Senior Financial Analyst
Apply NowCompany: City of Modesto, CA
Location: Modesto, CA 95355
Description:
Salary: $94,681.60 - $115,086.40 Annually
Location : Tenth Street Place - 1010 10th Street Modesto, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 04293
Department: Office of Performance Management and Budget
Division: Budget
Opening Date: 04/23/2025
Closing Date: 5/7/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: MCMA
THE POSITION
Seeking highly qualified and skilled financial analysts to join our Office of Performance Management and Budget team! Apply today!
Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:
3% effective 7/1/2025
3% effective 7/1/2026
2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree
5% Education Incentive - Master's Degree
The Senior Financial Analyst is responsible to plan, organize, direct and supervise the work of assigned professional, technical and administrative personnel; and to perform a variety of advanced professional accounting and budgeting duties to include analyzing and processing financial data and preparing financial reports.
The current vacancy is in the Budget Division of the City Manager's Office and will provided budgetary support to various departments in the City. There are allocations for this classification in the Accounting Division of the Finance Department as well, but no current vacancies in that area. The list established will be utilized to fill the existing vacancy and other potential vacancies that occur within those divisions.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Supplemental Questionnaire is the Training and Experience Exam (Weighted 100%). In addition to the City of Modesto employment application, applicants must complete and submit onlineresponses to the supplemental questionnaire. Only the applicants who meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date will become candidates and their supplemental questionnaire will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. Therefore, your responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough and complete because the exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this position. When completing the supplemental questionnaire, please note:
ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Perform accounting functions in support of payroll, accounts payable, capital assets, investments and budget preparation, cash management, and review general government, utilities, and internal service operations.
Maintain general ledger accounting records; preparing journal entries, adjustments, and closing entries; reconciling accounts.
Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish methods for performing a variety of professional and technical accounting functions; implement policies and procedures.
Review and evaluate laws, controls, grants, and administrative policies for guidelines in performing accounting and fiscal operations.
Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staffing involved in accounting and budgeting activities; serve as a technical advisor and resource to City departments and staff on accounting and budgeting related matters.
Prepare highly technical and complex financial analysis, monitor budgets, and communicate financial and budget information to data users and management.
Participate in the preparation and review of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and annual audit process.
Maintain and update the data and reporting tools within the City's budget software.
Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
Assure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, city ordinances and policies, and federal, state, and local laws.
Plan, prioritize, and review the work of staff assigned to a variety of financial, budgeting, administrative, and clerical work.
Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
May participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
Participate in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
Provide interpretation of administrative policies and technical procedures to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies and organizations.
Assist in the preparation of presentation materials for the City Council, committees, and outside businesses.
Respond to and resolve sensitive citizen or business inquiries and complaints.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
Principles and practices of managerial accounting, reporting, and finance including cost allocation.
Principles and practices of governmental accounting and budget preparation, analysis and administration.
Various professional accounting standards such as generally accepted auditing standards and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAS, GAAP), generally accepted governmental auditing standards (GAGAS), and standards set by the governmental accounting standards board (GASB), financial accounting standards boards (FASB), general accounting office (GAO), and other regulatory agencies.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Principles and practices of activity-based costing and management (ABC/M).
The use of specialized accounting and budget-based information systems.
Technical report writing procedures.
Policies and procedures of cash management.
Capital financing models.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
Analyze and prepare complex and technical financial documents and reports.
Understand, analyze, and develop utility rate models.
Perform complex fiscal and program analyses.
Interpret, explain, and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned work unit.
Perform the most complex budget-related duties of the work unit.
Calculate and recommend various rates and fees.
Analyze financial data, develop conclusions based on analysis, and recommend one or more needed actions to prevent or solve problems.
Reconcile and maintain records and files.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Three years of professional journey level accounting, auditing, or budgeting experience, including one year of supervisory responsibility. Experience in governmental accounting, grant accounting, and auditing is desirable.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, economics, or a related field.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
Possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is desirable.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.
Modesto Confidential and Management Association (MCMA)
Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).
HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours holiday credit.
MANAGEMENT LEAVE: 80 hours per year for positions exempt from overtime.
VACATION: Accrued at the rate of two weeks during the first year, increasing to five weeks during the 21st year of service.
SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,200 hours.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:
$ 2,028.00 Employee + Family
$ 1,436.00 Employee + 1 Dependent
$ 718.00 Employee Only
$ 450.00 Opt Out
The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1.5% of salary, increasing to 2.5% at 9+ years of service, to a voluntary 457 Plan.
RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): On the first pay period following completion of two (2) full years of continuous City service, regular full-time employees shall receive a lump sum equal to 24 months of contributions deposited into an RHS account established in their name. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute a set amount bi-weekly which is $55 effective 1/1/2024.
LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $120,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.
DISABILITY INSURANCE: Coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Master's Degree Pay in the amount of 5% of salary. Bachelor's Degree Pay in the amount of 2.5% of salary.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE:Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance.
LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service.
SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.
01
I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions and provide concise but detailed answers. I understand that the Supplemental Questionnaire is the Training and Experience Exam (Weighted 100%) and that these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. When answering narrative descriptions of my experience, I understand that I must include the name of the employer and dates of employment. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.
02
How many years of professional journey level accounting, auditing, or budgeting experience do you have?
03
Do you possess equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, economics or a related field?
04
Are you a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
05
Describe your experience in developing and monitoring budgets, particularly within a governmental or non-profit setting. How many years have you had experience in either setting?
06
Discuss your experience with long-range forecasting/financial planning. What methodologies have you used and how did you incorporate department/organization goals or constraints into the financial projections.
07
What techniques have you used to analyze budget variances and provide meaningful insights to decision-makers on said budgets?
08
Describe your experience with governmental accounting principles (e.g. GASB). What specific financial statements have you prepared or been involved in the preparation of?
09
Discuss your familiarity with financial reporting requirements in the public sector.
10
Discuss your experience in preparing or participating in the preparation of an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
11
Describe your experience and participation on the annual financial audit processes.
12
How do you approach the analysis of financial data to identify trends, potential risks, and opportunities for improvement?
13
What types of budget software are you familiar with using and do you have experience with databases?
14
What types of financial software systems are you familiar with?
15
Describe any experience you have had mentoring or leading other financial staff. What is your approach to team collaboration and development?
Required Question
Location : Tenth Street Place - 1010 10th Street Modesto, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 04293
Department: Office of Performance Management and Budget
Division: Budget
Opening Date: 04/23/2025
Closing Date: 5/7/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: MCMA
THE POSITION
Seeking highly qualified and skilled financial analysts to join our Office of Performance Management and Budget team! Apply today!
Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:
3% effective 7/1/2025
3% effective 7/1/2026
2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree
5% Education Incentive - Master's Degree
The Senior Financial Analyst is responsible to plan, organize, direct and supervise the work of assigned professional, technical and administrative personnel; and to perform a variety of advanced professional accounting and budgeting duties to include analyzing and processing financial data and preparing financial reports.
The current vacancy is in the Budget Division of the City Manager's Office and will provided budgetary support to various departments in the City. There are allocations for this classification in the Accounting Division of the Finance Department as well, but no current vacancies in that area. The list established will be utilized to fill the existing vacancy and other potential vacancies that occur within those divisions.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Supplemental Questionnaire is the Training and Experience Exam (Weighted 100%). In addition to the City of Modesto employment application, applicants must complete and submit onlineresponses to the supplemental questionnaire. Only the applicants who meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date will become candidates and their supplemental questionnaire will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. Therefore, your responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough and complete because the exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this position. When completing the supplemental questionnaire, please note:
- Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted.
- Incomplete supplemental questionnaires will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
- A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
- Any work experience described in your supplemental question answers MUST also be found under Work Experience on your application.
ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Perform accounting functions in support of payroll, accounts payable, capital assets, investments and budget preparation, cash management, and review general government, utilities, and internal service operations.
Maintain general ledger accounting records; preparing journal entries, adjustments, and closing entries; reconciling accounts.
Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish methods for performing a variety of professional and technical accounting functions; implement policies and procedures.
Review and evaluate laws, controls, grants, and administrative policies for guidelines in performing accounting and fiscal operations.
Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staffing involved in accounting and budgeting activities; serve as a technical advisor and resource to City departments and staff on accounting and budgeting related matters.
Prepare highly technical and complex financial analysis, monitor budgets, and communicate financial and budget information to data users and management.
Participate in the preparation and review of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and annual audit process.
Maintain and update the data and reporting tools within the City's budget software.
Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
Assure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, city ordinances and policies, and federal, state, and local laws.
Plan, prioritize, and review the work of staff assigned to a variety of financial, budgeting, administrative, and clerical work.
Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
May participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
Participate in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
Provide interpretation of administrative policies and technical procedures to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies and organizations.
Assist in the preparation of presentation materials for the City Council, committees, and outside businesses.
Respond to and resolve sensitive citizen or business inquiries and complaints.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
Principles and practices of managerial accounting, reporting, and finance including cost allocation.
Principles and practices of governmental accounting and budget preparation, analysis and administration.
Various professional accounting standards such as generally accepted auditing standards and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAS, GAAP), generally accepted governmental auditing standards (GAGAS), and standards set by the governmental accounting standards board (GASB), financial accounting standards boards (FASB), general accounting office (GAO), and other regulatory agencies.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Principles and practices of activity-based costing and management (ABC/M).
The use of specialized accounting and budget-based information systems.
Technical report writing procedures.
Policies and procedures of cash management.
Capital financing models.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
Analyze and prepare complex and technical financial documents and reports.
Understand, analyze, and develop utility rate models.
Perform complex fiscal and program analyses.
Interpret, explain, and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned work unit.
Perform the most complex budget-related duties of the work unit.
Calculate and recommend various rates and fees.
Analyze financial data, develop conclusions based on analysis, and recommend one or more needed actions to prevent or solve problems.
Reconcile and maintain records and files.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Three years of professional journey level accounting, auditing, or budgeting experience, including one year of supervisory responsibility. Experience in governmental accounting, grant accounting, and auditing is desirable.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, economics, or a related field.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
Possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is desirable.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.
Modesto Confidential and Management Association (MCMA)
Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).
HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours holiday credit.
MANAGEMENT LEAVE: 80 hours per year for positions exempt from overtime.
VACATION: Accrued at the rate of two weeks during the first year, increasing to five weeks during the 21st year of service.
SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,200 hours.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:
$ 2,028.00 Employee + Family
$ 1,436.00 Employee + 1 Dependent
$ 718.00 Employee Only
$ 450.00 Opt Out
The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1.5% of salary, increasing to 2.5% at 9+ years of service, to a voluntary 457 Plan.
RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): On the first pay period following completion of two (2) full years of continuous City service, regular full-time employees shall receive a lump sum equal to 24 months of contributions deposited into an RHS account established in their name. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute a set amount bi-weekly which is $55 effective 1/1/2024.
LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $120,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.
DISABILITY INSURANCE: Coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Master's Degree Pay in the amount of 5% of salary. Bachelor's Degree Pay in the amount of 2.5% of salary.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE:Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance.
LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service.
SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.
01
I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions and provide concise but detailed answers. I understand that the Supplemental Questionnaire is the Training and Experience Exam (Weighted 100%) and that these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. When answering narrative descriptions of my experience, I understand that I must include the name of the employer and dates of employment. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.
- I understand
02
How many years of professional journey level accounting, auditing, or budgeting experience do you have?
- 0 - 1 less than year
- 1 - less than 3 years
- 3 - less than 4 years
- 4 - less than 5 years
- 5 or more years
03
Do you possess equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, economics or a related field?
- Yes
- No
04
Are you a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
- Yes
- No
05
Describe your experience in developing and monitoring budgets, particularly within a governmental or non-profit setting. How many years have you had experience in either setting?
06
Discuss your experience with long-range forecasting/financial planning. What methodologies have you used and how did you incorporate department/organization goals or constraints into the financial projections.
07
What techniques have you used to analyze budget variances and provide meaningful insights to decision-makers on said budgets?
08
Describe your experience with governmental accounting principles (e.g. GASB). What specific financial statements have you prepared or been involved in the preparation of?
09
Discuss your familiarity with financial reporting requirements in the public sector.
10
Discuss your experience in preparing or participating in the preparation of an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
11
Describe your experience and participation on the annual financial audit processes.
12
How do you approach the analysis of financial data to identify trends, potential risks, and opportunities for improvement?
13
What types of budget software are you familiar with using and do you have experience with databases?
14
What types of financial software systems are you familiar with?
15
Describe any experience you have had mentoring or leading other financial staff. What is your approach to team collaboration and development?
Required Question