Position Title:         Financial Analyst

Reports to:             Assistant Director of Finance

FLSA Status:           Exempt Union: SCO

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Work Year: 12 months
Work Hours: 8:00-4:30 (40 hours/wk, 1/2 hour unpaid lunch)
Vacation: 15 days to start. After 10 years 20 days.
Sick: 15 days, carried over without limit
Personal: 3 days annually, no carryover
Bereavement: 5 days for immediate family members
Holidays: Based on Central Administration observed holidays

Evaluated by: Assistant Director of Finance

JOB GOAL:
This position is accountable, under the direction of the Assistant Director of Finance and in
accordance with appropriate statutes, regulations, and School Committee policy, to serve the district in all budgetary related matters.

DIMENSIONS:
Students: 7,200 (approximately)
Schools 9
Personnel: 1,750 (approximately)
Total School Budget (general fund): $101,000,000 (approximately)
Total School Budget (special revenue): $11,800,000 (approximately)

GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Financial Analyst reports directly to, and works with, the Assistant Director of Finance. The incumbent is responsible for general oversight and support of the school department’s operating budget throughout the fiscal year. This includes, but is not limited to, the following functions: budget development, budget projections, budget tracking, on-boarding process review and execution, accrual balance administration, expenditure coding review, chart of accounts maintenance/monitoring, reporting/audit functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist with the development of cost projections for district staffing and expense budgets across all programs, buildings, budget centers, and funding sources, as part of supporting the annual budget development process for the district’s operating budget.

Process budget transfers and journal entries to correctly align budget and expenditures in
accordance with DESE reporting requirements and as adjustments are made throughout the fiscal year based on shifting needs.

Periodically review to ensure all staffing positions are correctly coded to appropriate general ledger accounts. Recommend any changes needed with the general ledger to more accurately capture expenditures in accordance with DESE.

Monitor and track personnel budget throughout the fiscal year by working with Assistant Director of Finance, School Payroll Specialist/Supervisor, and School Human Resources.
Monitor staff turnover, lane changes, vacancies, leaves of absence in coordination with Payroll Specialist/Supervisor and school Human Resources to quantify and track budget impact regularly throughout the fiscal year. Make budget recommendations based on trends.

Provide support to the Assistant Director with budget forecasting periodically throughout the fiscal year to monitor the financial health of the District.

Implement strong financial management controls over the district’s operating budget.

Regularly monitor annual school budget when processing hiring paperwork to ensure all hiring is compliant with the approved budget (i.e. Position Control) and collective bargaining agreements (CBA).

Continuously research, identify, and implement process improvements to better leverage
technology use in the District and streamline functions related to this position.
Administer District accruals (i.e. sick, personal, vacation, bereavement, religious) for all employees in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and individual employment contracts.

Optimize accruals management for streamlined processing and increased accuracy and
accountability. Ensure that all employees are promptly and accurately provided with accrual
allotments. Regularly review and audit entries to determine if process is accountable. Serve as the Department point person for all accrual related concerns and questions.

Manage District’s electronic timekeeping system (NOVAtime). Serve as the point person for the Department on questions related to NOVAtime setup, access, permissions, reporting, and overall use. Ensure all new hires are provided access timely to submit timesheets for payment by the District.

Process hiring paperwork completed by Human Resources, review for completeness and accuracy with pertinent collective bargaining agreements. Identify issues and recommend solutions to promptly rectify concerns.

Ensure employee setup in accounting system (MUNIS) completed with highest levels of accuracy.

Collaborate with Payroll Specialist/Supervisor on process improvements to streamline the hiring process and ensure accuracy.

Function as back-up support to Payroll Specialist/Supervisor as necessary.
Respond to finance and budget related inquiries and requests from district leadership, principals, department heads, and district support staff.

Provide assistance to the Assistant Director of Finance with the preparation of quarterly financial status reports to School Committee and other financial reports as needed for senior management, program administrators, boards, and committees.

Analyze financial and budget related matters and conduct research as necessary. May provide analytical support for the development and review of programs and policies affecting the budget.

Assist with completion of DESE End of Year Report as needed.

Perform special projects and other related duties as required and directed by the Assistant Director of Finance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
None.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in Finance or a related field and/or at least three years finance/budget or related experience required.

Enrolled in a Master’s degree program in public administration, business or a related discipline and/or seeking School Business Administrator licensure preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration
• Principles and practices of financial accounting and reporting
• Microsoft products, particularly very strong Excel skills
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations
• Modern office procedures, equipment and computers
• Principles and procedures of confidential record keeping

 
Ability to:

• Work independently and exercise judgement
• Multi-task and prioritize efforts in a fast-paced environment with highest levels of accuracy Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and maintain effective relationships
• Compile, manipulate, and analyze large amounts of financial data with highest levels of accuracy and attention to detail
• Exercise discretion with sensitive information
• Operate computer and various software programs necessary for performing assigned duties
• Understand and develop processes and structures related to financial management
• Maintain accurate print and electronic records

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

In performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk, hear, sit, walk, bend, or stoop, and reach.  The employee routinely lifts and carries up to twenty-five (25) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee will routinely be required to discern numerous oral communications from multiple parties within a variety of meeting settings.

Applicants for employment are considered without regard to age, physical, mental or psychiatric disability, genetics, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, or military status.