fiscal operations of the Office of Planning, Budget & Personnel and review the work of the Senior Account Clerk and other staff, as needed. The position will provide fiscal analysis, financial oversight, budget support, and operational guidance to ensure compliance with City policies, procedures, procurement requirements, and applicable financial regulations. The Financial Analyst will develop a thorough knowledge of the City’s payment, revenue, procurement, budget, and financial reporting procedures. The position will ensure that fiscal transactions are processed accurately and timely, provide guidance on financial matters, and serve as a key point of contact for departments, vendors, the Budget Office, Purchasing, Human Resources, and other fiscal offices. The Financial Analyst will also provide coverage for the Senior Account Clerk and/or Payroll Coordinator, as needed, to maintain continuity of fiscal operations. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Provide oversight and review of the work performed by the Senior Account Clerk and other fiscal staff, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, vendor payments, requisitions, and related financial transactions, to ensure accuracy and compliance with City policies and procedures. Review and monitor payment processes and financial transactions to ensure invoices and other obligations are processed accurately and timely. Serve as a resource for resolving vendor payment inquiries and fiscal issues. Supervise and coordinate the workflow of accounting staff and collaborate with other departments to facilitate timely and accurate fiscal transactions. Oversee departmental cash management activities and ensure compliance with City and departmental policies, procedures, and internal controls. Develop, document, and maintain internal procedures, process guides, and other working documentation related to fiscal and administrative operations. Identify opportunities to improve fiscal processes, internal controls, and administrative procedures and assist with implementing improvements. Coordinate with the Purchasing Department and other appropriate offices regarding departmental contracts, purchase orders, procurement activities, and related fiscal matters. Monitor changes to City procurement rules, regulations, policies, and practices and provide guidance to departmental staff to support compliance. Assist with year-end financial closeout activities, including monitoring expenditures and revenues and establishing and maintaining appropriate financial controls for operating, grant, and capital funds. Prepare and analyze financial reports, appropriation requests, budget transfer requests, expenditure and revenue reports, and other fiscal analyses as required. Maintain and develop financial spreadsheets, tracking tools, and reporting systems. Utilize PeopleSoft to conduct inquiries, generate reports, and analyze financial information at the division and/or unit level. Assist in the development, preparation, and monitoring of the Department’s annual operating and capital budgets. Maintain and update the Department’s annual report, budget narrative, performance measures, benchmarks, monthly reports, and other financial and operational data-tracking systems. Monitor departmental expenditures, revenues, appropriations, and budget balances and identify potential issues or variances for management review. Assist with the maintenance and technical support of automated fiscal systems and coordinate the preparation and distribution of recurring weekly and monthly financial reports. Maintain close working relationships with the Leadership Team, Budget Office, Human Resources, Purchasing Department, and other City fiscal and administrative offices to coordinate financial, budgetary and procurement. Provide fiscal guidance and technical assistance to departmental staff regarding budget, procurement, financial transactions, reporting requirements, and related procedures. Provide administrative support to the Director and/or designee, including preparation and maintenance of meeting agendas, minutes, presentations, reports, and other meeting documentation. Assist the Director and/or designee with customer inquiries, meeting coordination, special projects, research, data analysis, and other administrative or fiscal assignments as directed. Perform the duties of the Senior Account Clerk and/or Payroll Coordinator during periods of absence or as operational needs require. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned. Perform other related duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS: Education/Experience Associate degree in business, finance, accounting, public administration, economics, statistics, data analytics, or a closely related field required; bachelor's degree in a related field strongly preferred; master's degree a plus. At least three (3) years of experience in an office where financial analysis, budgeting, revenue analysis, and forecasting are primary responsibilities required. As a condition of continued employment, must complete basic courses in municipal finance, budgeting, and revenue analysis approved or required by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's Division of Local Services, the Government Finance Officers Association, or the City. Ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups across diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Extensive knowledge of revenue analysis techniques and procedures related to property tax, excise, fees, and other municipal revenue sources. Working knowledge of Massachusetts statutes and regulations governing municipal finance and revenue; knowledge of laws, regulations, rules, procedures, and forms applicable to municipal revenue administration and reporting. Working knowledge of financial and data analysis software including Munis, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's Gateway, and related ERP, budgeting, and analytics platforms; ability to prepare reports using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Munis or similar ERP and reporting tools. Ability to work independently using professional judgment to analyze financial data, prepare forecasts and recommendations, and support implementation. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet cyclical and regular budget deadlines with excellent attention to detail; outstanding organizational skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including data presentation and stakeholder engagement; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with finance and budget staff, revenue-generating departments, and other municipal personnel. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general direction of a designated supervisor as determined by the department head, exercising considerable independent judgment in planning and carrying out responsibilities; work is reviewed through reports, meetings, and evaluation of results. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May provide guidance and direction to financial analysis support staff; reviews work for accuracy, assists with training, and coordinates the work of temporary, seasonal, and contract personnel as assigned. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed in an office environment with fluorescent lighting and air conditioning, using computers, financial systems, and other standard office equipment, and may involve meetings at other City offices or facilities. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires the ability to use a computer to access, input, and retrieve information and to read and analyze large volumes of financial and budgetary information; minimal lifting of up to 10 pounds may be required. The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. #J-18808-Ljbffr