Senior Financial Analyst III

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date: As Soon As Possible

FTE:  1.0

Salary Level: $127,038 - $169,048 DOE

Union/Days per year:  Classified Exempt 12-month; 260 days

Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.

SUMMARY
This position provides complex, technical, in-depth financial and budget analysis for use in the development and monitoring of the budget and policies of the District; provides reporting support for proposed budget development and training/technical assistance to ensure sound financial management practices. This position is characterized by the independent nature of the work and the depth in analyzing, recommending, and coordinating financial projects and processes including activities related to labor negotiations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1.    Calculates and analyzes state apportionment revenue; tracks District enrollment and staffing data; analyzes and forecasts revenue and expenditure trends; performs financial analyses utilizing the District’s automated financial system, historical trends, and other financial analysis techniques; meets and coordinates with Budget Technicians, the Grants Technician and program and department staff, as necessary, to incorporate program forecasts.

2.    Acts as a primary analyst and liaison to various major and non-major programs to complete detailed analyses of revenues and expenditures; provides support to these programs with budget composition, analysis of changes in funding, and/or analysis of changes in requirements or operations; develops and recommends analyses as necessary to improve program performance; provides options and makes recommendations regarding financial impact of changes analyzed to finance and program management.

3.    Performs in a liaison capacity for assigned programs and departments, working cooperatively with Budget Technicians, District management and program and department staff in reviewing budgetary information and estimating variances; documents the assumptions used in assessing the financial status of the funds; develops written explanations related to the financial results and variances from the budget; performs research activities as instructed.

6.    Prepares costs, revenue, and operational impact analyses of labor negotiation proposals, legislative proposals, and other issues that could impact District finances; analyzes, recommends, and coordinates strategies related to labor negotiations.

8.    Assists with the development of the District budget including analyzing requests for increased funding and balancing expenditures with projected revenue and local support, performs necessary analysis and provides recommendation to produce a balanced budget for assigned programs and departments; assists with data analysis and data entry as assigned; supports systematic alignment of program planning and budgeting

10   Assists in the development, implementation, and analysis of new, revised or proposed financial systems and reports.

11   Provides technical assistance and fiscal information to District staff; trains staff on new and/or revised financial reporting techniques; assists staff with understanding financial information.

12   Supports other department forecasting methods by completing cash flow analysis and reconciliation to county treasurer’s report monthly.

13.  Assists with the District’s on-line position control system, position control reports, verifying information for accuracy; assists in correcting errors and coordinating efforts between District offices to resolve problems.

14   Assists management in developing, reviewing, revising, and implementing budget, accounting, reporting systems, and other operating policies and procedures; works with supervisor and other staff to analyze and respond to federal, state, county, and OSPI reporting requirements.

15   Supervises assigned staff; makes hiring recommendations; evaluates staff performance; approves leaves and overtime; assigns and reviews work; plans, oversees and encourages participation in professional development opportunities; promotes a quality customer service environment.

16.  Reviews and distributes monthly or quarterly financial reports, identifying and resolving issues as required; performs analyses and prepares any necessary charts, graphs, explanations, or summaries contained in the financial reports; prepares for management approval monthly financial reports with major program forecasts issued quarterly; notifies management quarterly of potential budget overspends; builds and maintains spreadsheets for statutory reporting.

17.  Develops custom reports for management or staff as needed; prepares financial statements, annual financial reports, and other reports, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting; improves access to and content of financial reports; assesses potential system improvements based on information needs and recommends improvements; develops and implements training efforts regarding financial reports.

18.  Creates and assists with presentations to the Board, staff and public; represents the Finance Department within and outside the District, as assigned.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

1.    Assists with long range financial planning and forecasting; ensure up-to-date information is available to management.

2.    Coordinates, updates, and maintains Finance Department website.

3.    Provides customer service to internal and external customers as necessary.

4.    Maintains and updates knowledge and skills required for success in the position by participating in professional development as needed or as assigned.

5.    Manages special projects and performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.

6.    Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance, or accounting from an accredited college or university; a Master's degree is preferred; four years of progressively responsible experience in a large, complex organization requiring budget analysis, financial analysis, or policy impact analysis; school District or experience in a governmental agency preferred; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.

Allowable Substitution

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be evaluated by the Human Resources Department for comparability.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of preparing and analyzing budgets, financial reports, and financial forecasts.

Knowledge of principles and practices of accounting, program budgeting, and financial analysis.

Knowledge of school District accounting and state budgeting requirements is desirable.

Strong analytical and financial forecasting and planning skills.

Proficient spreadsheet development skills.

Skill in word processing, data base presentation, e-mail, and automated accounting and human resources systems.

Effective interpersonal communication skills including writing and group presentation skills.

Ability to analyze, evaluate, and develop administrative procedures and regulations.

Ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain good follow-through procedures.

Ability to work under pressure and produce deliverables on time.

Ability to work in a staff role with multiple internal customers and display understanding of principles of customer service.

Ability to concentrate on details and be precise and accurate.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, socio-economic setting.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. 

Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

• Civil Rights Coordinator: Renee Trueblood, 253-571-1252,civilrights@tacoma.k12.wa.us  
• Title IX Coordinator: Wayne Greer, 253-571-1191,wgreer@tacoma.k12.wa.us
• 504 Coordinator: Elise Friedrich-Nielsen, 253-571-1065,efriedr@tacoma.k12.wa.us 

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1357, Tacoma, WA 98401-1357.