General Description

POSITION TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Budget Office
HOURS: Full-time
ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $58,494.00 - $65,806.00/annually (107 Salary Grade)
LOCATION: Hybrid, telework and in-person at the Administration Center, Hastings, MN
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: Continuous with first review of applications on 5/10/2023

Financial Analyst is responsible for preparing and analyzing financial data and reports, developing budget proposals, participating in the preparation of annual financial statements, and performing other complex accounting and budgeting activities, all from a perspective of in-depth knowledge of program-specific funding streams and financial compliance requirements. The work involves moderately high to high level of decision making, under very minimal supervision. This position serves as a fiscal liaison with the Community Services Division, State and Federal agencies and other departments throughout the County and assists in the implementation and development of programs to improve existing systems and policies.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware working environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Location & Schedule
This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Northern Service Center in West Saint Paul, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

NOTE: This position will be located in Hastings, MN in the Budget Office for approximately one year and then will transition to Community Service Administration with the primary work location being the Northern Service Center in West Saint Paul, MN.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or in a related field

OR

• Associates Degree AND Two years experience working in business or governmental accounting

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience to total four years.

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

• Review and analyze current and proposed departmental budget; provide expense and revenue projections.
• Analyze departmental fiscal performance to determine deviations from the budget.
• Meet with departments to discuss fiscal matters and recommend changes where appropriate.
• Research information regarding specific operations or budgeted programs.
• Conduct research and build relationships with Community Services departments and their funding sponsors to gain in-depth knowledge of program-specific funding streams and financial compliance requirements.
• Prepare departmental budget and status reports including creating worksheets and graphs.
• Develop various financial statements and reports as needed for internal management and external reporting purposes.
• Assist in budget development and management through coordination with Community Services program areas and implementation of budget assumptions and themes.
• Prepare and process accounting transactions within one or more areas of emphasis including preparation and approval for input data and proofing of output.
• Develop and maintain accounting systems, including chart of accounts and internal control requirements for designated funds, departments, divisions or programs of the County.
• Provide program expertise to the Budget Office and Finance Department, as needed to prepare required financial reports.
• Monitor Maintenance of Effort (MOE) obligations, as requested.
• Assist with management of grants received by Community Services, by creating and tracking grant budgets in Oracle ERP and via spreadsheet, by entering budget adjustments, and by generating analytical and accounting reports for both internal and external use.
• Claim state and federal grant funding reimbursement.
• Provide expertise on accounting systems and methodologies to retrieve financial data.
• Liaison with Community Services Contracts Unit to ensure payments and revenues comply with contractual obligations.
• Develop and maintain contacts throughout County government and external agencies to efficiently and effectively carry out the responsibilities of the position.
• Represent the Community Services Division as assigned or requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1 - 17 are essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Knowledge of current governmental fund accounting and reporting standards.
• Skill and ability to continuously upgrade usage of Microsoft Office Products.
• Ability to lead meetings with departments and others.
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks based on deadlines and importance.
• Ability to adapt to changing work situations and requirements.
• Ability to interact well with all personal styles and motivate others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Work Environment
Hybrid schedule. Work is primarily sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required. Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. May require occasional travel.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct background and reference checks before hiring