Chief Financial Analyst



JOB CODE: 1410

PAY GRADE: 2260

SALARY RANGE: $52,473 - $88,604

LOCATION OF WORK
Finance or Retirement Department

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of an employee of a higher classification, performs responsible professional supervisory and administrative governmental accounting work involving all financial records for the City-Parish government and agencies. Work involves planning, directing, and supervising the activities of professional and clerical/fiscal employees engaged in the preparation of highly technical reports, as well as assisting in the formulation of major policy decisions. Work is performed with relative independence in accordance with established policies, rules and regulations. Work is reviewed through observation, consultation, and monthly reports. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Plans and directs the work of employees, which includes professional and clerical/fiscal personnel. Reviews monthly and quarterly reports, Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) statements, notes, statistical data, and cash flow analyses and makes decisions and recommendations regarding their accuracy and fairness of presentation. Prepares complex financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Assists the independent auditor hired by the City-Parish to review the CAFR prepared by the financial analysts. 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; analyzes cash flow and requests cash reimbursements as necessary; attends Preliminary Grants Review and Contracts Review Committee meetings. Answers questions and directs employees in other departments and agencies of the government when they encounter difficult accounting situations. Performs complex financial analyses used by upper-level management in its decision-making process. Interprets federal, state, and local laws to determine proper application of these laws and issues all W-2s, 1099s, and IRS quarterly and annual reports on taxes withheld. Supervises and participates in the preparation of system wide year-end analyses and reports; recommends revisions of large-scale accounting systems based on extensive analysis of such system. Provides and interprets technical financial information to bond counsel, financial advisors, underwriters, and other professionals. Researches Louisiana Revised Statues and other laws and evaluates their effect on the City-Parish government financial management. Plans and conducts staff meetings; hires and trains new employees.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, practices and procedures and how they are applied to municipal accounting situations. Knowledge of mathematics and statistics used in complex accounting work. Knowledge of business English used to prepare narrative reports and technical news articles. Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment. Knowledge of the Plan of Government, ordinances, and resolutions relating to the operation of the municipal accounting system. Knowledge of the relationship of all duties performed in the department/division. Knowledge of all federal, state, and local laws applicable to City-Parish government. Ability to supervise a staff of professional financial analysts and other clerical/fiscal personnel. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions and 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. Ability to exercise initiative and professional judgment in difficult situations. Ability to make decisions based on recognized precedents and practices and to use resourcefulness and tact in solving problems. 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

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree with at least twenty-four semester (thirty-six quarter) hours of a university professional accounting curriculum or Master's degree with at least twenty-one semester (thirty-one and a half quarter) hours of a university professional accounting curriculum, and four years of professional level experience in accounting (auditing, budgeting, revenue collection, etc.).

SUBSTITUTIONS
Equivalent higher education in accounting may substitute for work experience; CPA may substitute for one year of work experience.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES / REGISTRATIONS
(Unless otherwise specified below, must possess at the time of appointment and must be maintained current throughout employment in this classification.) None.

OTHER JOB ASPECTS
None.


NOTE:
The work examples described in this specification are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from job performance requirements if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the job.