Financial Analyst

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region: The Financial Analyst performs fund accounting and financial management functions. The fundamental reason this classification exists is to cost our Service Plan and support the preparation and administration of the Metro Transit's annual operating and capital budgets. The responsibilities include producing regular and ad-hoc financial reports and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

• Prepare reliable and timely financial information
• Prepare account reconciliations
• Analyze general ledger, balance sheets, and income statement accounts
• Prepare financial analysis for customers with varying degrees of financial understanding
• Respond to Federal and State Audit questions accordingly
• Maintain account code data within relevant systems including PeopleSoft (Financial and HRMS), TxBase, and WAM; will be responsible for synchronizing all sub-systems and departments with the general ledger to insure accurate financial reporting
• Monitor and/or implement accounting procedures according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), National Transit Database (NTD), Council's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) standards
• Monitor and review capital project authority, spending, and reconciles revenues and expenses per projects funding sources
• Train other staff within the division in proper account coding
• Provide Nvision Report solutions and report development within the PeopleSoft financial system
• Support department managers and collaborate with project managers, this role plays a vital part in helping managers interpret and understand their reports on a daily basis
• Sit on RFP panels; Accounting is heavily involved in the larger RFPs for Metro Transit as well as some of the Metropolitan Council proposals
• Monitor journal entries to properly account for Council activities
• Ad-hoc reporting and internal controls related to the timeliness and accuracy of financial reporting
• Identify system modifications for improved financial controls, evaluate programs effectiveness, and recommend changes
• Other duties assigned or apparent

Any of the following combinations of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems and completed education in accounting, finance, business administration, or closely related field:

• High school diploma/GED with eight (8) years of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems
• Associate degree with six (6) years of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial and budgeting systems
• Bachelor's degree or higher with four (4) years of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems

• Practical experience using a financial system like PeopleSoft
• Experience delivering financial information to coworkers, division program staff, managers, and state/federal agencies
• Experience in accounting practices including problem solving skills to identify and reconcile account balances using reports, queries, spreadsheets, and available tools and information
• Intermediate computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, graphic presentations, and database management (Word, Excel, and Access)

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), procurement concepts, and financial analysis
• Knowledge of state laws regarding governmental accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting
• Knowledge of governmental and fund accounting
• Knowledge of financial systems (prefer PeopleSoft)
• Working knowledge of purchasing systems
• Analytical, reasonableness, and practicality skills to identify issues and determine cause/effect
• Mathematical skills sufficient to perform calculations of ratios, identify and reconcile variances, and allocate balances across several accounts
• Ability to develop best practice business process
• Ability to read and interpret financial standards, laws, regulations, and reporting requirements
• Ability to write reports and financial analyst
• Ability to effectively work in a team structure and collaborate with team members and other teams
• Ability to promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Union(s): Non-Represented Grade H
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We request your Work Record Evaluation (ATU employees only).
3. We rate your education and experience.
4. We conduct a structured panel interview.
5. We conduct a selection interview.