Financial Analyst II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

As part of the Public Health Laboratory Division’s Fiscal & Procurement Branch, performs highly complex (senior-level) financial analysis and monitoring of technical and program-related projects and procurements that support expenditure forecasts; financial and operational impact; budget and operational impact; performance measures; and project deliverables for the Public Health Laboratory Division (PHLD). Work involves the examination, investigation, and review of PHLD budget and accounting records, financial statements, management practices, and internal controls to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and/or regulations as well as DSHS policies, regulations, for related projects and procurements. Prepares reports containing findings, recommendations, and corrective actions required of the PHLD staff. In addition, the work involves providing recommendations and technical assistance to staff in all matters relating to financial compliance and best practices. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need.

Requirements

• Knowledge of financial analyses and examination procedures for regulated entities of financial and industry terminology and practices, and of statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of State budget and accounting, purchasing and contracting processes.
• Knowledge of the Texas Legislative Appropriations process.
• Skill in Microsoft Office products. Advanced skills in Excel and/or other database programs.
• Skill in providing customer service both in person and on the telephone.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines for simultaneous tasks.
• Ability to handle and safeguard sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to administer financial processes and systems.
• Ability to perform and interpret numerical analyses.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, and summarize financial and management records for accuracy and conformance to procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to prepare reports and correspondence regarding findings.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and to exercise judgment in making administrative and technical decisions.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work effectively with managers, co-workers, federal, state and local officials and their staff, industry and the public. Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise and recommend solutions to problems; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
• Ability to achieve goals/objectives, action items, timelines and strategies.
• Experience in financial analysis and regulatory work.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, or a related field is generally preferred.
• 1-year experience in Financial Monitoring, Funding/Resource Allocation, Budget, Accounting, Grants, Administration or other financial experience required.
• Experience in Microsoft Office products. Advanced skills in Excel and/or other database programs.
• Experience in preparing financial reports and correspondence regarding findings.

Nice To Haves

• Prefer experience providing consultative/technical assistance to management and staff.
• Prefer experience in Financial Systems (PeopleSoft, Oracle, QuickBooks, etc.)
• Prefer experience working independently and exercising judgement in making administrative and technical decisions.

Responsibilities

• Perform financial analysis of PHLD procurements and projects, assigning funding source. Drafts, reviews, and/or edits expenditure reports. Compiles the backup documentation supporting the report. Performs the follow-up correspondence associated with the report, and reviews all other written materials prepared by staff related to the financial component as assigned. Reviews procurements and projects for financial completeness; for compliance with financial standards; for uniformity in methods; and for adherence to financial statutes, agency rulings and procedures.
• Work also involves the preparation of financial reports containing findings, recommendations, and corrective actions. Responsible for financial and internal management reports. Escalates and coordinates the resolution of financial risks as necessary with senior Fiscal & Procurement Branch staff, PHLD management, and CFO areas. Attends meetings with appropriate staff to inform them of relevant policies and procedures.
• Performs highly complex financial monitoring of related projects and procurements that support expenditure forecasts; financial and operational impact; budget and operational impact; performance measures; and project deliverables for PHLD. Work involves the examination, investigation, and review of accounting records, financial statements, management practices, and internal controls to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and/or regulations as well as DSHS policies, regulations, for related projects and procurements. Makes written recommendations for strategies to mitigate financial risks. Facilitates the development of models and analyses to include annual expenditure forecasts and long-term financial plans.
• Reviews and provides interpretation on technical questions regarding new legislation and other applicable federal or state laws and regulations as well as department policies and procedures that affect PHLD finances. Provides financial and operational impact analyses of legislative proposals. Serves as technical advisor on financial matters to PHLD management and programs. Recommends and implements changes in the procurement and financial tracking processes.
• Participates in special investigations, research studies, and internal audits. Prepare ad hoc reports/analyses as requested by management to assist in quality improvement initiatives as well as reporting purposes.
• Performs related work as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the PHLD’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees