Financial Operations Analyst (S)

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

This is a dynamic, hands-on role focused on executing the day-to-day financial operations for Abilities First, with the potential to expand responsibilities as expertise grows. The Financial Operations Specialist will be actively involved in learning and managing fiscal processes, building efficient systems, and eventually reducing reliance on external accounting contractors. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, proactive individual ready to take ownership of financial processes and contribute to organizational growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PERFORMANCE AREAS

Core Responsibilities

• Manage daily financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger activities.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with organizational standards.
• Track and analyze financial performance, providing actionable insights to leadership.
• Assist in creating and monitoring budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Develop expertise in MO HealthNet billing to ensure accurate and efficient processes.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to transition key functions from external accounting support to internal processes.

Growth and Transition Focus

• Gradually assume additional responsibilities, including those currently managed by external accounting contractors.
• Build and refine financial workflows, ensuring scalability and efficiency as responsibilities expand.
• Oversee the transition and integration of financial tasks, eventually supervising a finance clerk to support operations.

Collaborative and Strategic Involvement

• Partner with leadership to ensure financial processes align with operational needs.
• Provide financial data and analysis for grant applications, compliance reporting, and board presentations.
• Monitor cash flow, identify risks, and propose solutions to maintain fiscal health.
• Act as a liaison between staff and auditors during annual audits, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance.

Technology and Process Optimization

• Utilize financial software to streamline processes and improve accuracy.
• Evaluate and recommend technology solutions to support financial operations.
• Maintain and update the Finance Operations and Procedures Manual.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong proficiency in accounting principles, including GAAP and GASB standards.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Fund Accounting.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and implement complex financial systems and processes.
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., Blackbaud, QuickBooks) and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a detail-oriented mindset.
• Effective time management and organizational skills to meet deadlines independently.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Core competencies align with the Abilities First Core Values – OATH

One Team One Mission

• Contributing to Team Success – Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.
• Engagement Readiness – Demonstrating a willingness to commit to one’s work and to invest one’s time, talent and best efforts in accomplishing organizational goals.

Accountable, respectful service

• Continuous Improvement – Originating action to improve existing conditions and processes, identifying improvements opportunities, generating ideas, and implementing solutions.
• Quality Orientation – Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.
• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills – Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related area, keeping up with current developments and trends in area of expertise.

Transparent stewardship

• Decision Making – Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
• Planning and Organizing – Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed effectively.

Hold the rope

• Adaptability – Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.
• Leadership Disposition – Demonstrating the traits, inclinations, and dispositions that characterize successful leaders; exhibiting behavior styles that meet the demands of the leader role.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance required. CPA, CMA, or CGFM preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on financial management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and grow into expanded responsibilities over time.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass a background screening
• Must have a valid Missouri driver’s license with reliable transportation.
• Must have secure and reliable high-speed internet to work remotely.
• Must be able to drive for work-related assignments.
• Overnight travel may be required occasionally.

PHYSICAL CONTEXT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The following outlines the physical requirements and typical work environment for Financial Operations Analyst position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties.

Physical Requirements

Work Environment

• The Financial Operations Analyst typically works in a well-lit, climate-controlled office environment with moderate noise levels.
• This role includes the option for some remote work, in alignment with Abilities First’s flexible work schedule policy.
• The work environment at Abilities First is professional yet relaxed, offering flexibility to accommodate work-life balance.
• There may be periods of required overtime during peak accounting cycles, such as the Annual Audit.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Created: 1.6.2025