Finance Analyst/Senior

Finance Analyst/Senior

The Finance Analyst/Senior will have primary responsibility in the areas of budget development and administration, rate and fee program management, fiscal analysis and forecasting, and financial systems/process improvement. Responsibilities include performing complex financial analysis and specialized financial duties related to the coordination, development, implementation, and administration of the City's operating and capital budgets; oversight and regular updates to City rate and fee programs, including the Book of Fees, utility rates, development impact fees, and nexus studies; analysis of financing mechanisms and fiscal impacts associated with development projects and City initiatives; long- and short-range fiscal forecasting; development and implementation of financial policies, processes, and procedures; and support and administration of technology solutions related to budgeting, transparency, reporting, and financial management systems. This position will also play a key role in implementation and ongoing administration of the City's budget development and transparency systems and will work closely with departments, executive management, developers, consultants, and elected officials on complex financial and policy matters.

Preference will be given to candidates with significant experience developing and administering agency-wide budgets in a governmental setting; managing and updating municipal fee and rate programs, including utility rates, cost recovery/user fees, and development impact fees; and performing complex fiscal analysis and long-range financial forecasting. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously. A strong emphasis will be placed on experience with process improvement, automation, financial system implementation, and the use of technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and decision-making. The successful candidate will also possess exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to effectively present complex financial and budgetary information to executive leadership, governing bodies, departments, developers, consultants, and members of the public, and to collaborate on complex financial and policy issues in a professional and solutions-oriented manner.

Preference will be given to candidates with at least six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in budgeting, finance, accounting, public administration, or a related field, including at least two (2) years in a public agency environment.

DEFINITION: The Finance Analyst performs complex professional budgetary, financial, economic, accounting and statistical analysis related to the City's financial functions; evaluates cost and performance data; and provides sound recommendations for budget and policy formation, implementation, and procedure. The Finance Analyst coordinates activities of the Finance Department with other departments/divisions, governmental agencies, and/or private entities. The Senior Finance Analyst performs advanced and complex professional budgetary, financial, economic, accounting and statistical analysis related to the City's financial functions; evaluates cost and performance data, and provides sound recommendations for budget and policy formation, implementation and procedure. The Senior Finance Analyst coordinates activities of the Finance Department with other departments/divisions, governmental agencies and/or private entities. The Senior Finance Analyst is an at-will position that is appointed by and sits at the pleasure of the City Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general supervision from the Director of Department or designee. Finance Analyst: May exercise technical and functional direction over assigned staff. Senior Finance Analyst: May supervise professional level finance staff, as well as technical and extra help staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This classification is distinguished from other analyst classes with financial responsibilities by the high level and complexity of accounting and financial analysis work performed on a city-wide basis and coordination with key fiscal staff from operating departments. This position is the advanced level in the Finance Analyst series. This class differs from the Finance Analyst in that it has full management responsibility for multiple finance functions and is expected to perform the most complex professional finance work with minimal supervision and assistance requiring a substantial level of professional training and experience. Upon the recommendation of the Director of Finance and approval by the City Manager, a Finance Analyst may advance to the Senior Finance Analyst upon attaining the minimum qualifications for the position, demonstrating the abilities and competencies necessary to perform the full range of Senior Finance Analyst duties and successfully completing an approved career progression plan developed by the Director of Finance in conjunction with the incumbent.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Illustrative Only): 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.

• Participate in the activities and operations of the Finance Department which includes coordinating the Citywide operating and capital improvement program budget process; preparation of the budget manual, development of schedules, worksheets and exhibits; monitor interdepartmental cost allocation and actual expenditures and preparing, and analyzing the City's budget and financial position.
• Participate in the ongoing budget monitoring process and prepare fund summaries for use in the preparation of the City's annual budget, mid-year review, and year end summary; analyze and recommend budget funding levels and determine impact of programs, cost proposals, and related matters.
• Coordinate with Finance Department staff and other City departments to ensure cost accounting and revenue collection systems are consistent with the approved budget; review budgeting and accounting systems and procedures and make recommendations for improvements and/or modifications.
• Forecast and review general revenues and expenditures and provide professional assistance to other department regarding projections specific to their respective operations.
• Coordinate activities of the Finance Department with City departments and divisions, and with outside agencies; may meet with citizen groups; represent the City in the community, at meetings, and at conferences.
• Review council reports to ensure financial information is accurate and that policy issues have been addressed in advance.
• Prepare council reports for the Finance Department and make presentations to the City Council and other committees as required.
• Prepare and analyze a variety of financial statements, schedules, and reports; develop formats for the preparation of financial reports of the City and its component units; ensure that financial statements are prepared on a timely basis in accordance with GAAP, GASB, and related governmental accounting regulations.
• Prepare and administer complex contracts, grant applications, leases and/or debt issues.
• Serve as a resource for City staff in all departments in resolving budgetary, accounting and financial questions and problems.
• Perform research and analysis of legislative issues, requirements or new procedures and prepare reports on their impact to administrative department operations; evaluate alternatives, develop recommendations, and assist in the implementation of recommendations as approved.
• Perform complex financial calculations and analysis; prepare comprehensive financial studies, statistics, statements, and reports.
• Research, develop, implement and interpret policies, procedures, standards and regulations applicable to the City's finance, purchasing, accounting, and budget processes; ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Attend meetings to represent the City and may serve on various committees relative to department activities.
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of various department and City programs and policies.
• Assist in the development of accounting and audit control methods, systems and procedures to comply with accounting procedures, laws, ordinances and regulations; coordinate the preparation of external audit materials and assists external auditors in the fiscal year review.
• Assist management in projecting costs and revenues associated with long-term projects.
• Conduct complex studies (financial, fee, cost recovery, utility rate, etc.), analysis and prepare summary reports, spreadsheets, and charts; present data in an easy to understand format to the City Manager, City Council, department heads, and the public.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE : Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be: Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business or public administration, accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field Experience: Finance Analyst: Four (4) years of professional analytical, management or administrative work experience in budgeting, accounting, finance, public administration, or a comparable field. Public agency experience is desirable. Senior Finance Analyst: Six (6) years of full time, increasingly responsible professional analytical, management or administrative work experience in budgeting, accounting, finance, public administration, or a comparable field, with at least two (2) years in a public agency.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES : Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS : Mobility to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment and attend off-site meetings. On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist and reach while performing office duties; lift light weights. Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (binders, manuals, etc.); vision to read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS: Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing department guidelines, policies and procedures.