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Bellevue, WA - Financial Analyst

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City of Bellevue: Financial Analyst

JOB TITLE:

Financial Analyst

JOB FAMILY:

Fiscal Mgmt/Accounting

JOB TITLE CODE:

BNG

EEO CODE:

Professional

DEPARTMENT(S):

Multiple

WAGE SCHEDULE:

G

FLSA STATUS:

Exempt

EFFECTIVE DATE:

January 1, 2001

Job Family Overview: This is a "generic" job family, encompassing positions that are engaged in performing professional financial analysis in support of the finance/accounting function(s) throughout the City. Positions allocated to this job family may be assigned to different departments, but the nature and scope of the work, analytical methods applied and general knowledge requirements will be comparable.

In general, work involves the examination of accounting and financial information to provide advice and recommendation on findings. Much of the work is executed using modeling techniques that display financial information in a variety of ways. Job duties range from examining existing accounting operations to multi-faceted financial data.

Differences relate principally to the requirement for greater depth and breadth of knowledge and analysis applied to examining more complex financial activities and in the degree of independent judgment/action allowed in independently formulating conclusions. At the highest level, responsibilities associated with the financial advice are introduced, resulting in less emphasis on internal operations. More experienced incumbents classified in the higher level of the job family are expected to share their skills and knowledge with less experienced team members, serving as a resource for direction, training, and guidance.

JOB SUMMARY

This position requires a thorough grasp of all facets of accounting operations as they relate to the assigned work group and the application of more advanced analytical and problem-solving techniques to specific assignments. Work is performed under limited supervision with regular opportunity to apply independent judgment, although decision-making is still based on learned procedures and specific reference materials. In terms of customer service, potentially sensitive interactions are generally handled at this level. At this level, active participation in processing tasks is more limited. The primary focus is on analysis relative to daily operations, assisting in the development and implementation of new/revised accounting procedures and operational processes, and in coordinating/executing accounting-related special projects that often require an in-depth understanding of the linkages between systems/operations/processes. An incumbent may provide supervision with respect to lower-level accounting support staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs duties and responsibilities commensurate with assigned functional area which may include any combination of the following tasks:

Provides daily operational support within assigned work group to facilitate the timely and accurate accomplishment of accounting work; analyzes work flow to enhance operating efficiency within assigned scope of authority; schedules, monitors and controls daily work flow to produce optimum results; produces and analyzes various reports of a financial nature that require the selection and interpretation of data.

Conduct analysis of assigned accounting functions, provide procedural revisions and communicate changes in procedures to staff; assists with the coordination, development and implementation of accounting procedures, standards and operational controls for the assigned accounting unit; may research and draft new/revised procedures and related materials for approval of higher level authority; understands linkages between systems/departments and ensures that they are taken into consideration as appropriate.

Reviews, researches and resolves complex problems outside the scope of the usual work activity; responds to customers issues/concerns where particular sensitivity is required to facilitate positive relationships. Maintains current knowledge of accounting systems, operations, regulations and requirements; may identify problem areas that require modification of existing systems and refers to appropriate parties; works with IS staff to implement, maintain or enhance associated financial systems as required;

Serves as a resident expert on specialized processes & procedures. This position is considered the primary source of knowledge for a specialized financial function. The incumbent is focused on analysis of information rather than accounting for transactions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Only end results of this position's work are reviewed. The incumbent has demonstrated competency in performing all job elements and is operates under general supervision relative to policies and procedures.

May provide supervision to others as job requires.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRMENTS

Graduation from a 4-year college or university program related to business or accounting.

Five years of progressively responsible directly related work experience, including a minimum of two years at the Senior level or equivalent. Business writing experience is desirable.

Or, any equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

Key Contacts/Communications: Exchanges information with internal and external customers. Requires positive customer relations skills, business acumen, and customer relations attitude.

Knowledge Requirements

  • Content and application of accounting models as they relate to accounting procedures.
  • Internal practices and guidelines as they relate to unique accounting procedures.
  • Internal practices relating to employee training/supervision and work flow.
  • Concepts relating to the development of operational controls and standards.
  • Methodologies and techniques employed in effective business writing as applied to the maintenance of functional operations manuals.
  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and methods of accounting analysis.

Ability to:

  • Apply effective written and oral communication skills to explain, clarify, analyze and resolve sensitive and/or complex accounting support issues.
  • Monitor and oversee daily operations and work flow of assigned accounting function.
  • Provide effective training and guidance to less experienced employees and monitor employee performance as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 10 pounds.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.