Financial Analyst

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, performs a variety of accounting and statistical analysis functions in the maintenance of financial, technical, and accounting records; assists in budget development and administration, sound fiscal health, annual and long-range plans, management information, legislative fiscal impacts, rates for services, cost allocation models, and organizational, management, and operational studies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs professional level accounting, finance, and budget functions and statistical analysis for the Finance Department.
• Determines the fiscal impact of all ordinances, contracts, and budget modifications; develops findings, conclusions, and recommendations as appropriate.
• Monitors the fiscal health of applicable funds through analysis of revenues, expenditures, cash position, and fund balance; assists accounting with cash flow projections by providing input as required; interprets accounting information and correlates with appropriate budgets, plans, and programs.
• Advises and assists with annual and long-range construction, management, and fiscal plans.
• Develops and analyzes computerized fiscal models and programs; develops fiscal impact models.
• Develops and recommends rates for services; determines rate objectives; reviews revenue requirements, operating costs, and capital acquisition plans; develops rate amount and timing options.
• Assembles materials to illustrate complex financial forecasts, budget adjustments, and status reports; effectively communicates recommendations to management.
• Coordinates and/or prepares management information reports.
• Analyzes legislative fiscal impacts as required.
• Completes organizational, managerial, and operational studies as required.
• Monitors division goals, objectives, and fiscal performance measures.
• Completes cost/benefit analyses and/or special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of:
  • Practices, methods, and procedures of business or public budgeting, fiscal management, and administration.
  • Revenue, expenditure, and cash forecasting methods and models.
  • Research methods and techniques of financial analysis.
  • Program budgeting and financial management concepts and principles
  • Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
  • Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines.
  • Relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.

• 
  Skill in:
  • Computer applications and software.
  • Understanding and applying budget and accounting standards, procedures, applicable Federal rules and regulations, and City policies and ordinances.

• 
  Ability to:
  • Research, analyze, and evaluate proposed programs and expenditures.
  • Provide analysis, projections, and recommendation on revenues, expenditures, and financial policies.
  • Interpret and apply guidelines, regulations, and policies.
  • Perform financial, statistical, budgetary, and cost analyses.
  • Prepare concise and logical reports and conduct verbal presentation of technically and financially complex information.
  • Identify financial/budgetary related problems and implement solutions.
  • Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and City staff to support the relationship between the City and constituent population.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Finance Director assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the results.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• Requires a thorough understanding of accounting operations related to the assigned work, and knowledge and experience in the application of more advanced analytical and problem-solving techniques.
• Work is performed under limited supervision.
• Exercises considerable discretion and independent judgement when evaluating various alternatives and making recommendations.
• Distinguished from the Accountant classification by the specialized nature, and the level of complexity of the work.
• Distinguished from the Accounting Division Manager by the focus of the latter on administrative and operational responsibilities.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with department directors, managers, coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, bankers, auditors, vendors, and the public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, justify matters, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

May provide supervision to others as job requires.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, public or business administration, or related field emphasizing accounting/finance course work; and
• Three years professional level experience involving fiscal, managerial, and analytical work, preferably in the public sector; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Previous experience in municipal government sector preferred but not required.
• All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other.

The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or to balance workloads.

Management reserves the sole right to add, modify or exclude any duties at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description, nor by completion of any job requirements by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment.

At its sole discretion, the City of Moses Lake may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

This is an FLSA-exempt position and, as such, is not entitled to overtime. The position is also subject to an "employee at will" doctrine.

Company Description

Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities.

Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision.

Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations.

Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques.

Company Description

The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran.

Benefits

The City of Moses Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package. Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage. In addition to basic life insurance coverage, AD&D, dependent life, additional life insurance, long-term disability, EAP and LifeFlight are also offered. Retirement is through the Department of Retirement Systems - Public Employees Retirement System. Optional deferred compensation is offered with a City match of up to 2% of the employee's base salary. Employees of the City receive eleven (11) paid holidays plus one (1) floating holiday annually. Vacation accrual begins at 12 days annually and increases with years of service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of eight (8) hours per month.