Financial Analyst II

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee 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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Brief Job Description:

As part of the Public Health Laboratory’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 is currently classified as full-time telework, however, the telework status is not guaranteed indefinitely and is subject to change based on policy or agency determination. Employees who telework may be required to come into the assigned business office to perform essential job functions and attend in-person meetings, as directed by the employee’s immediate supervisor.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

40% EJF: 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. 

20% EJF: 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.

15% EFJ: 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. 

10% EFJ: 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. 

10% EFJ: 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. 

 5% EFJ: 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

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 good 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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

None. 

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Admin, Finance or related field.

1 yr experience in financial monitoring, funding/resource allocation, budget, accounting, or grants admin or other financial experience.

Advanced PC skills (Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel or other database programs).

Experience in preparing financial reports.

Prefer experience providing consult/tech assist to mngmnt/staff.

Prefer experience w/State budget or accounting.

Prefer experience w/LAR process.

Prefer experience in customer service.

Prefer experience w/serving as a liaison.

Prefer experience in CAPPS FINANCIALS.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form