Charter School Funding Lead Analyst (Financial Analyst IV)

Texas Education Agency • Austin, TX

48d • Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical professional to join our State Funding unit. The Charter School Funding Lead Analyst reports to the Foundation School Program (FSP) Operations Manager in the State Funding, Forecasting & Fiscal Analysis Division and performs advanced (senior-level) financial analysis and regulatory work to support the implementation of the Foundation School Program (FSP) for charter schools. This individual contributor role ensures accurate funding distribution by applying applicable state funding statutes and regulations, collaborates closely with internal teams to maintain compliance and operational efficiency, and may assign or supervise the work of others. The ideal candidate will understand advanced financial concepts, be skilled in intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel functions, and possess excellent written communication skills to clearly explain complex charter school state funding topics in presentations and documentation. This position involves analyzing and interpreting financial data, applying statutes and regulations to develop accurate funding methodologies, and providing expert guidance to charter schools and stakeholders. The work requires exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to explain complex funding concepts clearly. You will also collaborate with State Funding leadership and mentor junior analysts to ensure accuracy and consistency across processes. Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates. Please note that a resume and tailored cover letter are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Degree fields: Business Administration; Accounting; Finance, or Economics
• At least four [4] years of experience in financial analysis and regulatory work.
• Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military.
• A strong customer-service mindset with a focus on engaging both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to break down complex information into comprehensive parts, ask questions, actively listen, synthesize and analyze data.
• Effective project management skills and ability to adapt to and execute unexpected tasks; able to take direction, manage multiple projects at once, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment.
• Interpret statutes and regulations, understand abstract concepts, and correlate facts, processes, and funding formulas.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Develop and maintain productive and professional relationships with a diverse set of individuals and groups.
• Highly skilled in using data analysis software including Microsoft Excel.
• A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback and continuously improve.
• Ability to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment.
• Knowledge of the state's school funding formulas, FSP state funding system, allocation, and payment processes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Financial Analysis and Process Control: determines the cost of operations for various Foundation School Program (FSP) allotments by applying relevant statutes and regulations to ensure charter schools receive appropriate funding; collects and reviews attendance estimates and data to validate funding eligibility, calculates annual and monthly allotments and updates Summary of Finance (SOF) reports; and processes outstanding balances and verifies accelerated payment schedules for charter schools
• Compliance and Transparency: applies funding formulas in accordance with the Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Code, implementing changes as needed; maintains and updates the Charter School Estimate of State Aid template and trains charter school personnel on its effective use; develops and maintains rules, web content, correspondence, manuals, presentations, and standard operating procedures to support compliance; responds promptly and accurately to inquiries received through the Charter School Finance mailbox to ensure timely and effective communication
• Strategy and Process Improvements: assists in developing automated accounting applications, including the Foundation School Program System; compiles software change requirements and prioritizes system enhancements to improve functionality and performance; conducts testing to ensure system accuracy and usability
• Team Leadership: collaborates with team members to effectively accomplish assignments and communicate progress goals; evaluates team members' strengths and areas for improvement and coaches them to enhance performance; shares expertise and trains team members on key processes, systems, and tools related to charter school funding and FSP; updates training materials and fosters knowledge to ensure consistent performance and coverage across the team
• Coordination and Collaboration: coordinates FSP activities between the agency, other agencies, school district administrators, legislators and other stakeholders; performs bill analyses and prepares cost estimates that determine the financial impact of school finance legislation; provides targeted technical training and support to charter school personnel, including superintendents, business managers, and data administrators, at conferences and virtual forums such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees