Position Description

Minimum Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Experience

1

Summary

The Financial Programs Analyst participates in day-to-day activities of the section, including accurately and timely verifying that financial payments are proper, correct, and in accordance with policies, procedures, laws, and regulations. Verifies data feeds by testing, reconciling, and auditing information against source records and systems. Negotiates the resolution of payment issues with Board vendors / suppliers / employees. Supports Internal Control (COSO) efforts by creating/updating process documentation/test scripts and identifying risk areas. Uses knowledge of software applications to receive, transmit, verify, and troubleshoot various information to and from vendors. Produces moderately complex reports from transactional systems and reporting tools. Conducts on-going, quarterly, and annual SOX testing, and performs user testing on upgrades, patches, and enhancements. Performs peer reviews of work to ensure accuracy.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Advises employees on accounting and payroll policies and programs.
• Researches and troubleshoots issues that would negatively impact transaction processing.
• Works with ASAP personnel and supervisors to resolve automation issues. Ensures the accuracy of transactions entered into the Oracle/PeopleSoft automated system.
• Ensures that payroll and accounting codes are accurately maintained in the PeopleSoft or Oracle tables.
• Participates in the development and implementation of new procedures arising from new benefits programs or changes in automation systems. This includes providing guidance on the impact of program changes to employees.
• Reviews and audits reports and data input from all divisions to ensure accuracy of processing.
• Analyzes and reconciles account balances on a bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
• Ensures compliance with SOX by documenting processes, including the identification of risk areas and the opportunity for process re-engineering; ensuring that adequate controls are in place; coordinating efforts in the development of test scripts; and conducting quarterly SOX testing. In addition, the analyst conducts payroll testing on major PeopleSoft/Oracle upgrades.
• Performs special studies and participates in projects which involve analyses of specific payroll and benefits arrangements and/or the evaluation of policies, procedures and controls. Special projects also include working with and providing support to the Board's external auditors, the Office of Inspector General and the Risk Management function in reviews of the unit's work or issues directly relating to the overall operations of the section.
• Prepares responses to federal and state tax reporting entities.
• Uses knowledge of various Government/Reserve Bank software applications in order to receive and transmit accurate Board files to vendors. Provides documented format or interfacing information to Government agencies and other organizations for purposes of verification, validation, or reporting requirements.
• Assists peers and other outside department staff in applying Board Policy, and Federal and State laws (where applicable) to processing transactions in PeopleSoft and other vendor related software applications.
• Develops own professional skills. Maintains awareness of evolving information-processing technologies through professional publications. Identifies appropriate direction for own professional development.

Position Requirements

Must have general knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, and practices in the financial field (including accounting, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, expense management, and/or reporting) typically acquired through a bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience) and one year of experience. Experience with automated systems (such as Coupa and Workday is desired; must be proficient in office automation software and have basic Excel knowledge. Is able to keep abreast of changes of professional concepts and translate those developments to Board requirements. Must have demonstrated excellent customer relations skills and ability to interact with all levels of the Division staff effectively. Certification (or demonstrated progression to obtaining such) in field (such as CPA or CPP) desired.

FR-24 is a Sr. Financial Programs Analyst and must meet the qualifications of the preceding grade in addition to three years of experience. Certification (or demonstrated progression to obtaining such) in field (such as CPA or CPP) preferred.

Participates in the day-to-day activities of the section, including accurately and timely verifying that moderately complex financial service payments are proper, correct, and in accordance with the division's policies and procedures. Verifies data feeds by testing, reconciling, and auditing information against source records and systems. Performs manual entries as necessary. Performs peer reviews to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness of team's work.

Conducts tasks and analysis with creativity, judgment, and responsibility; may recommend new approaches and policies. May provide technical advise for activities involving financial data, issues, and trends.

Participates in division and inter-division projects which enhance and streamline procedures and controls in the context of a risk control environment, and/or the automation of processes and workflows. Provides timely and accurate information and analysis to management by assembling and summarizing data, preparing clear and concise reports of findings and recommendations, and preparing implementation plans for follow-up actions.

Engages in critical analysis, reaching conclusions concerning solutions to financial services problems and, where appropriate, develops recommendations and decisions to improve the financial services systems and its operations. Discusses difficult, unusual, or precedent-setting issues with senior staff as they arise. Guidelines include applicable GAAP, COSO/SOX standards, federal and state tax laws, industry benchmarks, and current policies/procedures. Adapts procedures to meet changing requirements and best business practices. Able to perform assignments under tight deadlines and schedules. This involves automating where appropriate and adapting controls when needed. May take direction and guidance from other senior team members.

Supports the Board's efforts to implement and maintain an Internal Control Framework (COSO), satisfying the requirements of the Sarbanes/Oxley legislation (SOX). Creates / updates process documentation, identifies risk areas and the opportunity for process re-engineering, and ensures that adequate controls are in place.

Solid verbal and written communication skills are required. Information must be presented in a clear, concise, and logical manner utilizing proper vocabulary and grammar. Needs to demonstrate consistency between action and words, utilize customer input to develop work products and processes. Must use diplomacy and tact.

Responsible for planning and carrying out work responsibilities with general supervision. Coordinates work with others, keeps management informed of progress, and suggests new initiatives to management. Reviews the work of peers and provides basic training to customers and new colleagues.