Financial Analyst I

Tacoma Public Schools•Central Administration Building (CAB) 601 S 8th St., WA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

This position focuses on transforming financial data into meaningful insights that support financial planning, budget performance and informed decision-making through professional-level budget analysis and interpretation. Work is conducted within established policies, procedures, and analytical frameworks. Responsibilities include tasks such as evaluation of budget-to-actual results, data validation, root cause analysis, assessment of spending trends and patterns, and monitoring budget performance for adherence to fiscal processes and guidelines. The role emphasizes accuracy, critical thinking, and the consistent application of established processes and standards. Success in this role requires sound judgment, attention to detail, strong analytical skills, effective communication, collaboration, and a commitment to reliable financial reporting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field
Two years of progressively responsible budget experience requiring financial, statistical, and analytical skills, preferably in a school District environment
Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience in management, facilitation, or coordination preferred
WASBO School Accounting I, II, III preferred
Knowledge of School District accounting and State budgeting requirements is desired

Responsibilities

Evaluates and interprets financial performance by analyzing revenue and expenditure projections, historical trends, and related financial data to provide clear, data-driven insights.
Prepares cost, revenue, and operational impact analyses of labor negotiation proposals, legislative proposals, and other issues that may impact District finances.
Analyzes budget performance across departments and identifies trends, risks, and variances to support alignment with approved spending plans and appropriations.
Assesses variances between budgeted and actual expenditures, identifies root causes, and recommends corrective actions.
Evaluates data integrity and reporting accuracy; investigates discrepancies, identifies root causes, and recommends corrective actions in accordance with established processes.
Interprets and presents financial data, findings, and recommendations to District staff.
Analyzes departmental spending plans and financial data to identify trends, assess fiscal impacts, and support budget planning and resource allocation decisions.
Assists with presentations to the Board, staff, and public; represents the Budget Department on project implementation teams and other committees as assigned.
Assists in the preparation of District financial reports, the local budget summary, and other assigned reports; prepares charts, graphs, narrative explanations, and summaries to accompany reports as needed.
Assists in maintaining the District’s online position control system and position control reports; verifies information for accuracy; assists in correcting errors and coordinating efforts between District offices to resolve issues.
Contributes to the development, implementation, and analysis of new, revised, or proposed financial systems and reports.
Monitors and maintains the customer inquiry database, ensuring customer questions and issues are accurately recorded, tracked, and updated; communicates with customers as needed to provide information, resolve inquiries, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Analyzes and monitors financial agreements and payment activity related to Running Start, Open Doors, and other interagency or interlocal agreements; prepares related financial documentation and payment authorizations.
Maintains and updates knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position by participating in professional development activities, as determined or as assigned by supervisor.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.