County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, to plan and conduct operational, financial and systems studies and analysis; to perform professional level budget analysis and development; to recommend and assist with the implementation of policy, procedure, system modifications, and computer programming; to assist with general administrative support; and perform related duties as required.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Fire Department Financial Services Analyst is a non-safety classification within the Alameda County Fire Department. This single position classification independently performs budget analysis and development, sophisticated research and a variety of operational, financial and systems analysis. This position reports to the Financial Services Manager.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Prepares preliminary analysis for budget preparation, assists in preparation and presentation of budget documents and prepares budget presentation materials.

2. Maintains data and systems for budget tracking and reporting, notifies program managers of budget status and variances; assists program managers with issues related to funds availability and budget compliance.

3. Monitors expenditures, staffing and operations; reconciles expenditures and revenues to budget; advises operating departments of problems and recommends corrective action.

4. Analyzes historical data and prepares quarterly revenue and expenditure forecasts.

5. Performs operational data analyses by using Crystal Report application, developing queries, and producing fire response time reports to ensure the Department is in compliance with contract requirements.

6. Coordinates departmental compliance with internal and external audits.

7. Analyzes business requirements to identify and recommend enhancements to business processes, such as customized programming to streamline processes, maximize resource utilization, and operational effectiveness.

8. Analyzes mid-year budget requests and recommendations, prepares all financial recommendation documents and budget tracking forms for submission..

9. Reviews, analyzes and trouble shoots for internal accounting and budget reconciliation; advises program managers on alignment of expenditures with revenue sources to maximize revenues.

10. Coordinates purchasing activities, researches capital purchases, and makes recommendations. Acts as a liaison with the County Purchasing Department and follows up with vendors as required.

11. Prepares a variety of correspondence, reports, documentation, policies, procedures and other written materials.

12. Maintains databases and accurate records or files related to work performed.

13. Assists in preparing grant requests and grant implementation documents; maintains records and submits reports to the funding agencies or organizations; answers questions and provides information during the auditing process.

14. Directs and reviews the work of Fire Department Account Clerks and other Fire Department personnel involved in projects related to financial services.

15. Makes presentations to Fire Department senior managers, Board members and the community, as needed.

16. Provides staff coverage as a Payroll Processor when needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Experience:

Two years of full time experience equivalent to or higher than the class of Financial Services Specialist I in the Alameda County classified service.


OR II
Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units) with major coursework in business or public administration, economics, financial planning or a field related to the work. (Masters degree desirable.)

AND
Experience:

The equivalent of three years of full-time professional level experience in independently providing complex financial planning or analysis and/or budget development and processing at a level equivalent to or higher than the County class of Financial Services Specialist I.

Licenses:

Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of operational, financial and information systems research and analysis.
• Principles and practices of governmental budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of cost benefit analysis and controls.
• Practices and techniques of statistical analysis and report preparation.
• Advanced accounting principles.
• Computer applications and programming, hardware and software related to the work.
• Budgetary and financial cost/expense tracking.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Alameda County Fire Department program deliveries.
• Applicable Federal, State and local regulations and guidelines.


Ability to:

• Plan, design and conduct sophisticated operational, management and related studies and analyses.
• Research, compile and summarize varied information, evaluate alternatives and reach sound conclusions.
• Analyze complex business data/problems and develop appropriate solutions.
• Utilize multiple computer software systems and applications.
• Interpret, explain and apply complex policies, regulations and procedures.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, correspondence, procedures, policies and other written materials.
• Represent the department and the County in meetings with others.
• Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established policies and guidelines.
• Direct and review the work of others on a project basis.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Newspecs: 8175
MH:cs 1/6/12
CSC Date: 2/8/12
DRH:cs Revised 6/13/16
CSC Date: 7/6/16
GH:cs Revised 10/18/16
CSC Date: 10/26/16

BENEFITS

*** For benefit information, please refer to the recruitment brochure.