CITY OF SUNNYVALE

Rev/Est: 11/22/05

Jobe Code: 6825

Rep: SEA

EEOC Category: Professional

FINANCE ANALYST

DEFINITION

Under direction of a Program Manager or the Director, the Finance Analyst performs varied and/or specialized analytical and administrative work, comprehensive and sensitive special projects and studies in one or more specialized areas of the Department of Finance, including but not limited to: finance administration; budgeting; purchasing; utility financial management; accounting and financial reporting; treasury and cash management; internal audit, and legislative analysis/intergovernmental affairs. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents in this position perform the full range of work related to program and policy research, analysis, development, evaluation and/or operational and fiscal analysis related to the administration of public finance and related functions.  Work requires applying theoretical base to develop recommendations and conclusions, exercising considerable judgment and discretion reflective of a thorough knowledge of a professional administrative specialty or program, subject to management's review for compliance with law and with City policy.

This classification is distinguished from the higher-level classification of Finance Manager, which has managerial, budgetary, and full supervisory responsibilities. However, this position may provide lead direction to clerical and/or technical staff in the day-to-day performance of duties and assigned projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

·         Provide advice and technical assistance with cost/benefit and other financial analysis, and budget preparation.

·         Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.

·         Create and maintain complex financial and budget system databases and structures.

·         Interpret complex rules, regulations, contracts, policies, and procedures; and apply such interpretations in the performance of assigned responsibilities.

·         Provide guidance and recommendations to management, departments, and individual employees on issues related to assigned responsibilities.

·         Prepare detailed analysis and research, as assigned, and prepare reports and make recommendations based on findings.

·         Prepare professional documents, reports, correspondence, and other memoranda.

·         Make formal presentations to elected officials, City management, and/or work units.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

·         Occasionally, perform work at times outside of standard forty-hour work week.

·         Initiate recommendations to improve and facilitate programs and procedures for the Department of Finance.

·         Provide technical and administrative guidance to clerical staff.

·         May act as supervisor in his/her absence.

·         Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in economics, accounting, finance, business or public administration or a closely related field and two years paid professional experience in one or more of the assigned areas of responsibility.  Relevant Master’s degree in one of the areas of study designated above may be substituted for the required experience.  Public agency experience is highly desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

·         Theory, principles and practices of public administration and municipal finance, and the ability to apply fundamental concepts to practical applications;

·         Policies, procedures and regulations pertaining to municipal finance administration;

·         Operational and fiscal analysis and techniques, including theory, principles and practices of mathematical analysis, statistics and research methodologies; and

·         General application of information technology systems to analysis.

Skill in:

·         Interpreting, implementing, and explaining complex rules, regulations, contracts, policies and procedures in assigned areas of responsibility;

·         Researching, developing and evaluating policies and programs, including the collection, evaluation, and interpretation of data to develop sound conclusions and make appropriate recommendations;

·         Collecting, interpreting, and utilizing narrative and statistical data pertaining to assigned areas of responsibility;

·         Establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with the public and other City staff;

·         Making formal presentations to diverse groups; and

·         Proficiently using a personal computer and associated software for word-processors, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

·         Take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved;

·         Present ideas and concepts in written or presentation format, and use consultative and facilitation skills to gain consensus;

·         Prepare reports, documents, correspondence, and memoranda;

·         Independently determine approaches to project and priorities; work is reviewed against overall goals and objectives;

·         Work effectively in demanding and/or time sensitive situations; and

·         Perform the essential functions of this classification.