Associate, Budget and Grants Financial Analyst

About the role

The Budgets and Financial Planning & Analysis Section is responsible for developing and managing the organization's budgets, performing financial analysis and forecasting, supporting policy development, developing financial plans, and ensuring effective financial and grants management for MTC, ABAG, and affiliated entities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets; ensure accuracy, alignment with agency priorities, and timely updates
• Monitor and report expenditures; conduct variance analysis; partner with project/section managers to resolve issues and recommend corrective actions
• Perform monthly/quarterly/year-end financial analyses and support close (reconciliations, and management reporting)
• Conduct variance and scenario analysis, identify key performance drivers, and provide explanations for budget deviations
• Provide analytical support for policy decisions, board items, and financial strategy development
• Provide pre-award to project closeout grant administration support, including grant application development, grant budget preparation, compliance monitoring, reporting, reimbursable cost tracking, financial management, and project closeout
• Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and relevant federal/state/local requirements; support audit readiness and responses
• Support development, implementation, and continuous improvement of policies and procedures related to budgeting, financial management, grants management, and internal controls
• Maintain accurate up-to-date tracking of contracts, purchase orders, and grant budget availability; identify variances and funding gaps and recommend solutions
• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with project managers, other departments, and external stakeholders
• Prepare and present clear analysis and recommendations for leadership, committees, and the Commission/Board(s)
• Perform other job-related duties as needed or assigned

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB); Advanced knowledge of principles and best practices of governmental fund accounting, budgeting, contract administration, and grant management
• Experience supporting and coordinating ERP and budget system implementations, including data cleanup and migration, cross-functional stakeholder coordination, system testing, issue resolution, and deployment activities
• Experience working with boards/commissions materials and public-sector decision processes
• Experience with federal and state grant management
• Experience with Cost allocation and indirect cost rates (e.g., development, application, and monitoring of indirect cost recovery)
• Data analysis & reporting tools (advanced Excel, Power Query/Power Pivot; Power BI or similar)
• Experience with organizational policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including procurement and contracting rules for public agencies
• Plan, organize, and prioritize multiple work activities against deadlines; Ability to analyze and interpret complex contract and grant documents; Ability to perform both complex and routine accounting and financial analysis work with speed and accuracy; Ability to use resources to identify problems, solve, act decisively, and show good judgment in decision making; Strong financial analysis capabilities, including the ability to both support and lead scenario analysis to inform decision-making, evaluate alternatives, and provide clear, data-driven insights; Demonstrated customer service acumen when working with interdepartmental points of contact, ensuring clear communication, effective issue resolution, and collaborative partnership across teams
• Ability to write reports, board memoranda, and communicate clearly and concisely; Solid public presentation skills