Financial Analyst (20530577)

The City of Lincoln is hiring for the position of Financial Analyst in the Finance Division. Under general direction, the Financial Analyst performs a variety of professional duties in governmental budgeting, financial analysis and accounting involved in the formulation and maintenance of the City’s budget and develop budget documents; assist in planning and completing long range financial analysis; assist in administrative and technical support relative to the planning and organizing of the City’s financial programs.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Financial Analyst is an advanced journey level class responsible for the full range of assigned duties. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classifications of Budget Manager and Finance Manager in that the latter positions are responsible for management of their respective divisions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Budget Manager or Finance Manager and only occasional instruction from the Finance Director. May exercise direct supervision over professional, technical, and clerical accounting and administrative staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure work is handled on a priority basis, organized, and completed in a timely manner, check for accuracy, completeness and conformance to applicable policies, rules and regulations.
• Calculate, analyze, and evaluate expenditures budgets to help department determine needs for future budget cycles.
• Perform activities related to the preparation and administration of the City’s budget and capital improvement plan (CIP).
• Review departmental budgets, CIPs and strategic plans for appropriateness, impact, cost effectiveness, and conformity to the city’s priorities, policies, and strategic goals.
• Assist department with a variety of issues and needs, including budget and CIP preparation, strategic planning, work plans, benchmarking, fiscal administration, program analysis, etc.
• Perform analysis of expenditures, monitoring of revenues, and the preparation of management reports and expenditure and revenue projections/forecasts.
• Prepares, maintains, analyzes, verifies, and reconciles complex financial transactions, statements, records, and highly technical reports; reconciles assigned accounts and makes adjustments as necessary; ensure and maintain internal controls.
• Provide technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation; assists departments with problem resolution.
• Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications.
• Assist in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) by gathering information, modifying and running reports, preparing detailed reconciliations, etc.
• Participate in the external audit by providing detailed information to and responding to questions from auditors, including analytical review, internal control evaluation, and preparation of the Management Discussion and Analysis.
• Develop cost accounting tools to provide fiscal accountability and grant compliance for grant-funded programs; review and approve financial transactions and analysis.
• Participate in the monitoring of investment activities for City, bond, and other fiduciary agency portfolios.
• Participate in bond financing, review official statements; provide financial information, review bond disclosure requirements and annual report.
• Build and maintain positive working relationship with co-workers, other City employees and the public.
• Maintain knowledge of current development and innovations in governmental accounting and financial management, including governmental accounting updates; budget management; revenue collection; treasury management; CFD and Mello-Roos administration, and financial accounting systems.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS

The following are a representative sample of the KSAs necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge of:  Principles and practices of municipal fiscal management, including fund accounting and budgeting; theories, principles, and practices of governmental budgeting and finance; Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and Government Accounting Standards (GASB); techniques of financial and management analysis; principles and practices of government finance and administration; principles and practices of program and budget development; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; current data processing principles and applications for fiscal and financial systems using standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office equipment including computer and applicable software; principles of fiscal, financial and accounting analysis; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:  Learn pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; learn the City’s financial budget and resource management system; learn, understand, interpret and apply principles, laws and procedures related to budget preparation and processing; accurately maintain records and files, and prepare reports; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to:  Operate office computers and a variety of software applications and modern office equipment.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The process may include an in-basket exercise, individual interviews, panel interviews and/or other related components.  Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. The candidate selected for the position will be required to complete a background check including reference checks, fingerprint check, medical exam, drug-screening and/or other related components.

Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of five days in advance of the selection process exam by calling (916) 434-3229 or emailing hr@lincolnca.gov. The City of Lincoln is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.