Financial Analyst at Holyoke Public Schools

Financial Analyst Job DescriptionDISTRICT OVERVIEWHolyoke Public Schools is a PK-12 public school district serving 5000 students of whom 80 percent are Latino/Latina in 14 schools/sites. We employ nearly 1300 people who together educate and support a richly diverse community of learners. Weve invested in recruiting and retaining top quality educators who inspire bold thinking recognize student potential and encourage all students to work towards their goals. The City of Holyoke with a population of about 38000 residents is in Hampden County within the Pioneer Valley region of western Massachusetts.Our Equity Commitments are pledges we are making to address systemic equity challenges.We intentionally build a community that is anti-racist inclusive and culturally responsive.We ensure that students families and staff get the support they need to be successful.We seek out and incorporate the voices of those impacted with a commitment to include those who have been excluded in the past.We promote access and inclusion for all students staff and families.We respect embrace and honor the diversity of our students families staff and community.We reflect on our own behavior to minimize harm to others.We create a culture of acceptance and empathy so that everyone feels valued and is able to contribute to our communitys success.HPS was placed into receivership by the State of Massachusetts in Spring 2015 because of struggling performance. We have since implemented a Turnaround Plan that has led to expanded opportunities for students to explore the arts sports sciences local and world cultures early college and work-based learning. Since 2015 HPS has experienced numerous accomplishments for instance:A 14-point increase in the districts graduation rate;Doubling access to PreK programming;Nearly 20% of students in PreK-8 are enrolled in dual language (Spanish/English) programming;An 85 percent increase in access to early college programming; andA 15-point increase (to 28%) in teachers of colorFINANCE DEPARTMENT OVERVIEWThe HPS finance team ensures that the operating budget is designed to achieve our mission to ensure that all students graduate prepared to excel in college career and community leadership. The current year budget is $113 million. The finance department includes the functions of budgeting accounting accounts payable revenue grants and procurement. The finance team usually comprises 8-10 individuals who work collaboratively with other departments especially Human Resources and schools. The work environment is dynamic fast-paced and mission-oriented.POSITION OVERVIEWA financial analyst helps develop and manage department and school budgets. This includes responsibilities like: compiling data developing financial reports accounting analyzing and monitoring finances forecasting reconciling revenues and expenditures and recording revenue. The Financial Analyst must be able to handle several projects at any given time. This position is an ideal opportunity for someone who has strong analytical and/or financial skills and cares about providing strong customer service to people who work in schools.Work Schedule: This is a full-time position (Monday-Friday) in the HPS central office. Extra hours are required on occasion to accomplish key tasks during busy times.RESPONSIBILITIESFinancial OperationsAccounts and reports all district activities including general operations and grants including financial statement preparation and reporting budget preparation and analysis payroll management performance reporting measures grant reporting and compliance auditingForecasts revenues and expenditures analyzes spending and implements cost control measures to align spending with authorized appropriation limitsIdentifies and monitors key budget and policy issuesImplements corrective actions identified in auditsDevelops and implements the annual operating budget in coordination with other finance team membersRecords and accounts for revenue and process checksData and TechnologyCompiles data from multiple sources in order to identify trends prepare reports and analyze the financial health of the district for current and future yearsUses data to advise on efficient operation of the Office of Business and Financial ServicesNavigates and maintains data on a host of financial software and relational databasesCustomer Service and CommunicationsCommunicates and maintains positive relationships with a wide array of constituents including district leaders principals support staff and vendorsActs as a business liaison to schools and departments by offering consultation and support on best practices procurement financial management applicable laws regulations policies and processesOther responsibilities as assigned.Qualifications:Please note we are willing to invest in this person and position.Applicants do not need to fit every qualification but must show awillingness to work hard and learn quicklyExperience skills traits and beliefs:Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or University with a major in accounting finance or similar field of study plus 1 years experience in accounting finance data or related environment OR high school or associates degree with five (5) years of relevant experience with school financeMust possess strong computer skills in Microsoft Office or Google Drive especially with Excel/SheetsMust be a team player and able to work well with others as well as work independentlyTraits we value: Accuracy and careful attention to detail Reliability Ability to apply new learning Communication Prioritization Team Player Ability to work independentlyExperience with MUNIS or other financial/accounting software preferredMunicipal accounting or school business experience preferredRegular and punctual attendance is a requirementCertain situations may require longer hours to complete dutiesReports To: Director of Budgeting and Accounting or Budget ManagerCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:$46000-$54000 commensurate with experience.START DATE: As soon as possibleRequired Experience:IC Key Skills Cognos,Forecasting,Hyperion,Microsoft Access,Pivot tables,Accounting,Analysis Skills,Microsoft Excel,Financial Analysis,Financial Modeling,Budgeting,Financial Planning Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 46000 - 54000