Financial Analyst I

We are seeking a qualified finance professional with a degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline and at least two years of relevant financial experience. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in budgeting, forecasting, data analysis, and advanced Microsoft Excel. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams, are essential. Budgeting and financial analysis experience, as well as knowledge of the water utility industry, are preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Budgeting and long-range financial planning experience.
• Financial reporting and forecasting expertise.
• Research and report-writing skills.
• Ability to interpret laws, regulations, and policies related to municipal finance and water utility operations

DEFINITION

Under general direction, researches, reviews, prepares, and analyzes the fiscal impacts of rates changes; projects long-term financial needs; performs budget preparation and analysis; monitors project expenditures and does cost projections; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies; develops and implements goals, programs, and procedures within assigned areas; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Financial Analyst is responsible for overseeing and managing financial analysis and revenue forecasting activities for the Agency.  Incumbents are expected to have a full understanding of budgeting, financial analysis, and financial reporting to work independently within established guidelines.

This is the journey-level class in the Financial Analyst series. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the Financial Analyst II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Positions at this level receive occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Senior Financial Analyst in that the latter has supervisory responsibilities and performs the more complex assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Senior Financial Analyst or higher-level management classification of the assigned work area. Incumbents in this class do not exercise direction over Agency staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participates in preparation of department’s budget; develops revenue requirements and rates to meet budgetary funding needs; develops assumptions based on historical data, expert opinions, and directions; prepares multi-year projections of revenues and expenditures.
• Analyzes financial operations and expenditures; estimates future revenues to assist in preparation of department's annual budget and long-range financial forecasts; compiles, reviews, analyzes, and reports on annual operating and capital budgets.
• Performs a variety of activities relating to the development of financial and statistical reporting, including accumulating, analyzing, and tracking of revenues and expenditures; analyzes financial trends and develops projections of costs and funding opportunities.
• Prepares financial impact reports; sets up and maintains financial records and reports; verifies accuracy of budget modifications; and establishes revenue tracking system.
• Assists with annual audit and facility capacity fees.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, and priorities; conducts studies, surveys, and collects information; makes recommendations to solve difficult organizational problems.
• Performs research, prepares records, and reports in specialized financial areas as assigned; prepares recommendations based on financial model with historical and forecasted data.
• Establishes and maintains complete files and records related to assigned functions; inputs data and retrieves a variety of fiscal and statistical information; ensures the accuracy of data.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/ local agencies and associations, Agency management and staff, and the public.
• Operates a computer and assigned software including word processing, databases, financial and accounting programs.
• Perform other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various Agency and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. For more information, see SCV Water Employee Manual Policy No. 4 – Americans with Disabilities, or the following link: SCV Water Employee Manual.

According to California state law, all Agency employees are disaster service workers and are expected to participate in emergency response initiatives. This could include contributing to the emergency planning process, participating in disaster exercises and training, as well as potentially responding to support actual emergency events. For more information, please see Section 6.10 of SCV Water Employee Manual Policy No. 6 – Recruitment and Hiring, or by clicking this link: SCV Water Employee Manual.

QUALIFICATIONS (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience performing professional financial analysis and/or operational duties in financial, fiscal or quantitative work.

Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in finance, accounting, business administration, or a closely related field.

Licenses and Certifications:

• None.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES (The following are a representative sample of the KSAs necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge / Skills of:

• Principles, practices, procedures, and techniques of public and water finance administration.
• Modern principles, practices, and methods of long-term financial management.
• Principles of mathematics and statistical analysis.
• Financial and rate research procedures.
• Principles of economic analysis.
• Principles and practices of cost accounting and public budgeting processes.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Water agency and inter-governmental relationships.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations relating to public utilities financing and rates.
• Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Standard office procedures, practices, and equipment.
• Operation of a computer and assigned software.
• Proper English, spelling, and grammar.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to:

• Gather, organize, analyze, and interpret financial data.
• Examine and verify financial documents, reports and transactions.
• Investigate, analyze, and evaluate revenue opportunities.
• Prepare complex financial forecasts, financial reports, and statistical reports.
• Participate in the establishment of program goals, objectives, and methods for evaluating achievement and performance levels.
• Operate computer based financial reporting systems.
• Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Make adjustments to standard operating procedures to improve effectiveness and comply with regulatory changes as appropriate.
• Follow written and oral directions.
• Interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations relating to municipal operations and investments.
• Use initiative and sound judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Organize, prioritize, and follow-up on work assignments.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Operate a computer and assigned software.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

The Hiring Steps

• Apply By: September 30th is the application deadline.
• Excel Assessment: Candidates whose qualifications best align with the department's needs will be invited to complete an online Excel assessment.
• Interviews: Top candidates will be contacted to interview in early November.
• Start Date: The target date to join the team is January 2027.

Compensation and Benefits

In addition, the Agency provides an excellent benefits package, which includes the following:

Retirement: Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency is a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and pays the employee contribution in addition to the Employer share for Classic Members for a defined benefit contribution of 2%@55. New CalPERS members will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and will be responsible for an employee contribution.

Deferred Compensation: Plan provides 50% agency contribution up to 3% of annual salary.

Health Insurance: SCV Water pays for dental, vision and medical insurance for the employee and the employee’s family, subject to co-pay depending on plan choice.

Life Insurance/Disability: SCV Water covers twice the annual salary up to $150,000 in life insurance as well as a long-term disability plan.

Holidays: A total of 10 paid holidays plus 3 floating holidays (27 hours) are provided per fiscal year.

Vacation: Starting at 2 weeks (0-5 years), 3 weeks (6-10 years), 4 weeks (11 years or greater).

Sick Leave: Earned at the rate of 12 days per year.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA): A tax-exempt savings plan is offered to pay eligible expenses associated with parking expenses, health, and dependent care.

Tuition Reimbursement: SCV Water offers $30,000 for the lifetime of an employee towards obtaining a college degree (Associate – Doctorate).

Work Schedule: The Agency offers 9/80

Other Benefits Include: Bereavement Leave, Employee Assistance Plan, and AFLAC Supplemental Insurance Plans.