Financial Analyst I

About the role

Financial Analyst I performs financial monitoring of governmental, educational, nonprofit, and for-profit entities contracted to administer Department of State Health Services (DSHS) programs. Work involves examining and analyzing accounting records, financial statements, expenditure documentation, management practices, and internal controls to evaluate compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, DSHS policies and procedures, and contract provisions.

This position may require travel up to 35% to contractor locations throughout Texas to participate in financial monitoring reviews and related activities. Employees must be able to travel overnight as necessary, including occasional weekend travel. This position may require in person work at the DSHS Headquarters in Austin, Texas.

Responsibilities

• Conducts financial compliance reviews by performing reconciliations, testing transactions, reviewing supporting documentation, researching identified issues, and analyzing financial and programmatic information.
• Develops financial summaries, schedules, workpapers, and supporting documentation used to assess compliance and support monitoring results, findings, and recommendations.
• Prepares and maintains financial review documentation in accordance with established monitoring standards and participates in meetings with contractors, grantees, and DSHS staff throughout the review process.
• Conducts Financial Monitoring Reviews and Compliance Testing (70%):
  • Performs financial monitoring reviews of contracted entities.
  • Examines and analyzes accounting records, financial statements, expenditure documentation, management practices, and internal controls for compliance.
  • Reconciles Financial Status Reports (FSRs) and other submitted financial reports to contractor General Ledgers and supporting accounting records.
  • Reviews independently audited financial statements and other financial information to identify potential compliance concerns.
  • Performs transaction testing of expenditures, payroll, contractual costs, equipment purchases, matching funds, and other fiscal activities.
  • Researches identified issues, reviews supporting documentation, and analyzes financial and other relevant information.
  • Develops financial summaries, schedules, analyses, and supporting exhibits to document review results.
• Develops and Maintains Review Workpapers and Documentation (15%):
  • Prepares, organizes, and maintains financial review workpapers in accordance with established DSHS and Fiscal Monitoring Unit standards.
  • Develops test sheets, review schedules, financial summaries, narratives, and other supporting documentation.
  • Organizes, annotates, hyperlinks, and maintains electronic review files and supporting documentation within designated monitoring systems.
  • Drafts narrative explanations of review procedures and results and assists in the development of monitoring reports.
  • Ensures workpapers are complete, accurate, adequately supported, and clearly document procedures performed, evidence reviewed, and conclusions reached.
• Coordinates Review Activities and Supports Monitoring Operations (10%):
  • Assists with coordinating assigned review activities and supporting the completion of financial monitoring reviews.
  • Participates in entrance conferences and other review-related meetings, as well as internal team discussions.
  • Assists with gathering requested information, tracking documentation, and completing follow-up activities.
  • Coordinates travel arrangements and other logistical activities related to assigned fieldwork.
  • Collaborates with monitoring team members to ensure assignments are completed accurately and within established timelines.
  • Maintains professional working relationships with contractors, grantees, DSHS staff, and other stakeholders.
• Other Duties as Assigned (5%):
  • Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience reviewing, researching, analyzing, reconciling, interpreting, evaluating, or documenting information to support business, financial, programmatic, compliance, investigative, auditing, quality assurance, grant, contract, or other administrative activities.
• Experience using personal computers and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience preparing written reports, summaries, correspondence, case documentation, workpapers, or other professional work products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience reviewing, analyzing, reconciling, or interpreting financial records, reports, transactions, or other complex data.
• Experience reviewing accounting records, financial statements, General Ledger activity, invoices, payroll records, expenditure documentation, or other supporting financial documentation.
• Experience with financial monitoring, compliance reviews, auditing, quality assurance reviews, internal controls, grant administration, contract administration, or related oversight activities.
• Experience researching issues, analyzing information from multiple sources, identifying discrepancies, and documenting conclusions.
• Experience preparing reports, workpapers, summaries, findings, recommendations, correspondence, or other professional written work products.
• Experience organizing, maintaining, and managing detailed records, supporting documentation, electronic files, or case management systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
  • Accounting principles, financial management practices, and internal controls.
  • Financial monitoring, compliance review, and risk assessment concepts.
  • Grant and contract administration principles.
  • Financial reporting systems, accounting records, and financial statements.
  • Federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to financial oversight activities.
  • General business practices and organizational operations.
  • Microsoft Office applications and other automated systems used to analyze, track, and document financial review activities.
• Skill in:
  • Analyzing and evaluating financial and other complex information.
  • Reviewing accounting records, supporting documentation, and financial reports for accuracy and compliance.
  • Identifying discrepancies, researching issues, and documenting conclusions.
  • Organizing, maintaining, and reviewing detailed records and workpapers.
  • Preparing clear, concise, and well-organized reports, summaries, and correspondence.
  • Using personal computers and software applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other business systems.
  • Managing multiple assignments and meeting established deadlines.
• Ability to:
  • Analyze, evaluate, and summarize financial records, reports, and supporting documentation.
  • Review General Ledger activity and trace transactions to supporting records and source documentation.
  • Perform reconciliations, testing procedures, and other review activities with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Collect, organize, evaluate, and document information necessary to support monitoring conclusions.
  • Prepare and maintain complete and accurate workpapers in accordance with established standards.
  • Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, contractors, grantees, and DSHS staff.
  • Plan, prioritize, and complete assignments within established timeframes.

Benefits

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

Pay

Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $5,521.16 per month.

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position.
• Day shift (First).
• Monthly pay frequency.