Financial Analyst - Ft (40Hr.) - Financial Planning & Analysis

PURPOSE OF JOB

The Financial Analyst assists Financial Planning and Analysis Manager with the planning and coordination of the budget process. Assists with analysis of variances to budget and forecast. Monitors financial and performance data to aid in support of organizational goals and ensure compliance with library Board policy and library procedures.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Monitors and analyzes actual results versus budget. Works with budget administrators to understand the budget system and develop strategies to maximize budget efficiencies. Alerts department managers and CFO of potential overspending problems. Serves as liaison between the Budget Office and other departments, analyzes and identifies budget issues, provides alternative solutions, and resolves problems.
2. Assists with quarterly department budget review meetings including analyzing budget variances, documenting problems and the resolution, validating outstanding purchase orders, and scheduling meetings.
3. Coordinates financial reporting for the library’s capital construction projects and assists with administering the project budgets. Tasks include documenting project adjustments, analyzing costs and preparing financial reports.
4. Responsible for confirming authorization, validating budget balances, and entering budget adjustments into accounting system.
5. Assists in annual budget development including setting of process and procedures, calendar, meetings, training, and analysis.
6. Using Microsoft Excel, compiles budget data, analyzes budget patterns and trends, develops cost benefit analysis, forecasts expenditures, and prepares status reports.
7. Ensures that funds are expended according to board approval, policies, procedures, and organizational strategies.
8. Assists in the design, compilation and distribution of fundamental management reports, utilizing report writing, Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, relational databases, statistical packages, and graphics packages to present financial data and/or reports.
9. Assists with development of long-term financial forecast, including documenting forecast strategies and assumptions.
10. Assists in the implementation of new technology functionality, system upgrades, new module and/or other system implementations.
11. Applies a working knowledge of applicable standards, laws and regulations; verifies documents for completeness and compliance with policies, guidelines, and government and private agencies.
12. Assists in the development of training, training materials, and budgeting best practices related to changes in regulations, compliance requirements, policy, procedures and related use of technology and equipment; conducts training sessions.
13. Assists in the preparation of the Annual Financial Summary.
14. Leads and/or participates on multiple project teams with cross-functional department impact and reporting responsibility.
15. Identifies and acts on opportunities to automate, streamline and improve reporting and budgeting processes and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor’s in Accounting, Business or related field
2. 3-5 years’ related work experience required. Additional education may be substituted for experience.
3. Experience with financial software programs and/or databases. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
4. Proven ability to analyze program data, prepare informative reports, and present findings.
5. Financial management experience with an understanding of general budgeting and accounting procedures.
6. Ability to articulate strategies and implement policies.
7. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and handle confidential information with appropriate discretion.
8. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management; board or other outside partners.
9. Ability to operate library technology including personal computer, email, software programs (i.e. Windows/Microsoft Office) and other job related equipment and systems.
10. Ability to utilize reliable transportation to promptly report to job assignment and other locations, per job requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, and residences or commercial vehicles (e.g., use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, and/or working in moderate outdoor weather conditions).

Work requires minimal demand for physical effort.