Senior Budget and Management Analyst

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Performs specialized technical work of considerable complexity and responsibility requiring an extensive amount of knowledge of theory and practice in budgeting, planning, forecasting, accounting, and general corporate finance. Responsible for coordinating and preparing VIA’s annual budgets. Performs financial analysis relating to business opportunities, variances, and operating/financial performance. Work is performed under minimal supervision, and requires initiative, sound judgment, tact, and the ability to develop effective solutions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Plans and conducts activities related to the preparation of the Annual Budget to include gathering, analyzing, reviewing, and distributing information to staff and departments; prepares sections of the annual Business Plan and Budget Book and all supporting documentation. Prepares, administers, and may direct annual revenue and expenditure budgets and the five-year financial forecast for an assigned group of departments. Analyzes past and present financial operations, trends, and costs and estimates future revenues and expenditures for the preparation of budgets. Analyzes budget submissions for accuracy and appropriateness, provides written recommendations to management; works with divisions/departments to resolve budget concerns. Monitors activities and expenditures at the department and division levels to ensure conformance with budgetary guidelines and departmental goals. Collaborates with assigned department leads to review strategic direction and conceptualizes and executes visual communication materials and/or graphics that meet departmental and agency goals and objectives. Attends budget meetings with the Senior Executive Management Team and department/group leads; attends public hearings on budget process; attends board meetings on budgetary items. Assists with the preparation and development of monthly and/or quarterly financial reporting, including explanations of variances between budgeted and actual revenues and expenditures. Assists with monitoring and evaluating performance measures to ensure departmental efficiency and effectiveness of services delivered. Performs a wide variety of highly technical and complex financial analysis relating to business opportunities, expense and revenue variances, operating/financial performance, and ad hoc requests. Must be able to learn and become an expert user of VIA’s budgeting software and databases. Assists company staff on budget software, databases, and budget processes. Creates ad-hoc budget reports as needed. Reviews professional literature on organizational planning, program evaluation, accounting, quantitative analysis, and public policy making and provides recommendations. Ensures accounting strings and segments are sufficient to track information needed to meet internal and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) reporting requirements. Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service. Makes recommendations for improvements to various financial systems and procedures. Must perform duties with accuracy and in a timely manner. This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in Public or Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or other quantitative and related fields. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in governmental accounting, budgeting procedures, financial analysis, and/or an equivalent combination.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of accounting, and any applicable federal regulations. Must become thoroughly familiar with applicable sections of pertinent legislation such as OMB Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) reporting Knowledge of personal computer and related software applications, such as spreadsheets, databases, and word processing. Must be able to develop charts, graphs, and spreadsheets utilizing personal computer programs. Also, must be proficient in using automated accounting systems. Must be able to create and maintain data retrieval programs using MS Access or another database software is desirable. Must be able to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information. Must be able to be dedicated to meeting expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Must be able to grasp technical issues quickly, and to keep up with job-related knowledge including best practices. Must be a self-leaner. Must be able to understand complex issues and develop effective solutions and make sound decisions and recommendations to management. Must be able to quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all and be a team player who encourages collaboration. Must have the ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public and employees and maintain effective working relationships levels of the organization. Must be able to write and speak clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Must have the ability to extract, analyze and interpret financial data, prepare accurate and complete financial statements/reports, complete specially assigned tasks, and maintain complex accurate and complete accounting records. Must have strong planning, judgment, organizational, and analytical skills. Must be able to sit for long periods of time and be fully capable of utilizing various databases and reporting tools. Knowledge of SQL and Virtual Basic Applications (VBA) preferred. Advanced knowledge of and expertise with Microsoft preferred. Must be able to work effectively in stressful situations, work well in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines. Must maintain accuracy and relevancy in short- turnaround timeframes. Safety Accountability Statement: - Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers. - Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs; related to safety, health, and system security. - Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department. - Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used. Must support and comply with VIA’s EEO policies and procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have physical ability to occasionally bend, stoop, squat, kneel and climb stairs, and lift objects weighing 35 pounds such as files, computer printouts, and books.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work involves deadlines and multiple priorities. Infrequently lifting and carrying items up to 35 lbs.; infrequently twisting or bending at the waist or reaching overhead; infrequently traveling between buildings. VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.