Financial Analyst III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. Under the direction of IT Budget leadership, performs advanced (senior level) financial analysis work. Work involves administering financial processes and systems; reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating financial data; preparing reports, making presentations, and responding to inquiries; and recommending and implementing appropriate action to resolve financial and regulatory problems. Ensure complete, accurate financial data is gathered, incorporated and reported on the budget and spend plan. May plan, assign, and/or coordinate the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Work outside of regular hours may be required. Travel to other work locations may be required. Performs other duties as assigned. Selected candidate must work onsite from an HHS office located in Austin, Texas designated by the hiring manager.

Requirements

Three (3) years’ experience in financial analysis (budget preparation, forecasting, analyzing data, monitoring state agency operating budgets) and/or preparing financial / budget reports.
Three (3) years’ experience with Microsoft Excel.
Three (3) years’ experience with automated accounting systems, such as CAPPS Financials.
Knowledge in financial analysis (budget preparation, forecasting, analyzing data, monitoring state agency operating budgets) and/or preparing financial / budget reports for leadership.
Knowledge of financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and accounting policies and practices and trend analysis.
Knowledge of financial and budget terminology.
Knowledge of automated accounting systems, such as CAPPS Financials.
Skill in analyzing financial data, and in the use of a computer and applicable software, including but not limited to Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and other governmental financial applications.
Skill in communicating verbally and in writing, including preparing clear and concise reports and correspondence regarding financial analysis results.
Skill in formulating analytical solutions.
Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, meeting deadlines, and instilling practices for accurate reporting.
Skill in the use of computer and applicable software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
Ability to provide quality and efficient customer service to our customers.
Ability to produce quality, detailed work within short deadlines.
Ability to perform and interpret financial and management records analysis in complex situations.
Ability to interpret, apply, and explain statutes and regulations to others.
Ability to analyze, evaluate, and summarize financial and management records for accuracy and conformance to procedures, rules, and regulations.
Ability to work independently and organize/prioritize work.
Ability to document policies, procedures, and processes.
Ability to provide good supporting documentation.
Ability and willingness to occasionally work overtime and on weekends in order to manage workload.
Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical senior executives, build and maintain effective working relationships, negotiate with individuals and groups, develop professional networks, and identify the internal and external dynamics that impact the work of the organization.

Nice To Haves

Prefer knowledge of legal restrictions governing the allocation of state and federal funds, particularly for IT.
Prefer experience with legal restrictions governing the allocation of state and federal funds, particularly for IT.

Responsibilities

Reviews, analyzes, evaluates financial data and applicable financial plans, and performs budget monitoring, projections, and analysis work for assigned areas, particularly for IT projects, including project business plans. Ensures compliance with administrative financial processes, established procedures, requirements, laws, and regulations; completeness of data; and presence of adequate documentation related to reporting requirements. Prepares monthly budget and forecast reports, including staffing information. Ensures complete, accurate financial data is gathered for each assignment, verifying all IT-related Peoplesoft CAPPS Financials transactions monthly. Synthesizes data gathered from multiple sources (meetings with various levels of staff on various topics, reports, etc.) and determines impact on budgets, assignments, and projections.
Prepares detailed reports and coordinates projections with IT SMEs for IT managed budgets, analyzing IT historical data and current expenditures to accurately forecast future spending. Develops financial models within which to analyze gathered data, documents assumptions, and makes recommendations based on findings. Collaborates and coordinates with IT managers and stakeholders to gather input and update forecasts as needed and presents findings and recommendations to senior IT leadership for informed decision-making. Discusses budget, forecast, capital project and staffing information with directors at least monthly. Monitors ongoing project and operational financial data and makes recommendations for action based on findings. Analyzes proposed budget changes and informs management of implications. Implements approved recommendations within approved deadlines. Appropriately escalates implementation issues. Manages HHSC IT position affordability as assigned, coordinates with financial analysts to assess and document position affordability, and maintains the HHSC IT budget affordability file.
Provides consultation to HHSC system and member agency staff. Develops models and methodologies to assist management in making critical IT financial decisions within financial processes, limitations, and guidelines. Interprets state and federal fiscal policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards. Participates in workgroups and assignments with other HHSC system staff. Provides, exchanges, and verifies financial information through a variety of methods. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff in other internal and external entities.
Prepares reports (including Legislative Appropriations Requests, Biennial Operating Plan, and regular status and ad-hoc budget reports), makes presentations, and responds to inquiries. Reports are accurate and submitted within approved timeframes. Reports summarize sources of information and document assumptions based on information gathered. Presentations are concise, well-prepared, and delivered within specified parameters. Backup information for reports is well-documented and easy for others to understand.
Researches and provides interpretation on funding and cost allocation regulations for assigned budget areas. Develops, recommends, and implements appropriate action to resolve financial and regulatory problems, particularly with IT project funding. Maintains knowledge of applicable regulations. Responds to requests for consultations within reasonable timeframes. Accurately interprets and applies regulations to specific situations. Determines alternatives to comply with regulations while meeting agency business needs. Makes recommendations to resolve issues in specific situations. Implements approved recommendations within approved deadlines. Appropriately escalates implementation issues.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.