Senior Financial Analyst
Pay Range: $ 51.60/hr - $64.43/hr
The City of Wildomar is seeking an experienced Finance professional to join our growing team within our Finance/Accounting Department. The ideal candidate is someone who is detail oriented, knowledgeable, and ready to hit the ground running. While this person will be a part of a dynamic team, a successful candidate will also be able to thrive independently as well.
The city offers a 4/10 schedule and competitive benefits package!
Apply Today!
Application closes January 4, 2025.
DEFINITION
Under general direction, performs a variety of advanced professional administrative, financial, and budgeting work in support of the City’s financial management operations; prepares a diverse range of financial reports; evaluates departmental budget development and administration requests to ensure compliance with City budgetary policies, procedures, and established guidelines; leads in compiling, and preparing the City-wide budget; participates in treasury management and investments; reconciles complex financial transactions; and performs related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced-level class in the professional Financial Analyst series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Financial Analyst by the significant level of professional financial management work performed; the level of responsibility assumed; and the complexity of duties assigned. Incumbents work independently, and exercise a high level of judgment and initiative. Incumbents are expected to perform the most difficult and complex financial management, budgetary, accounting, and related analysis work requiring thorough knowledge of governmental accounting systems and procedures, and financial management. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Incumbents provide lead direction to lower lever staff and may oversee multiple functions of the department.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Administrative Services Manager or Finance Manager, as assigned. Exercises technical and functional supervision over, and provides training to, lower-level staff.
Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assists in planning and directing the work of finance staff on assigned tasks and/or projects; reviews the work of assigned staff for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies, procedures, and standards; participates in staff training activities; prepares drafts of new or revised departmental processes and procedures and submits recommendations for review and approval.
- Assists in the development and administration of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures related to the area of assignment; drafts policies and procedures with supervisory confirmation.
- Performs advanced level and complex professional tasks in support of the City's financial management operations; prepares a variety of analyses such as revenue and expenditures, variances, personnel costs, and related fiscal documents; develops revenue estimates and financial projections; documents assumptions; conducts sensitivity studies; develops and prepares recommendations.
- Prepares a diverse range of financial reports, including grant reporting, expenditure/revenue budget to actual comparison, monthly fiscal reports, the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), and other periodic financial reports.
- Conducts analysis of proposals; identifies issues and opportunities; assists with the development of alternative scenarios to improve service levels and lower costs.
- Explains budgeting guidelines to departmental managers; participates in the review and evaluation of requests to ensure compliance with City policies, procedures, and established guidelines; responds to questions, provides information and support to departments.
- Leads in the coordination and development of the City’s annual budget; compiles statistics and prepares projections; drafts the City’s budget books.
- Leads and conducts fees studies; summarizes findings and prepares recommendations.
- Participates in the preparation, review, evaluation, and monitoring of capital improvement program (CIP) plans and budgets; monitors and updates operating and capital budget adjustments and funding changes; reviews CIP requests for financial compliance.
- Performs financial analysis and statistical computations for various financial models and cost allocation plans; prepares periodic and ad-hoc financial reports as assigned; researches and answers financial and budget inquiries submitted by staff, City management, citizens, other governmental agencies and the City Council.
- Prepares journal entries and reconciliations for complex accounting transactions such as debt issuance and refunding, capital assets acquisition and related transactions; works with contractors, bond counsel, and fiscal intermediaries on various required year-end schedules, reports and bond financing.
- Monitors financial data collection systems.
- Develops, plans, organizes, controls, trains and evaluates cash handling activities within the Administrative Services Department and City-wide.
- Provides assistance to department management, other City staff, and the public regarding fiscal or operational issues, policies, or procedures.
- Provides lead direction, technical guidance, and training to professional, technical and clerical accounting staff.
- Participates in or directs and monitors assigned projects related to debt management, treasury management and investments; performs research and statistical analysis; prepares and presents reports of findings and recommends appropriate action.
- Provides assistance in the enhancement of the City's core financial system, including implementing new modules and re-configuring existing applications.
- Compiles information and works with auditors on various City-wide financial audits; may lead and/or conduct audits.
- Prepares and submits City Council agenda reports and various other commission, committee, and staff reports, resolutions, ordinances, and correspondence regarding assigned activities.
- Provides lead direction and/or supervision, training and work review to professional, technical and clerical support staff.
- Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate services and staffing levels.
- Monitors and evaluates the impact of proposed legislation and regulations on the City's programs and requirements within assigned areas of responsibility; conducts research and recommends new procedures, forms, policies, processes and/or programs to conform to new requirements.
- Maintains current knowledge of new trends and innovations in the field of revenue and cash collections, related internal control programs, and customer service; attends and participates in professional group meetings; participates in professional development activities; reads publications relevant to area of assignment.
- Prepares and writes a variety of reports and documentation.
- Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge of:
- Advanced principles and practices of municipal financial management including, but not limited to, budget development and administration, debt management, treasury management, investments, auditing and general accounting.
- Project and/or program management, analytical processes, and report preparation techniques.
- Advanced principles and practices of public agency budget development and administration.
- Operations and organizational structure of municipal government.
- Specialized accounting and report writing software.
- Methods and techniques of administering sound financial management policies and procedures.
- Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
- Research and financial reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
- Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
- Operational characteristics of financial management technology systems.
- Complex record-keeping principles and procedures.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
- English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Principles and practices of filing and record keeping.
- Methods and techniques of public relations and customer service.
- Safe and efficient work practices as they relate to code enforcement.
- City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Ability to:
- Perform advanced level and complex professional duties in support of the City's financial management programs.
- Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives ,practices ,policies ,procedures, and work standards.
- Coordinate and oversee budgeting, and financial reporting activities.
- Plan and conduct effective financial and operational studies.
- Conduct research on a wide variety of topics including contract feasibility, budget and staffing proposals, and operational alternatives.
- Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
- Apply critical thinking to complex projects and interpret detailed requirements.
- Plan and organize multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines.
- Develop and accurately maintain a variety of financial records and documents.
- Interpret, explain, and analyze financial and statistical data and material.
- Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- Evaluate situations, identify problems, and exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
- Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Train and review the work of clerical, technical, and professional staff.
- Maintain professionalism and confidentiality of information.
- Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
- Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both or ally and in writing.
- Deliver quality customer service.
- Perform assignments with a high degree of independence.
- Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
- Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
- Experience: A minimum of four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional administrative, financial and accounting experience at the journey level, of which three (3) years included governmental accounting experience.
- Training: Equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in finance, accounting, business or public administration, or a related field.
- Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a State of California driver’s license and/or the ability to make reasonable and timely transportation accommodation(s) as needed.
- Special Requirements: Employees in these classes may be required to work varying shifts and extended hours including evenings and weekends.
WORKING CONDITIONSThe work environment characteristics and physical/mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Environmental Conditions: Employees in this class generally work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employee may interact with staff and/or the public and private representatives in various settings including the field or remote offices for meetings. The incumbent will be exposed to outdoor environmental elements on a limited basis with exposure to varying temperatures, moderate exterior noise levels including traffic, and may have limited exposure to dust and fumes.
Physical Demands: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting including use of standard office equipment, including a computer; and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City sites. Color vision is required to read printed materials and a computer screen. Hearing and speech is required to communicate in person and over the telephone. Touch is required in order to handle documents, and use a computer. 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 in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time. Positions in this classification regularly 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 up to 20 pounds.
Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information, and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math, and mathematical reasoning; observes and interprets people, and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs highly detailed work; deals with changing deadlines, constant interruptions, and multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.
