Senior Finance Analyst

About the role

The job of SENIOR FINANCE ANALYST is done for the purpose/s of monitoring the financial activities of the District to ensure they meet the fiscal policies, practices, regulations and other compliance requirements; maintaining the general ledger; implementing processes to administer budget functions; assisting with the preparation of annual financial statements; assisting schools and departments in maintaining accurate account balances, making efficient use of financial resources and providing required financial information; providing guidance and recommendations to school site personnel in managing their financial operations, collaborating with state regulatory agencies and providing reports and recommendations to the administration.

Responsibilities

• Act as liaison between school secretaries and department and banking institutions for the purpose of resolving various software support platforms and banking payment gateway issues.
• Analyzes school financial reports and related information for the purpose of identifying potential budget variances; developing internal controls; and identifying training needs.
• Audits district and school accounting procedures for the purpose of assuring the financial activities are in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and school accounting requirements.
• Compiles annual school budget reports for the purpose of addressing state reporting requirements.
• Maintains accounting and internal control policies and procedures for the purpose of assuring staff are complying with established procedures and maintaining accurate accounting records; and/or identifying corrective actions to reinforce proper procedures to minimize negative audit findings.
• Monitors accounting software applications systems for proper functionality (e.g. identifying software issues for collaboration with technology staff, installation of software and updates, etc.).
• Participates in unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Prepares reports and related documents (e.g. audit reports, year-end state reports, annual comprehensive financial report, secondary schools quarterly sales tax return, etc.) for the purpose of documenting audit activities and findings; conveying information to District Audit Committee; maintaining compliance with state reporting requirements.
• Provides technical expertise, training and direction to school site staff and administration regarding accounting issues and related financial activities (e.g. individual and monthly group trainings, policy and procedures discussions; develop and distribute instruction manuals, financial handbooks, instructional videos;, etc.).
• Researches a wide variety of accounting policies (e.g. state financial reporting requirements, grant requirements, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or recommendations that impact the District's accounting practices.
• Responds to inquiries from a wide variety of internal and external sources (e.g. staff, government agencies, etc.) for the purpose of providing information, direction and/or appropriate referral to appropriate parties.
• Supervises department Financial Analysts in their respective responsibilities.
• Trains department and school financial secretaries and principals on the use of accounting software and school accounting procedures (e.g. bank reconciliation, purchasing, invoicing, journal entries, fund allocations, spend plan revisions, etc.).
• Assists in preparation of Federal, State, and local financial reports for the purpose of ensuring compliance with legal, financial, and district requirements.
• Assists in verifying teacher assignments and coding of expenses for the purpose of ensuring allocations are accurate and fiscal practices are followed.
• Assists in tracking categorical program funds for the purpose of ensuring program operations within budget and in accordance with fiscal practices.
• Assists in year-end closing, retirement, and Social Security programs for the purpose of ensuring compliance with legal, financial, and District requirements.
• Mainters general ledger accounts, electronic approval chains, account security and user accounts for the purpose of monitoring and maintaining appropriate use and security of accounts and systems.
• Develops reporting processes, procedures and internal controls for student fund accounting for the purpose of assuring the school financial processes are conducted in accordance with established standards, provide accurate information and are managed efficiently.
• Oversees budget information and reports to assist decision makers for the purpose of providing information and general support.
• Oversees Board, District, and State reports to track expenditures and revenues versus budget for the purpose of ensuring program operations are within budget and in accordance with fiscal practices.
• Provides financial accounting assistance for various programs for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Responsible for property taxation, analysis and recommendations for the purpose of ensuring program operations are within budget and in accordance with fiscal practices.

Requirements

• Job-related experience within a specialized field is required.
• Targeted, job-related education with study in a job-related area.