Financial Analyst

$82,909 - $134,555/Yr

Metropolitan Council - Saint Paul, MN

posted about 2 months ago

Full-time - Mid Level
Saint Paul, MN
1,001-5,000 employees
Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Financial Analyst at the Metropolitan Council plays a crucial role in fund accounting and financial management functions, primarily focusing on costing the Service Plan and supporting the preparation and administration of Metro Transit's annual operating and capital budgets. This position is essential for ensuring that the financial aspects of the Service Plan, which outlines the annual bus and rail service, are accurately reflected in the operating budget. The Financial Analyst is responsible for producing regular and ad-hoc financial reports, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and serving as a resource for operating departments regarding budget preparation and financial results. This role also involves maintaining data within relevant financial systems, including PeopleSoft and Hyperion, and monitoring journal entries to ensure accurate financial reporting. In this position, the Financial Analyst will assist department managers and project managers in understanding their budget-to-actual reports, prepare financial analyses for various stakeholders, and respond to audit inquiries from federal and state agencies. The role requires a strong understanding of financial systems and the ability to communicate complex financial information effectively. The Financial Analyst will also be involved in the preparation of annual budget plans, monitoring capital improvement projects, and analyzing budget expenditure estimates to ensure compliance with federal policies. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement, allowing for both remote and onsite work, with the requirement that the candidate's permanent residence is in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

Responsibilities

  • Cost out the annual Service Plan in a reliable and timely manner.
  • Serve as an information resource to operating departments regarding budget preparation and financial results.
  • Monitor journal entries to ensure proper accounting for Council activities.
  • Prepare ad-hoc reports and maintain internal controls related to financial reporting.
  • Prepare financial analysis for customers with varying degrees of financial understanding.
  • Respond to Federal and State Audit questions accordingly.
  • Maintain data within relevant systems including PeopleSoft, Hyperion, and TxBase.
  • Assist with the preparation of annual budget plans in Oracle Hyperion.
  • Monitor Capital Improvement Projects authorized dollar authority as approved by the council.
  • Communicate budget information and issues to appropriate staff across the agency.
  • Design and coordinate internal budgetary information gathering and reporting as requested by Finance staff.
  • Monitor financial and operational reporting and prepare variance to budget analysis.
  • Assign project numbers to Capital Projects and update the Capital Life to Date report with Council amended allocations.
  • Work with grants administration and accounting staff to complete Notice of Grant Awards and Notice of Funding Awards.
  • Coordinate and input budgetary data into Metro Transit financial systems to generate monthly financial statements.
  • Analyze, research, and recommend budgetary alternatives for operational capital and policy issues.
  • Prepare special administrative management studies and analyze budget expenditure estimates and fund balances.
  • Assist Senior Staff to develop and evaluate models to accurately project future revenues and cost estimates.
  • Monitor ongoing financial and operational results for deviations from plan and recommend corrective actions.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED with eight (8) years of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems.
  • Associate degree with six (6) years of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial and budgeting systems.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher with four (4) years of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems.
  • Practical experience using a financial system like PeopleSoft.
  • Experience delivering financial information to coworkers, division program staff, and managers, and state/federal agencies.
  • Experience in accounting practices including problem-solving skills to identify and reconcile account balances using reports, queries, spreadsheets, and available tools and information.
  • Intermediate computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, graphic presentations, and database management required (Word, Excel, and Access).

Nice-to-haves

  • Knowledge of Metro Transit's Service Plan, procurement concepts, financial analysis, and state laws regarding governmental accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Knowledge of governmental and fund accounting.
  • Knowledge of financial systems (prefer PeopleSoft and Hyperion).
  • Analytical skills to identify issues, determine cause/effect, and develop best practice business processes.
  • Mathematical skills sufficient to perform calculations of ratios, identify and reconcile variances, and allocate balances across several accounts.
  • Ability to read and interpret financial standards, laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

Benefits

  • Commuter assistance
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee assistance program
  • Life insurance
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