Financial Analyst

JOB CODE: 1406

PAY GRADE: 1210

SALARY RANGE: $41,114 - $69,994

LOCATION OF WORK
Finance or Retirement Department

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of a higher classification, performs professional accounting work and financial analyses of a complex nature in the Finance or Retirement Department. Work involves responsibility for the application of professional accounting principles, practices and techniques and the ability to apply them to municipal or public pension accounting situations, as well as interpreting accounting data for appropriate reporting. Among the duties usually performed are preparation of complex financial reports and statements, maintenance of journals and similar records, in-depth financial analyses, and maintenance of a complete set of accounting and business records for the City-Parish. Work requires the exercise of independent judgment in accordance with established policies, rules and regulations. Work is subject to review through discussion and observation of results obtained. Supervision may be exercised over paraprofessional and clerical/fiscal personnel through the inspection of completed work. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Supervises paraprofessional accounting and clerical/fiscal personnel engaged in maintaining accounts and distributing costs or revenues to appropriate department or division accounts, and updating and correcting errors in a large-scale computerized accounting system. Prepares fiscal analyses, statements and reports of a professional nature for multiple accounts and areas for the entire City-Parish; maintains controls and performs balancing operations for multiple accounting activities or assists in similar operations in larger more complex accounting systems. Reconciles accounts where work is of a complex and critical nature; prepares special monthly reports and other reports requiring considerable expertise; prepares complex journal entries with considerable independence. May reconcile and report asset balances in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Prepares monthly and annual financial reports; independently prepares journal entries. Monitors federal and state grants to ensure compliance with applicable regulations; reviews budgets for grant applications; analyzes federal and state grant expenditures to ensure grant guidelines are met, and allocates appropriate costs to various projects; prepares monthly and quarterly financial reports as required by grantor agencies; and analyzes cash flow and requests cash reimbursements as necessary; attends Preliminary Grants Review and Contracts Review Committee meetings. Prepares audited financial statements of a professional nature in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including researching guidelines and determining correct implementation. Analyzes Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements and applies requirements to City-Parish accounting policies. Advises accountants and employees in other departments on accounting terminology, financial analyses and the proper reporting and recording of financial information in accordance with GAAP and GASB pronouncements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of modern accounting principles, practices and procedures, and how they may be applied to municipal or public pension accounting situations. Knowledge of basic mathematics and statistics used in accounting work. Knowledge of business English used to prepare brief narrative reports. Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment. Skill in the operation and care of computers, calculators and other office machines used in connection with accounting work. Ability to supervise the work of a small clerical/fiscal staff. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions as well as the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, City-Parish employees and officials, and to exercise initiative and judgment in difficult situations. Ability to use a computer for word processing and spreadsheet applications. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS