Financial Analyst

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Financial Analyst is responsible for key functions including financial consulting support for agency program and regional school district business staff, agency wide budget monitoring, and procurement compliance assistance The Financial Analyst will support the Financial Planning and Project lead with agency business and financial activities and support the Fiscal Services Supervisor with regional school district business and financial activities.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

General Duties for NWESD Agency and Regional School Districts

• Review, analyze and summarize large data sets to develop reports for use by fiscal and program staff.
• Develops tools and processes to analyze data and produce routine reports for management on a monthly, quarterly, and annual schedule.
• Conducts analysis, research, and modeling of budgeted and actual revenues and expenditures.
• Develops a wide variety of regular and special purpose financial reports for the purpose of providing information, reference materials and complying with legal mandates.
• Prepares other analysis or presentation materials as requested.
• Assists the Assistant Superintendent of Finance with financial matters related to the operations and programs of the NWESD.

NWESD Agency Specific Duties

• Partners with other fiscal staff on the development of new business strategies and grant opportunities, by providing financial modeling and consulting support.
• Assists with the development and preparation of the annual budget.
• Assists the program staff throughout the agency on budget and financial analysis of program activities.
• Responds to inquiries from outside agencies and internal departments regarding budget and program financial reports.
• Develops specialized reports for use by program staff for budget monitoring.
• Meets with and communicates program budget status to management and program staff.
• Assists the fiscal and program staff throughout the agency on procurement of goods and services in accordance with NWESD policies and State and Federal regulations.
• Assists in the compliance approval for all agency wide purchase orders.
• Assists the Financial Planning and Projects Lead with financial tools and process to support the financial stability of the agency, as assigned.

Regional School District Specific Duties

• Provide technical support, RCW/WAC interpretation, and other assistance to regional school district staff in completion of the required OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) regulatory reports, to include the following:
  • Process and monitor monthly school district enrollment reporting within the OSPI EDS system (P233).
  • Monitors annual and periodic personnel reporting within the OSPI EDS system (S275).
• Review monthly treasurer reports for all districts from five counties, and enters information in the OSPI EDS system (F197)
• Maintain log of regional school district elections and communicate plans and results to counties, OSPI and NWESD leadership.
• Assists the Fiscal Services Supervisor with financial tools and processes to support the financial stability of regional school districts, as assigned.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of governmental accounting obtained through formal education and experience.
• High level creative thinking, research skills and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word, and other applicable software applications.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, while using tact, discretion, and courtesy in working with agency staff.
• Ability to become proficient in working with Qmlativ software accounting system.
• Ability to communicate complex regulations to individuals with varying levels of accounting backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well with others to accomplish system objectives.
• Ability to prepare accurate, clear, and concise statistical statements and reports.
• Ability to interpret financial reports and statements and organize complex financial data.
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to develop and make improvements in financial accounting systems, procedures, forms, and records.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, Public Administration or related field and a minimum of three years of applicable financial experience is required. Experience in project management, financial consulting and working in public sector finance is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Requires a valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance. Washington State Patrol background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, occasional travel may be required for workshops, committee representation, or conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of 40 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Those present in a normal office environment; no known significant hazards.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.