Financial Analyst

Job Title

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.

Supervision Received and Exercised: 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.

Class Characteristics: 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.

Knowledge of: 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.

Ability to: 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.

Education and Experience: 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.

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

Physical Demands: 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 read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas is required. Employees in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Environmental Elements: Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to potentially hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures and City codes.

Application Procedure and Selection Process: A City application and supplemental questionnaire must be submitted and received by the closing date/time. Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list.

The City of Menifee is an Equal Opportunity Employer