Description

The Senior Financial Analyst performs difficult professional work in the maintenance and preparation of complex fiscal and financial records; performs difficult technical work in the areas of financial accounting and reporting and financial information and management systems within the Financial Services Department; does related work and special assignments as required.

Work is performed under periodic general supervision of the Assistant Financial Services Director. Indirect supervision and accountability may be exercised over peer and subordinate liaisons in other departments as well as members of the financial services department regarding accounting and information systems.

• Works closely with the financial services management team to execute critical strategic projects; anticipate, identify, and define system accounting problems, identify potential consequences, and test solutions;
• Assists in the preparation and review of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, implements GASB statements, and coordinates actuarial studies;
• Assists auditors as needed in completion of the annual audit;
• Coordinates month-end close to ensure the general ledger has complete and accurate data for monthly financial reporting;
• Prepares general ledger entries and complex year-end reconciliations;
• Maintains general ledger accounts, analyzes data, and prepares financial reports for outside agencies;
• Coordinates with Information Technology staff to provide support and ongoing tracking and monitoring for financial services related projects (includes helping prepare documentation, test for outcomes, provide resolution, and make recommendations for design changes where applicable);
• Participates in the analysis, evaluation, and implementation of or upgrades to financial ERP and systems that interface to financials;
• Recommends and implements process improvements that strategically add value related to systems and general financial services department operational efficiency;
• Consults with departments on the development of new services, methods, or procedures;
• Gathers and analyzes information related to current and future trends and best practices;
• Assists with the maintenance, design and installation of the accounting control records and reviews internal controls over financial accounting systems;
• Provides inter-departmental financial assistance and supporting analytical work in the areas of financial reporting, project monitoring;
• Prepares and evaluates performance management scorecard matrix for all divisions of the Financial Services Department;
• Assists with the training program for the Financial Services Department;
• Verifies, reconciles, and prepares general ledger entries and complex reconciliations for multi-year capital projects and write-offs;
• Reviews and/or creates accounting procedures and interprets and applies laws, regulations, and policies;
• Researches and provides financial data upon request;
• Cross-trains and provides backup in other departmental responsibilities;
• Performs related tasks as required;
• Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
• NC Driver’s License: License Required
• Years of Experience: 4 years in accounting and financial analysis
• Proficiency with Microsoft office suite is necessary (MS Excel and Outlook are used daily)
• Schedule requirements: M-F 8-5 (hybrid remote opportunities after successful completion of probationary period)
• Soft skills critical to role: takes ownership, ability to multitask and prioritize, flexible, adaptable, collaborative and willing to take on new challenges
• Must possess strong communication skills (verbal and written); should be comfortable working with any level of employee or manager
• A self-starter with a strong ability to multitask; should be organized and flexible; ability to work independently with limited supervision
• Ability to analyze, evaluate and implement financial systems
• Ability to think critically, anticipate issues, and proactively suggest short/long-term solutions
• Ability to work well with others
• Must have comprehensive knowledge of the theory, principles, methods and practices of accounting; thorough knowledge of the laws, ordinances and regulations governing municipal financial matters; thorough knowledge of the reconciliation of general ledger and balance sheet accounts; thorough knowledge of modern office methods, practices and equipment; ability to analyze and prepare complex financial reports and records

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in governmental accounting
• NC CPA or NCLGFO
• Demonstrated experience meeting and exceeding goals in a fast-paced work environment
• Strong focus on customer service with a commitment to continuous improvement