The Finance Analyst/Senior will have primary responsibility in the areas of budget, rate and fee programs, and fiscal analysis/forecasting and is expected to perform complex financial analysis and specialized accounting and financial duties related to the coordination, development, and administration of the City’s budget, oversight of the City’s fee programs, including regular updates to the Book of Fees and developer impact fees/nexus studies; analysis of financing mechanisms for and fiscal impacts of development and City projects; other long and short range fiscal analyses; propose updates/revisions to City policy, processes and procedures; and support technology system implementations related to assigned areas of responsibility.Preference will be given to those candidates with experience in developing and administering agency-wide budgets in a governmental setting, managing fee programs and regular updates to all types of City rates and fees, and candidates with strong proven analytical ability, including a strong understanding of City sources of revenues and expenditures. A strong emphasis will be placed on innovative problem solving, automation, and use of technology to improve processes. The ideal candidate will be an exceptional communicator and relationship builder who also offers the proven ability to work well with developers, elected officials, and all levels of the organization. DEFINITION: The Finance Analyst performs complex professional budgetary, financial, economic, accounting and statistical analysis related to the City’s financial functions; evaluates cost and performance data; and provides sound recommendations for budget and policy formation, implementation, and procedure. The Finance Analyst coordinates activities of the Finance Department with other departments/divisions, governmental agencies, and/or private entities.
The Senior Finance Analyst performs advanced and complex professional budgetary, financial, economic, accounting and statistical analysis related to the City's financial functions; evaluates cost and performance data, and provides sound recommendations for budget and policy formation, implementation and procedure. The Senior Finance Analyst coordinates activities of the Finance Department with other departments/divisions, governmental agencies and/or private entities. The Senior Finance Analyst is an at-will position that is appointed by and sits at the pleasure of the City Manager.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general supervision from the Director of Department or designee. Finance Analyst: May exercise technical and functional direction over assigned staff. Senior Finance Analyst: May supervise professional level finance staff, as well as technical and extra help staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This classification is distinguished from other analyst classes with financial responsibilities by the high level and complexity of accounting and financial analysis work performed on a city-wide basis and coordination with key fiscal staff from operating departments. This position is the advanced level in the Finance Analyst series. This class differs from the Finance Analyst in that it has full management responsibility for multiple finance functions and is expected to perform the most complex professional finance work with minimal supervision and assistance requiring a substantial level of professional training and experience.
Upon the recommendation of the Director of Finance and approval by the City Manager, a Finance Analyst may advance to the Senior Finance Analyst upon attaining the minimum qualifications for the position, demonstrating the abilities and competencies necessary to perform the full range of Senior Finance Analyst duties and successfully completing an approved career progression plan developed by the Director of Finance in conjunction with the incumbent.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Illustrative Only): Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
· Participate in the activities and operations of the Finance Department which includes coordinating the Citywide operating and capital improvement program budget process; preparation of the budget manual, development of schedules, worksheets and exhibits; monitor interdepartmental cost allocation and actual expenditures and preparing, and analyzing the City's budget and financial position.
· Participate in the ongoing budget monitoring process and prepare fund summaries for use in the preparation of the City's annual budget, mid-year review, and year end summary; analyze and recommend budget funding levels and determine impact of programs, cost proposals, and related matters.
· Coordinate with Finance Department staff and other City departments to ensure cost accounting and revenue collection systems are consistent with the approved budget; review budgeting and accounting systems and procedures and make recommendations for improvements and/or modifications.
· Forecast and review general revenues and expenditures and provide professional assistance to other department regarding projections specific to their respective operations.
· Coordinate activities of the Finance Department with City departments and divisions, and with outside agencies; may meet with citizen groups; represent the City in the community, at meetings, and at conferences.
· Review council reports to ensure financial information is accurate and that policy issues have been addressed in advance.
· Prepare council reports for the Finance Department and make presentations to the City Council and other committees as required.
· Prepare and analyze a variety of financial statements, schedules, and reports; develop formats for the preparation of financial reports of the City and its component units; ensure that financial statements are prepared on a timely basis in accordance with GAAP, GASB, and related governmental accounting regulations.
· Prepare and administer complex contracts, grant applications, leases and/or debt issues.
· Serve as a resource for City staff in all departments in resolving budgetary, accounting and financial questions and problems.
· Perform research and analysis of legislative issues, requirements or new procedures and prepare reports on their impact to administrative department operations; evaluate alternatives, develop recommendations, and assist in the implementation of recommendations as approved.
· Perform complex financial calculations and analysis; prepare comprehensive financial studies, statistics, statements, and reports.
· Research, develop, implement and interpret policies, procedures, standards and regulations applicable to the City's finance, purchasing, accounting, and budget processes; ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
· Attend meetings to represent the City and may serve on various committees relative to department activities.
· Assist in the implementation and monitoring of various department and City programs and policies.
· Assist in the development of accounting and audit control methods, systems and procedures to comply with accounting procedures, laws, ordinances and regulations; coordinate the preparation of external audit materials and assists external auditors in the fiscal year review.
· Assist management in projecting costs and revenues associated with long-term projects.
· Conduct complex studies (financial, fee, cost recovery, utility rate, etc.), analysis and prepare summary reports, spreadsheets, and charts; present data in an easy to understand format to the City Manager, City Council, department heads, and the public.
· Perform related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:
Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business or public administration, accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field
Experience: Finance Analyst: Six (6) years of full time, increasingly responsible professional analytical, management or administrative work experience in budgeting, accounting, finance, public administration, or a comparable field, with at least two (2) years in a public agency. Senior Finance Analyst: Six (6) years of full time, increasingly responsible professional analytical, management or administrative work experience in budgeting, accounting, finance, public administration, or a comparable field, with at least two (2) years in a public agency.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Mobility to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment and attend off-site meetings. On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist and reach while performing office duties; lift light weights. Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (binders, manuals, etc.); vision to read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS: Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing department guidelines, policies and procedures.
An applicant who qualifies for veterans’ preference and successfully places on an eligibility list for initial entrance into employment with the city shall be advanced one rank on the final eligibility list. Where there are five (5) or less qualified applicants, no veterans’ preference shall apply and all applicants shall be placed on the certification list forwarded to the departments for hiring consideration. The exercise of veterans’ preference shall be exhausted upon appointment to a regular position from an eligibility list.
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California's Golden Dream is thriving in one of its newest cities. Incorporated in 1987, West Sacramento is a city designed and ready for business in the 80's. Yet its history dates back more than 100 years.
Like its cross-river neighbor, West Sacramento was first settled during the Gold Rush era. The early settlers soon learned that the real gold in the area was the incredibly rich delta soil deposited over the centuries by the Sacramento and the American Rivers. By the turn of the century the central valley of California was recognized as one of the premiere agricultural areas of the world. As Sacramento grew into a major city, West Sacramento, which was separated by the Sacramento River and a county line, retained its small town character and industrial base.
Today, West Sacramento is at the crossroads of California. Featuring its own deepwater port, two interstate highways, major North/South and East/West rail lines and a commercial airport nearby, West Sacramento is well connected to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the nation. And just a literal stone's throw away is downtown Sacramento, the seat of the government for the 6th largest economy in the world. Being a part of the Greater Sacramento community, we're on everyone's list as one of the fastest growing and most livable areas in the country.
Yet West Sacramento offers something that can no longer be found in many of California's cities - affordable land and housing. The average home cost is less than half of what a comparable home costs in metropolitan areas as little as 80 miles away. There is a small town atmosphere in West Sacramento, with traditional values and a healthy respect for business and industry.
Come to West Sacramento. Meet the people. See the land. You'll agree the climate is right for you!