Business Analyst

Statement of Duties The Business Analyst for the Department of Infrastructure provides comprehensive financial, administrative, and operational support across all Infrastructure divisions, including Capital Projects, Engineering, Water & Sewer, and Permitting & Building Code. This position plays a critical role in financial planning, revenue and cost analysis, permitting system oversight, and coordination of cross-divisional business functions. The Business Analyst works closely with division leaders and the Finance Department to ensure effective resource management, regulatory compliance, and alignment with departmental and municipal priorities. Essential Functions: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Conduct in-depth revenue projection analysis and forecasting, incorporating construction trends, permitting activity, seasonal variability, and other infrastructure-related driversPerform detailed cost analysis on variable expenses, including overtime, union-related payouts (e.g., accrued vacation and sick leave upon separation), and other fluctuating personnel costsTrack expenditures, revenues, and encumbrances; identify variances and recommend corrective actionsAnalyze and evaluate existing fee structures, with a focus on ISD, Engineering, and Water & Sewer permitting (including building, plumbing/gas, and electrical permits)Oversee and manage the City’s permitting platform (e.g., Citizenserve), including financial tracking, reporting, and system optimizationEnsure accurate integration of permitting data with financial systems and reporting toolsDevelop recommendations for fee schedule updates to ensure alignment with service costs, market conditions, and inflationManage cash receipts associated with Infrastructure operations, including permitting and other revenue streamsPerform regular account reconciliations to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with financial controlsCoordinate with the Finance Department on cash handling procedures and reportingStandardize and improve internal business processes across divisionsSupport grant management, including application tracking, reporting, and complianceCoordinate financial oversight of capital projects, including budget tracking, funding sources, and cash flow analysisWork with project managers and Infrastructure staff to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with funding requirementsAssist in the preparation of capital improvement plans and long-term financial strategiesSupport ongoing evaluation of fee balance, cost recovery, and revenue sustainabilityDevelop and recommend policies and procedures to improve utility billing operations, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and lawsAnalyze billing data to identify discrepancies, troubleshoot issues, and ensure customer bills are accurateAssists all divisions with invoice evaluation and reconciliationPrepare detailed reports for management, including billing summaries, account status, usage trends, and financial analysesAssist with audits and provide necessary documentation and responsesPerform other related duties as required Recommended Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred); and a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, municipal finance, or business-related operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Experience with permitting systems, enterprise funds, or public works/infrastructure departments is highly desirable. Munis (municipal finance/billing software) experience preferred. MCPPO certification preferred but not required. Knowledge, Abilities And Skill Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of municipal utility operations, billing systems, and financial management. Strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles and municipal budgeting practices. Familiarity with permitting operations and associated financial workflows. Demonstrated experience in revenue forecasting, fee analysis, and cost modeling. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines related to utility billing. Ability: Ability to develop and implement effective billing procedures and operational improvements; ability to analyze complex data, prepare reports, and make recommendations for improvements. Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and work collaboratively across departments. Skill: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and utility billing software (e.g., Munis or similar product). Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply judgment in addressing financial issues and discrepancies. Work Environment The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to attend evening meetings or complete work assignments. Hybrid work schedule available with a minimum of three (3) days in office per week. Physical And Mental Requirements The physical demands 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 position’s essential functions. Physical Skills Few physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May also be some occasional lifting of objects such as office equipment and computer paper (up to 30 lbs.) Motor Skills Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job requires minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone system, computer and/or most other office equipment, typing and/or word processing, filing, and sorting. Visual Skills Visual demands include constantly reading documents for general understanding and for analytical purposes. Hours: Full-Time Salary: $85,000-$88,400 annualized, plus benefits. Union: Non-Union FLSA: Exempt Date Posted: September 28th, 2026 The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov. Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees: MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearanceCompletion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees Overview of Total Rewards: 4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract. Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union. Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA). Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by CityDental coverage low and high plans through CignaVision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)Long term disability through Sun LifeGroup and voluntary life insurance through Boston MutualHealth Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit StrategiesDeferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendorsFree, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4HealthAnnual cancer screening & wellness releaseSomerville Retirement Pension SystemTuition reimbursementMBTA pass programFREE Blue Bikes membershipEligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract. Powered by JazzHR 7DElkPDOUa