Financial Analyst Senior- Public Defender's Office

Overview

The Travis County Public Defender’s Office (PDO) is a comprehensive public defender office envisioned to be client-centered, independent, and innovative to the needs of Travis County residents. Consistent with nationally recognized best practices, the PDO provides high-quality holistic defense representation and other support to people, including youth and those living with serious mental illness/intellectual or developmental disability.

Reporting to the Chief Public Defender, the Financial Analyst (FA) Senior is an integral member of the office’s leadership, helping to steer the department’s use of its financial resources to best effectuate zealous, client-centered defense representation. The FA Sr. carries out and oversees a complex set of financial duties and responsibilities that impact the big picture and day-to-day operations of the PDO as guided by the department’s duty to protect and provide the constitutional right to counsel for the Travis County community members it represents while being a good steward of public funds.

The role acts under limited supervision to perform professional financial duties using standardized methods and procedures in accordance with GAAP and Federal, State and Local laws and policies. Duties include, but are not limited to: analyzing, researching, documenting, interpreting, auditing, and reporting financial data relating to the PDO’s operations; preparing financial statements and forecasts and standardized reports for activities such as short- and long-term planning & budgeting, projecting expenditures, identifying resources, grant management, purchasing, contracting, payroll, and other financial transactions that support PDO’s overall operation.

This is the second in a series of four professional financial analyst-related job classifications within the Finance job family. Incumbents typically perform a range of complex professional financial analysis duties that require the application of standard financial theories, principles and techniques, and require the appropriate skill levels including intermediate skill levels in computer, analytical and communication skills. This classification is distinguished from the Financial Analyst Lead classification in that incumbents typically are not responsible for the most complex financial analysis functions and do not have formal authority for leading or supervising lower level staff.

Duties require a substantial degree of initiative and independent judgment. This classification typically performs duties at a department or office level. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Prepares financial reports by preparing periodic internal and external financial documents, supporting schedules and financial reports. Researches, compiles, monitors and summarizes financial information and data and reports on financial condition.
• Conducts financial analysis by monitoring, reviewing and analyzing current and historical financial and budget information. Analyzes trends, prepares financial forecasts, summarizes and interprets the results of financial analysis and provides possible alternatives for consideration. Supports management understanding of the financial condition of the department to inform overall budgetary planning and decision-making.
• Prepares budget reports by researching, compiling, monitoring and summarizing current and historical budget information and data. Monitors or assists in monitoring the departmental budget and reports on budget variances. Prepares budget transfers, as required. Participates in preparing annual departmental budget submission.
• Prepares, processes and maintains all financial transactions and documents for departmental activities, such as financial reporting, budget, grants, purchasing, contracts, payroll, and other financial transactions and support other staff whose roles touch departmental finances. Maintains accounting ledgers, documents and accounts and reviews, verifies and reconciles accounting transactions.
• Assists in or develops and maintains computer…