Senior Financial Analyst

SOUTH COAST WATER DISTRICT 

SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYST

Definition

Under general direction, a Senior Financial Analyst performs a wide range of difficult and complex financial, budgetary, statistical, economic, and other management analyses in support of District-wide activities; and prepares reports and performs related duties as assigned. The Senior Financial Analyst will also prepare and communicate technical and policy-oriented reports, correspondence, and action plans as well as create and update complex financial models, perform sensitivity analysis, gather relevant data to present for management decision making, and assist in budgetary activities. This position requires the ability to interpret and apply the District’s policies and procedures, and performs related duties as assigned. Additionally, this position requires the ability to shift priorities based on needs.

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED      

Receives general direction from the Director of Finance. May exercise technical and functional direction over lower-level accounting and clerical personnel.

 

Class Characteristics

The Senior Financial Analyst is distinguished by a combination of strong analytical and productivity skills. The position requires expertise in financial modeling, forecasting, utility rate-setting, and data analysis to provide actionable insights. Important skills include the ability to interpret data, solve problems, and make informed decisions. The position also requires the ability to develop long-term financial strategies that align with the District’s strategic goals and strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively across departments. The Senior Financial Analyst must demonstrate the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to senior District management.

 

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

·        Leads in the preparation of the annual operating budget. Prepares the calendar and presentation for kickoff meeting. Coordinates, assists, and monitors department budget input, including consolidating and providing analysis of results.

·        Prepares quarterly budget vs actual analysis by system for operating and non-operating income.

·        Prepares quarterly budget vs actual analysis for operating expenditures and capital program expenditures. 

·        Monitors and assists departments with budget development and inquiries.  Coordinates analysis and explanations for proposed budgets and variances. Prepare written communications for the necessary Committees and Board of Directors. 

·        Assists in the process for generating rates and prepares presentations and written communication for rate recommendations to the necessary Committees and Board of Directors.

·        Assists in the preparation of the Proposition 218 notices and builds the associated mailing list. Works with consultant to ensure notices are mailed on a timely basis. Coordinates with Information Systems to update and verify rates in the utility billing system.

·        Coordinates the updates for the Rates and Charges schedule. Work with departments as necessary. Prepare updated booklet and written communication for Board approval.

·        Analyzes rates model to ensure fair and equitable allocation of costs. 

·        Develops financial reports and models to support departments as requested. Coordinates with Information Systems and departments.

·        Reviews bonds, grants, and loan applications; coordinates with appropriate departments to gather necessary information to submit applications to issuing agencies. Reviews final documents prior to closing.

·        Analyzes and manages cash needs and forecasts cash position; monitors financial market data, assists with in-house investment decisions, and interacts with outside financial investment advisor to maximize returns while maintaining safety and liquidity.

·        Coordinates with departments to update capital requirements and with developers to update capital projections.

·        Recommends and implements changes to the Financial System as necessary. Provide testing support.

·        Prepares and presents on various topics as necessary.

·        Assists with the development of District-wide strategic financial initiatives.

·        Provides analytical support to departments as requested. 

·        Provides information to be included in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

·        Manages and participates in special projects as assigned.

·        Attends District Committee and Board meetings as required.

·        Complies with safety work-related practices and attends relevant safety training. 

·        Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Windows environment with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. 
• Thorough understanding of budgeting and forecasting principles and interpreting financial data. 
• Thorough understanding of accounting and financial auditing principles and best practices. 
• Strong understanding of financial laws and regulations. 

 

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with and present to all levels of District staff, including senior management, as well as outside professionals and legal counsel. 
• Represent the District in a professional manner when dealing with external constituents. Ability to present complex financial data to internal and external teams. 
• Use discretion and exercise independent judgment and interpretation of policies, rules and regulations.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide; calculate percentages, decimals, and fractions.
• Prepare clear, complete, and concise financial statements and reports.

·        Establish and maintain various files and records.

·        Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software application programs.

·        Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

·        Maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in finance, business, or related field. Master of Business Administration preferred.

Experience:

Five (5) years of experience in a financial analyst role with strong analytical and problem-solving experience and an emphasis in financial modeling, as well as the ability to develop and recommend comprehensive solutions. 

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

 

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 departmental policies and procedures.

 

The specific statements shown in each section of this classification description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent the essential functions and minimum qualifications necessary to successfully perform the assigned functions. 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.