Financial Analyst (Accounting)

Description/Duties & Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Finance Manager, this position performs technical and complex accounting, auditing, budgeting, and analytical work in the preparation, maintenance, and implementation of the City's financial records, reports, and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs financial activities in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which may include general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grant management, and budget; compiles and analyzes financial data and information; prepares journal entries; performs financial forecasting; prepares financial statements and reports; completes reconciliations, and makes sound financial recommendations

• Provides support to close audit and financial reporting processes; assists with the preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR); may assist with the tracking and recording of fixed assets

• May coordinate the preparation of 1099s and annual sales/use tax filing

• May coordinate grant award, budget and receivable management program, grant reporting, reconciliations, invoicing, and draw downs

• Acts as budget liaison to assigned department(s); monitors, forecasts, and identifies revenues and expenditures; evaluates the short- and long-term impacts of budget adjustments

• Monitors and keeps informed of current trends in assigned program areas, including legislation, court rulings, and professional practices and techniques; evaluates the impact of these trends; recommends policy and procedural modifications to ensure compliance

• May supervise employees performing accounting, cashiering, accounts payable, and/or accounts receivable functions; establishes goals and professional development opportunities for employees; trains, develops, and mentors employees; evaluates performance and resolves employee performance issues

• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with City employees, outside agencies, professional associates, and the public

• Performs other financial duties and special projects

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field

• Four years of increasingly responsible professional accounting experience, preferably in local government

• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class C driver license

Knowledge and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of municipal accounting, budgeting, and auditing principles and practices, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret financial data to prepare financial statements, perform financial forecasting, and make sound financial recommendations

• Ability to interpret and apply federal laws and state laws, and City codes, policies, procedures, and regulations and make program changes to retain compliance

• Strong communication skills with an open and inclusive communication style; the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, with City employees, outside agencies, elected officials, and the public; the ability to understand and explain financial reports and complex financial information to non-financial users

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to supervise, lead, mentor, motivate, and evaluate employees, including the ability to provide constructive feedback, resolve difficult employee relations issues, and enhance teamwork

• Ability to effectively present to various groups and make related recommendations

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify innovative solutions to financial issues

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and within a team environment; ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, state and local agencies, and the public

• Ability to demonstrate a high level of ethics and integrity, including the ability to establish trust and earn respect from others

• Ability to lift, drag, and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds

Additional Information

This position will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be on Monday, July 22, 2024.

An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing. Applicants that meet minimum qualifications and are selected for interviews will be required to disclose information regarding criminal convictions. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.

All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical, which may include a drug screen and Department of Justice fingerprinting. Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees. All new employees are required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment and during employment. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted.

As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code §§ 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need.

Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees' Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package. All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.

The City of Santa Clarita is an Equal Opportunity Employer.