Financial Analyst

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

To perform a variety of professional level accounting and financial analysis duties in the County's Finance Department.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class demonstrates analytical skills by successfully handling complex issues related to various aspects of Finance.  The employee performs analytical work regarding revenues, expenditures and fund balances specific to their respective areas.  Prepares reports as required by terms of grants, prepares assigned portion of the ACFR, and other reports as required by management.  Examples include indirect cost reports, the annual financial information report, the schedule of expenditures of federal and state financial awards (SEFSA), fixed asset reports and select portions of official statements required in connection with bond offerings.  May maintain subsidiary records summarizing activity in general ledger accounts and reconcile these records, or subsidiary reports prepared by others, to the balance in related general ledger accounts.  Review contracts for compliance with budgetary and statutory as well as policy requirements.  Assist in annual fund balance projections through analysis of activity in assigned areas to predict final outcome for fiscal year.  The employee exercises independent judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting generally accepted accounting principles, County and Finance policies and provisions of grants or bond indentures.  Communicates effectively and independently with employees and management. May work in a lead capacity to plan, direct, and review the work of others inside and outside the department.  Work requires frequent and regular contact with customers both inside and outside of direct reporting relationship.  Work is performed under the general supervision of Planning and Report Manager, Cash and Debt Manager, or (Deputy) Finance Director.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Positions are identified among three major functional areas including asset management, cost accounting, and fiscal accounting of grants and funding for departments of Public Health and Social Services.

1. Capital and Fixed Asset Management:

• Provides professional accounting and fiscal analysis activities involving the purchase, sale, or improvement of land, buildings, equipment, and construction in progress.
• Monitor Federal and State grant revenue applications and provides status reports to management.
• Reviews and processes transactions related to public and private grants for Social Services and other departmental grants; provides financial consulting in administrative processing and reporting; reviews, reconciles and approves reports of activities; reviews and monitors contracts for compliance requirements; reconciles County revenues with confirmation reports from various agencies.

2. Serves as internal Cost Accountant and prepares various cost/benefit analyses and studies, examination of financial reports, and other presentations to County officials; focus is on contracted services and purchases:

• Maintains County Internal Service Fund; prepares quarterly financial statements; provides cost estimates to department staff in preparation of annual budgets; estimates costs/revenues associated with user fees; prepares annual audit comparisons with analysis/explanation of cost changes.
• Prepare cost studies and cost analysis of various services and operational functions within the County.
• Prepares periodic financial reports and maintains ongoing records/controls for programs in the County’s non-human service departments that are funded by Federal or State monies via direct grant or statutory fee authorization.  Prepares financial reimbursement requests to State and Federal agencies for inmate housing and various grant reimbursements.  Reviews monthly payroll and quarterly Federal and State tax reports for the County’s Convention and Visitors Bureau.

3. Fiscal accounting and analysis of public and private grants for Public Health and Mental Health departments; reviews and approves grant transactions and prepares various status and projection reports:

• Conducts pre-audit of contracts; maintains departmental code structure and detailed analytical work papers and finalizes settlements with the grantors.
• Reconciles accounts to general ledger; prepares or approves the transfers of monies between funds; reviews reports; prepares month end and year-end closing entries and reversals.
• Periodically assume duties of Treasurer, Accounting Manager, Cash and Debt Manager and Financial Planning and Report Manager and other Financial Analysts in their absence; prepares deposits, records cash receipts, reviews daily management Financial Reporting System reports, prepares wire transfer documentation for Public School Building Bond Request to Department of Public Instruction for weekly capital expenditure needs; and various duties relating to other Financial Analyst positions.

4. General Billing and Accounts Receivable

• Work with operating departments to promote timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments. Resolve billing discrepancies and address payment delays.
• Identify and troubleshoot general billing and payment issues. Identify opportunities to streamline processes, enhance controls and improve efficiency in billing and payment.
• Monitor general billing receivable balances through monthly and yearly reconciliation to the general ledger.
• Review and distribute Accounts Receivable Aging Reports to operating departments. Communicate aging analysis to key departmental personnel to promote collection efforts.

All positions participate in the following:

• Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Indirect Cost Allocation Plan
• Schedule of Expenditures of Federal and State Awards
• Annual Financial Information Report filed with the Local Government Commission
• Official Financial Statement for issuing bonds and the annual Continuing Disclosure Requirements
• Prepares and submits entries for accruals for departmental transactions and working papers as part of the process of external auditing of financial records and County financial practices by external auditors.
• Prepares estimates of fund balances; prepares County and departmental projections of revenues and expenses for Office of Management and Budget and departmental use in annual budgeting process.
• Maintains accounts such as restricted and undesignated fund balances, funding sources for fixed assets, and sub-recipients’ status accounts.
• Ensures County expenditures conform with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, County and Department guidelines, and NC Statutes by reviewing Board of Commissioners minutes, pre-auditing contracts, authorizing payments, answering procedural questions from accounts payable and department staff, preparing journal entries, and providing a final weekly review of various disbursement vouchers.

Examples of Non-Essential Functions:

• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of investments.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• County governmental accounting principles and practices.
• Principles of economics and financial analysis.
• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws.
• Investment procedures and controls.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Financial and accounting software applications.
• Research methodology, reporting techniques, and report preparation principles.

Ability to:

• Coordinate the preparation, analysis and monitoring of the County’s investments.
• Gather, organize and analyze complex statistical data.
• Effectively administer assigned programmatic responsibilities.
• Prepare clear and concise investment reports.
• Use a personal computer, basic software, and complex financial accounting systems.
• Perform administrative duties with minimal supervision.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with others in the course of work including County officials and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree with major course work in finance, accounting, business administration or other field of study related to the nature of the work performed and, four years of progressively responsible experience in the analysis and maintenance of fiscal records OR; 

Associate’s degree and six years of progressively responsible experience in the analysis and maintenance of fiscal records OR; 

High school diploma and eight years of progressively responsible experience in the analysis and maintenance of fiscal records. 

Depending upon the position’s requirements, a current certification as a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) in the State of North Carolina may be required at the time of application.

Physical Demands

Work is sedentary.  Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work.  However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts, driving an automobile, or use of a PCs or other VDTs to accomplish work objectives.  No specific physical demands required.  Mental demands and normal stress regarding achieving work deadlines are present.

Working Conditions

Work environment involves normal, everyday discomforts or unpleasantness.  Work area has adequate light, heat, and ventilation; environment is organized and stable.  Work presents no significant health or safety hazards which would require the use of protective clothing or devices.

 
May Require Driving
This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions.   Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.
If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.


Special Note

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements.  However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position.  Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process.  They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.
 

Salary : $63,256 - $75,908