Financial Analyst II

Job Description:
Financial Analyst II
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 LSS 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.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
EJF 1. (40%) 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.
EJF 2. (20%) 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.
EJF 3. (15%) 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.
EJF 4. (10%) 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.
EJF 5. (10%) 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.
EJF 6. (5%) 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 Abilities:
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:
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.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None

Initial Selection Criteria:
Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance or related field from an accredited four-year college or university.
At least one year of experience in the area of financial monitoring, funding/resource allocation, budget, accounting, or grants administration or other financial related experience.
Experience may be substituted for Education on a year-for-year basis.
Advanced PC skills including software such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel or other database programs.
Experience in preparing financial reports.
Prefer experience in providing consultative and technical assistance to management or staff.
Prefer experience with State budget or accounting, including the Legislative Appropriations Request process and serving as a liaison in the between program areas, customers, and external parties.
Prefer experience in utilizing stage agency financial systems (i.e. CAPPS Financials).
Prefer experience in working in a fast-paced or high-volume work setting.

Additional Information:
Additional Information:
In-basket exercises will be administered during the interview. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide a reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required: vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duties and tasks. Note: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. 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 https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions.

MOS Code:
No Direct Military Equivalents

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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