Financial Analyst - Financial Planning & Analysis (Term-Limited Appointment)

Salary range is $78k to $144k, with a midpoint of $98k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

This is a term-limited position with an anticipated work assignment of 14 months.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general direction, the Financial Analyst performs a variety of budgetary and financial analysis work in support of assigned divisions and/or projects within the agency. Works collaboratively with other internal organizations to develop annual budgets and long-range budget forecasts. Analyzes and reports on budget performance on a monthly and quarterly basis. Reviews and comments on agency agreements as to the potential financial impacts. Prepares ad-hoc financial analysis in support of executive decision-making. Develops fiscal information section of staff reports for all agency motions and resolutions to confirm affordability and highlight potential financial risks. Provides professional support and assistance to the FP&A Manager and Finance as a whole, with a range of financial analysis and reporting activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Produces accurate and timely capital and operating budgets for assigned projects and/or divisions that reflect the priorities of the board and are consistent with agency financial policies and develops analytical materials to assist executive team in review of budget requests.
• Contributes to development of annual budget and transit improvement plan documents.
• Provides a full range of budgetary and FP&A services to assigned divisions and projects; identifies and resolves financial and budgetary issues including reviewing and approving financial transactions.
• Provides timely, accurate, and concise monthly, quarterly, and ad-hoc budget-to-actual variance reports for assigned departments, projects, and modes.
• Assists in the production of other budget and financial related reporting as requested.
• Presents financial data at the required financial review meetings; responds to requests for information and data from internal and external audiences.
• Stays current on Sound Transit budget, accounting, and reporting systems and related tools and methods and procedures as it relates to the budget analyst role.
• Monitors all expenses/outlays and provides/reviews/approves account codes for assigned operating and capital project budgets; approves purchase requisitions and check requests, and researches and resolves any incorrect or inaccurate transactions/account coding.
• Reviews and comments on agency agreements as to the potential financial impacts.
• Displays proficiency in oral and written business communications and the ability to synthesize and articulate summary points from complex data and information.
• Provide support to the division's management on other matters as directed; contribute to the divisions' goals and objectives; ensure processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensure accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations; and understand and keep abreast of industry trends.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or closely related field. Four years of financial analyst experience that may include developing and monitoring budgets in a medium to large organization; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Capital project controls experience (cost and scheduling), a plus.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Basic operations, services, and activities of a budget program including development, monitoring, forecasting, and preparing variance analysis reports.
• General accounting principles and practices, chart of accounts, and financial statements.
• Analysis: principles of financial analysis, cash flow, and cost forecasting.
• Being self-motivated/taking the initiative to learn, to gain understanding of how things work, and to provide value-added improvements or additions.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Applying appropriate research, analysis, judgment, and logic when solving problems and the appropriate communication methods when presenting results.
• Responding to inquiries clearly and concisely using effective oral and written communication.
• Utilizing quality control techniques related to final product completion to ensure accurate results.
• Setting objectives/goals, planning and organizing work to meet changing priorities and deadlines, implementing, completing, and reporting on progress, reviews, and results.
• Analyzing financial and policy issues.
• Working cooperatively with other departments, agency officials, vendors, and external agencies.
• Utilizing Microsoft office applications at an intermediate or advanced level, advanced level especially in Excel.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other department staff and management. Interpreting and administering agency policies and procedures sufficiently to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Developing and monitoring divisional and program/project operating and project budgets, costs, and schedules.
• Formulating, planning, and executing financial and budgetary analyses.
• Analyzing and reviewing financial plans and related budgetary information.
• Analyze and synthesize information in a concise manner and make recommendations on strategies to resolve issues/inquiries using effective oral and written communication.
• Evaluate processes and procedures in assigned areas, make recommendations, and assist in the design and implementation of solutions.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard hybrid office environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.