Finance Analyst

The Finance Analyst reports to the Finance Director. The position performs highly advanced, specialized professional accounting work requiring comprehensive knowledge of government accounting systems (BARS) and federal/state compliance guidelines. This position exercises independent judgment to secure and monitor grant compliance, safeguard capital asset structures, model utility enterprise finances, and audit the city’s comprehensive payroll and benefits liabilities.

• Perform a wide variety of accounting tasks related to monthly, quarterly and annual financial cycles. Duties may include preparation/review of closing and adjusting entries, preparation/review of other accounting workpapers and reports.
• Develop, prepare, and submit various reports to the state containing complex and technical data.
• Assist with the production of required financial statements in compliance with city, and state law by compiling data and preparing supporting schedules for inclusion in various reports, such as the annual report.
• Assist with the production of the annual budget through the development and preparation of supporting schedules and worksheets.
• Support the preparation of budgetary reports, worksheets, and trial balances to keep management informed of the financial condition of the city; compile periodic financial reports.
• Assure accurate recording, balancing, and classification of all income and expenditures to proper accounts in accordance with the State Budgeting/Accounting/Reporting System (BARS) and city procedures.
• Continually analyze the various funds, financial summaries, and statements; initiate authorized improvements or revisions in the accounting system or its procedures.
• Prepare and submit grant billings, drawdowns, and periodic financial reports required by funders; ensure documentation supports allowable expenses and budget tracking.
• Maintain and reconcile capital asset registers, perform capitalization and disposals, calculate depreciation, and ensure assets are recorded and tracked accurately.
• Perform month-end and year-end close activities for grant accounts and capital assets, including reconciliations, variance analysis, and journal entries.
• Independently compiles and reconciles the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for the annual financial report.
• Support external and internal audits by preparing schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and implementing corrective actions when needed.
• Implement and monitor internal controls over grant expenditures and asset management to mitigate financial risks and ensure compliance.
• Manages accounting records for multi-year capital improvement projects (CIP), capitalizing assets upon project completion.
• Maintains the comprehensive capital asset system, ensuring accurate records for city owned assets.
• As assigned, provide backup for core city finance department functions. This includes cash receipting, payroll and benefits, business licensing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general Ledger, job costing, and accounts payable.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent and Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration preferred. 
• Experience: 5+ years of government accounting experience explicitly involving SEFA reporting, capital asset tracking, or complex benefit reconciliations.
• Specialized Knowledge: Proficiency with Washington State BARS coding, Federal Uniform Guidance, and municipal ERP systems and MS Office suite software. 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with City staff, regulatory agencies, the business community and citizens. Skills in expressing ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Effectively communicate work status to team members and superiors.

The work is performed primarily in a standard, climate-controlled municipal office environment. A high volume of precise data verification, strict legal deadlines, and frequent digital communication with external auditing and state bodies.

The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Most work is typically performed in an office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sedentary Work: Requires sitting, typing, and viewing computer screens for extended periods.
• Dexterity: Sufficient hand-eye coordination to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Brightness & Mobility: Occasional light lifting, carrying files, and moving short distances within city office building

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.