Financial Analyst

Under moderate supervision, performs professional financial duties using standardized methods and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Federal, State and Local laws and policies. Collects, analyzes, researches, documents, interprets, audits and reports financial data. Prepares financial statements and standardized reports for activities, such as financial reporting, budgeting, revenue estimation, grants, purchasing, contracts, payroll, and other accounting transactions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the first in a series of four professional financial analyst-related job classifications within the Finance job family. Incumbents typically perform a range of routine to moderately complex professional financial analysis duties that require the application of standard financial theories, principles and techniques, and require the appropriate skill levels including basic to intermediate skill levels in computer, analytical and communication skills. This classification is distinguished from the Financial Analyst Senior classification in that incumbents usually consult with higher level Financial staff for advice and assistance and are not typically responsible for the more complex financial analysis functions. Duties require a moderate degree of initiative and independent judgment. This classification typically performs duties at a department or office level. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Prepares financial reports by preparing periodic internal and external financial documents, supporting schedules and financial reports. Researches, compiles, monitors and summarizes financial information and data and reports on financial condition.
• Conducts financial analysis by monitoring, reviewing and analyzing current and historical financial and budget information. Analyzes trends, prepares financial forecasts, summarizes and interprets the results of financial analysis and provides possible alternatives for consideration. Informs higher level staff and management of the financial condition of the department.
• Prepares budget reports by researching, compiling, monitoring and summarizing current and historical budget information and data. Monitors or assists in monitoring the departmental budget and reports on budget variances. Prepares budget transfers, as required. Participates in preparing annual departmental budget submission.
• Prepares, processes and maintains all financial transactions and documents for departmental activities, such as financial reporting, budget, grants, purchasing, contracts, payroll, and other financial transactions. Maintains accounting ledgers, documents and accounts and reviews, verifies and reconciles accounting transactions.
• Assists in or develops and maintains computer spreadsheet models, databases and queries. Designs and maintains spreadsheets and databases to support departmental financial operations. Conducts project and division specific financial analysis. Prepares, updates and maintains monthly financial activity reports, spreadsheets and ledgers. Maintains financial data and records.
• Responds to financial inquiries from departmental management and staff, other County fiscal representatives and the public. Provides technical assistance to departmental staff in developing and maintaining grants, proposals, contracts, payroll, and other operations having financial implications.
• Assists in developing strategic and tactical financial plans. May assist in the development and implementation of departmental financial policies, procedures and strategies.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or a directly related field AND three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional level financial analysis or accounting experience. Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or a directly related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
None required.

Preferred:
Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and standardized financial, accounting and auditing practices.
• Budget planning, development, preparation, and monitoring.
• Manual and automated systems relating to assigned function.
• Modern office practices, procedures and methods.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Developing financial spreadsheets and financial trend analysis.
• Completing professional financial reports.
• Planning and evaluating financial processes.
• Developing financial policies and procedures.
• Both verbal and written communication, including presentations.

• Work independently.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• Analyze, calculate, forecast and interpret financial data and identify and correct errors.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies and providers, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 10-15 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, crawling, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday. Works some holidays, Works some nights, Works some weekends
Location: 700 Lavaca Street
Department: Technology and Operations
Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.