Senior Financial Analyst

The Senior Financial Analyst conducts complex financial, budgetary, and labor contract analysis that facilitates decision-making by management and Council on citywide fiscal issues.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Senior Financial Analyst may be assigned to a variety of focus areas of department and conduct specific analyses for those areas, including public safety, capital improvement programs, or the City's budget. This senior-level position conducts complex analyses that facilitate key decision-making.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of complex research and analysis of financial issues and prepares reports of findings and recommendations.
• Supports the coordination of the citywide budget process:
  • Maintains City's budgeting system and develops customized, budget-related reports. Develops forms and instructions for departments to use in developing budgets.
  • Reviews departmental budget materials for completeness, accuracy, and reasonableness. Works with a variety of departmental staff, including department budget coordinators, division managers, and department directors to acquire needed information.
  • Provides budget preparation training to staff.
  • Performs complex analysis and forecasting of various revenue sources and expenditure patterns. Prepares annual budget for selected funds as assigned.
  • Participates in budget policy and review meetings with the City Manager and City Council.
  • Coordinates preparation of preliminary and final budget documents.
• Provides assistance in maintaining and updating the financial forecasting model by applying a wide variety of economic variables to analysis and forecasting. Analyzes economic trends and applies them to the forecast analysis. Assists with preparation of the forecast report for the City Council.
• Maintains the City's position control system and develop customized, position-related reports. Develops the personnel budget projections for the upcoming biennium, including full-time equivalent (FTE) and limited term employees (LTE), working with Human Resources and payroll staff to accurately project salaries and benefits costs in the enterprise resource planning software across all departments and unions at the City.
• May coordinate the development of the six-year capital improvement program. Develops forms and instructions for use by departments. Reviews departmental materials for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Participates in the preparation of work plans and schedules for major work processes or products such as developing the operating budget, or other major work assignments. Tracks progress of assigned work against established schedules.
• Develops and maintains city-wide indirect cost allocation model, Public Works engineering cost allocation model, and other internal charge models. Provides technical expertise to departments in costing techniques.
• Conducts special studies and analyses pertaining to a wide variety of issues that may include development of performance measurement systems, analysis of utility rates, preparation of cost/benefit analyses, internal service fund rate analysis, impacts of legislation, and development of financial systems. Applies a wide variety of economic variables and analytical techniques in completion of tasks.
• Evaluates budget performance and monitors expenditures and revenues, producing periodic report on City's financial performance and annual report on City's financial condition. Presents budget information and/or analysis to upper-level management. Participates in meetings to discuss and decide on budgetary or other fiscal issues.
• Supports management in labor negotiations through the development of contract cost models and preparation of analysis regarding the financial impact of management and union proposals. Participates in management strategy sessions during the development of management proposals and counter-proposals.
• Provides training and technical expertise and is a liaison to other departments for the resolution of complex fiscal policy or operational issues. Trains department staff on budget and financial management policies, practices, and systems.
• Reviews departmental policies and practices related to financial reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, position control, and internal systems; makes recommendations for improvement; and implements changes in policy or practice.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency, which may include providing financial reporting and analysis in support of required record keeping.
• Provides technical accounting support as needed to support financial reporting and management efforts.
• Assists in preparation of City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
• Serves as department representative on ad hoc task forces and committees dealing with a wide variety of internal issues.
• Other projects and duties as may be assigned by the Director or Financial Planning Manager.

• Knowledge of financial management principles and practices and department goals, policies, and technical operations.
• Extensive knowledge of municipal budget practices and related analytical techniques. Knowledge of economic indicators, forecasting techniques, research methods, and data processing capabilities applied to financial systems.
• Ability to apply complex standards and formulas to analyze, forecast, and interpret comprehensive narrative and financial data. Ability to develop charts, graphs, and other explanatory materials as needed.
• Advanced skill in the use of spreadsheet software and presentation graphics. Ability to effectively use automated financial systems.
• Knowledge of governmental fund accounting, financial reporting standards, and City and State laws pertaining to municipal budgeting.
• Ability to maintain confidences and routinely handle sensitive department materials.
• Ability to develop and manage a project and to anticipate administrative and operational problems. Ability to formulate goals, analyze alternative solutions, and prepare funding recommendations.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of staff, directors, the City Manager, and the City Council.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, elicit cooperation, resolve conflicts, and coordinate total efforts to accomplish a task.
• Skill in responding to management information and fiscal reporting needs.
• Skill in oral and written communications, including ability to make presentations to staff and the City Council.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Four-year degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field.
• Experience: 4 years of increasingly responsible experience in budget and financial analysis, accounting, or similar financial field, preferably in a local government setting.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Master's degree preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

• Work is conducted in a typical office setting. Position typically requires extended periods of sitting while performing keyboard operations.
• Due to the demands of budget deadlines, evening or weekend work is sometimes required - particularly in the fall of budget development years (even years).
• Attendance at Council meetings is occasionally required; meetings are held in the evenings or outside normal office hours.

This role provides opportunities for hybrid/remote work, but in-office work is expected. More details will be provided during the interview phase of the recruitment. Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.