Finance Analyst

City of Shelton•Shelton, WA

About The Position

The Finance Analyst reports to the Finance Director and performs advanced, specialized accounting work requiring comprehensive knowledge of government accounting systems, including Washington State BARS, and federal and state compliance guidelines. The role exercises independent judgment to secure and monitor grant compliance, safeguard capital asset records, support utility enterprise financial modeling, and audit payroll and benefits liabilities. The Finance Analyst supports monthly, quarterly, and annual financial cycles; prepares and reviews accounting entries, workpapers, reports, and supporting schedules; and assists with financial statements and the annual budget. The position maintains accurate accounting records in accordance with BARS and city procedures, analyzes funds and financial statements, prepares grant billings and reporting, maintains capital asset records, and supports internal and external audits. It also provides backup for core city finance functions as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 5 years of government accounting experience explicitly involving SEFA reporting, capital asset tracking, or complex benefit reconciliations.
Proficiency with Washington State BARS coding, Federal Uniform Guidance, municipal ERP systems, and Microsoft Office suite software.
Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with city staff, regulatory agencies, the business community, and citizens.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, and communicate work status effectively to team members and superiors.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.

Responsibilities

Perform accounting tasks for monthly, quarterly, and annual financial cycles, including preparing or reviewing closing and adjusting entries, workpapers, and reports.
Develop, prepare, and submit reports containing complex and technical data to the state.
Assist with required financial statements by compiling data and preparing supporting schedules for reports such as the annual report.
Assist with annual budget production by developing and preparing supporting schedules and worksheets.
Prepare budgetary reports, worksheets, trial balances, and periodic financial reports to inform management of the city's financial condition.
Ensure income and expenditures are accurately recorded, balanced, and classified in accordance with BARS and city procedures.
Analyze funds, financial summaries, and statements, and initiate authorized improvements or revisions to accounting systems and procedures.
Prepare and submit grant billings, drawdowns, and periodic funder reports; ensure documentation supports allowable expenses and budget tracking.
Maintain and reconcile capital asset registers; perform capitalization and disposals; calculate depreciation; and ensure assets are accurately recorded and tracked.
Perform month-end and year-end close activities for grant accounts and capital assets, including reconciliations, variance analysis, and journal entries.
Independently compile and reconcile 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.
Manage accounting records for multi-year capital improvement projects and capitalize assets upon project completion.
Maintain the comprehensive capital asset system and accurate records for city-owned assets.
Provide backup, as assigned, for finance functions including cash receipting, payroll and benefits, business licensing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and job costing.