Senior Financial Analyst (Financial Analyst III)

Texas Education Agency • Austin, TX

40d • Remote

About The Position

The Senior Financial Analyst works within the State Funding, Forecasting & Fiscal Analysis Division, which is responsible for administering the Foundation School Program (FSP). The FSP determines the amount of state and local funding due to school districts under Texas school finance law and provides the state share of this funding to districts. The State Funding team also produces reports and other data related to school finance. The Senior Financial Analyst supports schools by performing highly complex financial analysis and regulatory work related to various allotments used in the state's school finance formulas. This role supports schools by performing advanced (senior-level) financial analysis and regulatory work related administering the state's Instructional Facility Allotment (IFA) and Existing Debt Allotment (EDA) programs. The Senior Financial Analyst reports to the Foundation School Program (FSP) Facilities Manager and works closely with leadership, analysts, programmers, and stakeholders to ensure effective and efficient program implementation in compliance with applicable statutes and regulations, including advising and assisting junior analysts in coordination with State Funding leadership personnel. The work involves compiling, reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating financial data which includes interpreting statutes and regulations and accurately translating them to ensure alignment of calculations and methodologies to determine funding and providing expert technical assistance to school districts and their financial and legal advisors, agency staff, government agencies, bond counsel, vendors, and the general public. Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates. Please note that a resume and tailored cover letter are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field
• At least three [3] years of experience in financial analysis and regulatory work
• Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military.
• Demonstrates a strong customer-service orientation, effectively engaging with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicates complex information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences, including financial advisors and bond counsel.
• Performs and interprets numerical analyses, breaking down complex data into understandable components; asks critical questions and synthesizes insights.
• Proficient in data analysis tools, with advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel.
• Accurate interpretation of statutes, regulations, and financial/bond documents.
• Understand abstract concepts and draw correlations between facts, processes, and mathematical formulas.
• Builds collaborative, professional relationships across teams.
• Creative problem-solver with independent thinking and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement through self-reflection, give/receive feedback, actively listen, and adaptability.
• Highly organized; strong project management skills to meet deadlines across multiple concurrent projects; and meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high quality work.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of state facilities funding formulas and programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Financial Analysis and Process Control: determines cost of operations for the state's IFA and EDA programs by implementing applicable statutes and regulations to ensure that school districts receive appropriate amounts of funding; collects and reviews school district applications for IFA funding to determine compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; updates summary of finances (SOF) reports; and processes outstanding balances
• Compliance and Transparency: applies funding formulas used to distribute money to school districts in accordance with the Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Code, implementing changes as necessary; develops and maintains associated rules, web content, and standard operating procedures for the state's IFA and EDA programs
• Strategy and Process Improvements: increases productivity by developing and maintaining automated financial processes and systems; determines software change requirements and conducts User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
• Intra-Agency Coordination: collaborates with the division on projects and supports the administration of the Summary of Finances (SOF) report and related financial transactions
• Cross Training: promotes flexibility and efficiency by learning and sharing skills across roles, enabling coverage for multiple responsibilities and fostering adaptability to enhance overall team effectiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees