Financial Analyst III - Austin Financial Services

City of Austin • Austin, TX

8d • $62,890 - $77,980 • Hybrid

About The Position

Austin Financial Services (AFS) provides financial services and programs to residents, vendors, and City departments. Its mission is to steward public resources with integrity and accountability and help ensure the City’s fiscal soundness. AFS supports financial processes including annual budgeting and fiscal reporting, procurement, franchise agreements, real estate transactions, and management of the City’s investment portfolio and debt.

The Financial Analyst III coordinates and develops budget-process deliverables and provides management with financial information by planning, developing, interpreting, monitoring, processing, and reporting financial and budget information. This position performs key lead functions for the Finance team in the Financial Services Department’s Support Services division. Work includes assisting divisions with the annual budget process, financial policies and procedures, budget monitoring, capital improvement projects (CIP), quality checks of complex invoices, and simple contracts. Other duties may include processing transactions in the City’s financial system, creating MicroStrategy reports, and researching data for emergency-response reporting. The role requires managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and exercising communication and leadership skills.

The position is based at 721 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telework may be available after an initial training period; schedules may change to meet departmental business needs. The position may involve travel to multiple work locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field, plus four years of experience in a related field.
• A master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business or Public Administration, or another relevant field, may substitute for two years of experience.
• A five-year accounting (MAcy) degree or CPA designation may substitute for one year of experience.
• Knowledge of processes and theories used for public budgetary and financial policies.
• Knowledge of accounting practices and concepts, internal control systems, preferred business practices, manual and automated financial systems, and financial and budget reporting.
• Skill in designing and maintaining complex spreadsheet and database models and using word-processing and presentation software.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting financial records and gathering, analyzing, and presenting data for management.
• Ability to resolve problems or situations requiring sound judgment.
• Ability to prepare accurate and complex financial reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate communication and leadership skills.
• A complete City of Austin employment application and a cover letter are required; a résumé is also required but does not replace the application.
• May be required to complete a skills assessment and pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation.
• If selected as a top candidate, education verification may be required; the City may contact current and former employers.
• To drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of regular duties, the employee must meet the City of Austin Driver Safety Standards; otherwise, the employee is responsible for transportation to and from those locations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience creating and analyzing financial reports.
• Experience with budget monitoring.
• Experience with financial software such as Advantage, e-Capris, MicroStrategy, or another related financial or business-intelligence system.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
• Five-year accounting (MAcy) degree or CPA designation may substitute for one year of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing the department’s operating or capital improvement program (CIP) budget.
• Conduct budget analysis by implementing the budget process system, advising management during budget development, finalizing budgets, monitoring budgets, preparing or reviewing current-year estimates and variance reports, reviewing forecasts, and analyzing current and historical budget information.
• Prepare financial analyses and periodic or ad hoc reports by researching, compiling, monitoring, and summarizing financial information; report variances and trends and compile information from financial systems.
• Administer debt by monitoring debt-service schedules.
• Provide financial support for and monitor CIP projects; process and track task orders and other project requirements in eCAPRIS and other financial systems.
• Assist with developing the department’s business plan and forecast, and prepare fund summaries to inform management about the department’s financial condition.
• Develop and maintain spreadsheet models and databases that support project-data analysis and financial reporting.
• Review and approve accounting and financial transactions by verifying documentation and completing transactions accurately.
• Check documentation and funding information for accuracy and ensure transactions comply with City policy, applicable laws and regulations, and sound business practices.
• Provide departments and other customers with procedural and financial information and guidance on financial systems.
• Research and provide information requested by City Council, City management, boards and commissions, vendors, the public, regulatory agencies, and other City offices.
• Monitor state and federal regulatory processes and advise the department about the financial impact of new or proposed legislation, regulations, and standards.
• May provide leadership, assign work, evaluate, train, and guide others.
• Assist divisions with financial policies and procedures, budget monitoring, CIP, complex invoice quality checks, and simple contracts.
• Process transactions in the City’s financial system, create MicroStrategy reports, and research data for emergency-response reporting as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation package with generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System.
• Access to public transit and bike-friendly transportation infrastructure.
• Wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern and sustainable workspaces.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level