Senior Budget and Financial Analyst

Are you passionate about public finance? Join our dedicated team and take the lead in developing the City's biennial budget, Capital Improvement Plan, and long-term financial forecast.

This position performs complex, journey-level work in the coordination, development, and implementation of the City's biennial operating budget, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and long-range financial forecast. Prepares revenue and expenditure projections, develops budget amendments as needed, and provides analysis and recommendations on financial policies. Works closely with departments to monitor budget performance, ensure alignment with fiscal goals, and identify opportunities for operational or financial improvement. Provides training and guidance to City staff on budget processes and tools. Supports the maintenance and accuracy of CIP data, including project timelines and funding allocations. Tracks and analyzes State legislation that may impact City finances. This is a journey-level classification requiring the ability to perform a full range of duties with minimal supervision and to exercise sound judgment within established guidelines and procedures.

Why join us?

• Impactful Work: Offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the financial health and operational efficiency of our local city government.
• Professional Growth: Access to continuous learning opportunities and career advancement.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, FSA, retirement plans, and generous paid time off (vacation and sick).
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated and supportive team passionate about public service.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work schedules and a commitment to your well-being; 14 paid holidays plus a floating holiday.

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Budget Development and Coordination

• Leads and supports the coordination of the City's biennial operating budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), ensuring consistency with organizational goals and financial policies.
• Prepares key documents, including the budget document, quarterly reports, and six-year CIP publications.
• Coordinates mid-biennial budget reviews, budget amendments, and the annual carryover process.
• Works collaboratively with departments to support budget proposal development, analyze line-item and program submissions, and provide recommendations regarding cost allocations and funding strategies.
• Delivers training and technical assistance to departments on budget procedures, policies, and financial systems.

Budget Monitoring and Financial Reporting

• Monitors and analyzes departmental budgets and overall fiscal performance throughout the year.
• Tracks and forecasts major revenue sources, including property tax, sales tax, real estate excise tax, and state-shared revenues, as well as fees for development, utilities, and recreation.
• Identifies and advises on budget variances, revenue shortfalls, or funding issues; recommends corrective actions or alternative solutions.
• Prepares and distributes internal financial reports for departments and City Council, including monthly, quarterly, and annual summaries.
• Develops and maintains models for budget tracking, financial monitoring, and reporting; designs queries, spreadsheets, and macros for data analysis.

Financial Analysis and Special Projects

• Conducts complex financial and policy analyses, including cost-of-service studies, rate analyses, asset maintenance funding plans, and long-range financial forecasting.
• Develops and updates the City's financial sustainability model to support long-term planning and decision-making.
• Supports internal service fund management, including reconciliation of fleet-related costs and contributions, and the development of replacement planning and cost recovery models for City vehicles and equipment.
• Recommends fund balance targets for the fleet fund and ensures accurate tracking of vehicle acquisition, outfitting, maintenance, and operational costs.
• Prepares and presents staff reports and recommendations to department heads, the City Manager, City Council, and the public.
• Assists in the development of the City's annual fee schedule and provides recommendations based on financial analysis and benchmarking.

Systems Support and Collaboration

• Partners with departments to define financial information and reporting needs and implement appropriate solutions.
• Develops, maintains, and supports financial databases and systems used for budgeting, tracking, and performance analysis.
• Provides user training and technical support for the City's financial system; develops user guides and training materials.
• Monitors and analyzes proposed state and local legislation affecting City finances and coordinates responses with peer jurisdictions when appropriate.
• Participates in or leads cross-departmental teams and citywide projects, as assigned.

Other Responsibilities

• Responds to inquiries and prepares correspondence, financial reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• May be required to attend evening and/or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and/or requirements.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• No supervisory responsibilities but may lead and coordinate the work of other staff

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or closely related field; supplemented by five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental financial analysis and budgeting; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees must be residents of Washington State.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
None required. May be required to possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver License and the ability to drive a city owned vehicle per established policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications
Designation as a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA), or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Governmental accounting standards for financial accounting and reporting for U.S. state and local government.
• Washington State Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System (BARS).
• Financial modeling tools and procedures for examining financial data and methods of forecasting revenues and expenditures.
• Governmental rate structures and ability to analyze data and develop recommendations for internal and external fees schedules.
• Budget development and administration and capital project funding strategies.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and effectively use specialized financial and reporting software, as well as online meeting platforms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to grammar, spelling, and professional tone.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Customer service orientation with the ability to communicate professionally, maintain confidentiality, and represent the City in a positive and courteous manner.
• Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to interpret financial data, summarize findings, and develop sound recommendations.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, and policies to establish effective work procedures.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, including the ability to adhere to a designated work schedule and approved hybrid work arrangements.

Physical Requirements
Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing and/or walking.

Environmental Requirements
Tasks are regularly performed inside withoutexposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, fumes, temperature, weather, and noise extremes).

Sensory Requirements
Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing.