Financial Analyst Ii

Financial Analyst II - Performs highly complex (senior-level) financial monitoring of government, educational, non-profit and/or for-profit entities contracted to administer various programs for the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Work involves the examination, investigation, and review of accounting records, financial statements, management practices, and internal controls to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and/or regulations as well as DSHS policies, regulations, and contract provisions. Work also involves the preparation of reports containing findings, recommendations, and corrective actions required of the contractor. In addition, the work involves providing technical assistance to DSHS contractors in all matters relating to financial compliance. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Must be able to lead a monitoring team, oversee the work of others, and train new staff.

Essential Job Functions:
(80%) Leads financial monitoring reviews of government, educational, non-profit, and/or for-profit entities throughout Texas that are contracted to administer various programs for DSHS. Identifies financial non-compliance issues by researching specific topics through interviews; analysis and review of backup documentation relevant to review; analysis of independently audited financial statements; and analysis and review of financial and/or programmatic reports submitted to DSHS; and other research techniques. Exercises considerable initiative and independent judgment in identifying the issues unique to specific contractors and designing specific review procedures to address those issues based on analysis of input from program personnel, complaints or allegations from 3rd parties, contractors' past history, and preliminary review of documentation submitted by contractors prior to the financial reviews. Identifies areas of non-compliance and/or deficiencies in contractors' internal controls and financial management systems and recommends changes in policies and/or procedures as needed to comply with relevant federal and state laws and/or regulations, DSHS policies, and procedures, and contract provisions. Develops necessary financial summaries, schedules, and attachments needed to determine areas of compliance and/or non-compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, policies and/or procedures, or needed to support the findings of the review. Gathers, prepares, and organizes all working papers related to financial monitoring reviews in accordance with established DSHS standards. Prepares comprehensive formal financial monitoring reports that detail the conclusions, findings, and recommendations of the reviews.
Responsible for all necessary follow up activities related to the reviews including (1) preparing formal correspondence necessary to further explain, clarify findings and/or rebut responses to findings, (2) requesting additional documentation required of contractors, and (3) issuing final reports and associated transmittal letters. Works closely with Program staff on contracting issues. Keeps manager informed of the status of the reviews.
(15%) Provides technical assistance (either verbally or in writing) to contractors and DSHS program personnel relating to financial compliance with federal and state laws and/or regulations, DSHS policies and/or procedures; provisions of the contract; allowability of costs; adequacy of financial system; or adequacy of internal controls over financial transactions. Acts as mentor and assists in the training of recently hired financial monitors.
(5%) Participates in the maintenance and/or update of Contractor’s Administrative Procedures Manual for DSHS Contractor’s. Participates in the development and/or modification of financial compliance policies and procedures relating to DSHS contractors. Participates in the research and interpretation of relevant federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Participates in the development and/or modification of DSHS financial reporting forms. Performs other related work as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of accounting methods and systems, business practices, financial monitoring procedures, legal contracts, business law, and financial statutes and instructions.
Knowledge of grant and contract administration, Code of Federal Regulations, federal and state regulations. Knowledge of all facets of General Ledger maintenance.
Knowledge of accounting theory (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). Knowledge of manual and computerized accounting systems.
Skill in the operation of personal computers, calculators, and adding machines. Skill in writing and editing formal reports and/or correspondence.
Skill in composing clear and concise reports. Ability to perform numerical analysis.
Ability to interpret and apply federal/state statutes and instructions, regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to analyze, evaluate and summarize financial and/or management operations systems records for accuracy and conformance to procedures, rules and regulations.
Ability to analyze and interpret information contained in a General Ledger and to trance entries recorded in a General Ledger to appropriate journals and source documents.
Ability to properly collect, analyze, and perform appropriate review tests and assemble financial review working papers.
Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and review findings.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff and agency management. Ability to establish and maintain effective provider relationships.
Ability to accurately complete and assemble working papers according to division standards. Ability to communicate findings and recommendations effectively.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None, Prefer: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Audit Professional (CGAP), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

Initial Selection Criteria:
Travel: Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time, which include overnight stays and occasionally on Sundays. Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance or related field from an accredited four-year college or university or Master’s in Public Health from an accredited four-year college or university. Experience: At least two years of experience in the area of financial monitoring, auditing, program administration or full-charge bookkeeping, or grants/contracts administration or other financial related experience. Experience and Education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Additional Information:
Preferred Qualifications: Preferred Qualifications: 1) Bachelor’s degree with 12 hours of college level accounting courses, 2) Master's degree 3) Licensed CPA, CIA, CGAP, CFE, or CGFM. 4) Experience with TeamMate or other auditing software, Peachtree and QuickBooks 5) Familiarity with Code of Federal Regulations and/or state Texas Grant Management Standards (TxGMS) or Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS). HHS experience or knowledge of Government health care programs preferred.

MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 89A, LS, 020, 3402, 6F0X1.