IT Budget Financial Analyst

Job Description:

* A hybrid telework and office schedule is required for this position subject to established policies*

Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Accounting, Auditing, and Finance

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 limited 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.  

Essential Job Functions:

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 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. (30%)

Prepares detailed reports and projections for IT managed budgets, analyzing 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. (30%)

Provides consultation to HHSC system and member agency staff. Develops models and methodologies to assist management in making critical financial decisions. 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. (15%)

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. (15%)

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. (10%)

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience 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.
• Prefer knowledge of legal restrictions governing the allocation of state and federal funds, particularly for IT.
• Prefer a minimum 3 years' experience with financial / accounting software applications.
• 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.
• 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.
   

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Prefer a minimum 3 years' experience with financial / accounting software applications 
• Experience in financial analysis (budget preparation, forecasting, analyzing data, monitoring operating budgets) and/or preparing financial / budget reports
  Experience with financial / accounting software applications
  Documented experience with Microsoft Excel 

Additional Information:

• In-baskets are required after an interview for selected interviewees.
• Overtime and work on weekends required occasionally to manage workload.  

MOS Code:

Note: All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information, see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at Military Crosswalk Guide - Prepared by the State Auditor's Office (texas.gov)