Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Financial Analyst (#20001160)

General Statement

Under general supervision, performs professional financial and investment analysis; financial reporting activities; systems testing, implementation, and training; and supervises subordinate financial staff.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Prepares/assists in the preparation of standard and specialized financial reports such as the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Budget Financial Statement, annual continuing disclosure on outstanding debt issues, monthly and annual arbitrage reporting, trial balances, status reports on Federal grant billings and revenue collections, Revolving Loan Program reports, and disbursement status reports.    
  • Reviews general and subsidiary ledger balances, reconciling actual amounts and balances such as cash, investments, and accounts receivable, accounts payable, capital assets, bonds payable, and inter-fund balances. Prepares and posts standard and special journal entries of various Treasury and Finance operations. Completes financial analysis for revenues, expenditures, investments, and debt-related balances.    
  • Initiates, executes, records, and reconciles cash and investment management functions in the District ERP system and bank portals. Maintains investment portfolio in accordance with the District's Investment Policy and the provisions of State statutes.    
  • Monitors accounts, contracts, and debt service payable functions. Reviews, evaluates, and ensures the proper account postings. Analyzes, verifies, monitors, and records payments on State Revolving Fund loans, bonds, bond anticipation notes, and other loan activity.    
  • Assists and coordinates the auditing activities of Federal and outside auditors.  Leads and coordinates the efforts of the audit appeals team and prepares appeals of unfavorable audit decisions; carries out internal audits as assigned. Establishes, applies and reviews internal control and accounting procedures.    
  • Monitors, coordinates, and executes the vendor payments process including compliance with Prompt Payment Act, purchasing rules and District policies. Assists with required tax filings.   
  • Coordinates the District billing process in accordance with statutory requirements. Supervises grant and SRF loan billings/receipts and develops eligible costs to be used in billings. Provides/obtains follow-up information to/from the IEPA and other grantor agencies.    
  • Prepares and processes bi-weekly payrolls including Garnishments, Disability, and Fringe Benefits; prepares Federal, State, and Local quarterly and annual tax forms, earnings statements, and W-2’s. 
  •  Assigns, supervises and reviews work; ensures staff compliance with District policies and procedures including Personnel Rules and Administrative Procedures; completes performance reviews; addresses employee complaints and grievances; may recommend employment actions such as hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion or discharge.

Other Job Functions

  • Completes and records Retiree Health Care Trust investment transactions and monitors and reconciles Trust assets.
  • Configures and programs coding, tables, and updates in the ERP system. Maintains tax receipt upload files for use in the ERP system.
  • Assists in the planning and implementation of automating functions within the department; identifies areas for improvement and implements changes to enhance performance.
  • Accomplishes a variety of special projects/assignments as needed, including participation in District committees and system development project teams.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment including computers and on-line collaboration tools.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of general and managerial accounting.
  • Considerable knowledge of the procedures, requirements, and functions necessary to effect daily cash management operations and activities, including electronic wire transfers, and investment-related activities of a cash management system.
  • Considerable knowledge of the application of data processing to accounting and financial transactions.
  • Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of internal auditing.
  • Considerable knowledge of ERP systems and Microsoft Office Products.
  • Knowledge of payroll processing and tax reporting.
  • Knowledge of State and Federal tax regulations. 
  • Knowledge of banking procedures and practices.
  • Some knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of budget preparation and budgetary accounting.
  • Strong computer skills including word processing and spreadsheet applications.
  • Ability to prepare trial balances, financial statements, budgets and other financial reports.
  • Ability to prioritize and organize work, balancing and maintaining workload to meet time constraints.
  • Ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinate staff.
  • Ability to identify problems and recommend solutions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in accounting or finance, or possession of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in accounting or finance. Three years of professional accounting, finance, and/or institutional treasury experience.

Substitution

Full-time graduate study in accounting or finance may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Illinois, or a state which has reciprocity with Illinois, may be substituted for the required education.

Promotional Requirement

  • Possession of a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in accounting or finance, or certification as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Illinois, or a state which has reciprocity with Illinois. 
  • Two years of service with the District as an Accounting Associate or Accounting Clerk III.
  • Civil service status in one of the foregoing classifications.
CLASS: 20001160; EST: 1/1/2013; REV: 2/1/2024;