SUMMARY:
The Financial Analyst provides financial information, analysis, and reporting to enable executives, managers, and supervisors to make informed strategic and operational decisions. The position supports financial planning and analysis activities including budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, performance monitoring, and financial reporting.
Within the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the Financial
Analyst supports the financial integrity, compliance, and reporting of the department’s capital portfolio. Responsibilities include financial systems analysis, capital project financial monitoring, funding source validation, and support for grant management and reimbursement processes across projects funded through bonds, I&E funds, grants, and State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs.
The position also supports financial controls, funding accountability, and risk identification across the capital portfolio to ensure capital program expenditures are accurately recorded, properly funded, and aligned with approved budgets and funding requirements.
The Financial Analyst works with minimal supervision and reports directly to the CIP Finance Manager.
This is not a Civil Service Position. DWSD employees are subject to provisions of Court Orders entered in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Case No. 77-71100 with regard to certain terms and conditions of employment. DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates.
Applicants for open positions at the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
CAPITAL FINANCE FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Assignments within the CIP Finance unit may include responsibilities such as:
Financial Systems and Reporting
- Maintain and analyze Oracle financial reports including Project Status, Commitments, Expenditures, and Budget summaries.
- Assist with financial reconciliations, journal entry support, and funding realignment activities.
- Develop financial reports and dashboards to monitor capital program performance.
- Identify and support correction of funding source misclassifications across capital projects.
- Support year-end financial reconciliation and ledger accuracy related to capital projects.
Grant Management and Reimbursement Support
- Monitor grant-funded capital project expenditures for eligibility and compliance with grant award requirements.
- Prepare and review grant reimbursement requests and supporting documentation.
- Reconcile project costs, funding sources, and reimbursement activity across financial systems and grant records.
- Track grant balances, amendments, deadlines, and closeout requirements.
- Coordinate with internal teams and granting agencies to resolve reimbursement documentation issues.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge Of
- Financial theory and principles of business management operations and practices
- Budget planning, financial analysis, and forecasting
- Capital improvement program financial management
- Operational cost metrics such as productivity, operating expenses, and activity-based costing concepts
- Municipal accounting principles and financial reporting practices
- Enterprise financial management systems and reporting tools
- Financial data analysis and financial reporting techniques
- Economic and accounting principles and practices, financial markets, banking, and analysis and reporting of financial data
- Grant funding structures and compliance requirements
- Departmental mission, processes, policies, and procedures
- Basic Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Skill To
- Identify, synthesize, and evaluate complex financial and budget issues
- Consolidate financial information from multiple sources and perform analytical review
- Prepare financial reports, presentations, and dashboards
- Utilize Microsoft Office software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Use Excel tools such as tables, VLOOKUP, charts, and related analytical functions
- Communicate financial information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
Ability To
- Work effectively with minimal supervision
- Complete specialized financial and analytical assignments
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal business units, vendors, and external agencies
- Conduct research and financial analysis supporting organizational decision-making
- Partner with business units and City Agencies to support development of multi-year operating and capital plans
- Manage financial modeling, business planning, and financial analysis processes supporting capital programs
- Recommend and support development of financial policies, guidelines, procedures, and internal controls
- Analyze financial and business operations across multiple departments and programs
- Interpret professional and technical reports and develop recommendations
- Plan and coordinate fiscal analysis and forecasting activities
- Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
- Work collaboratively in a team environment
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree with specialization in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent experience
- MBA preferred
- Minimum 1–3 years of experience related to economics, finance, accounting, financial analysis, or related work
- Experience with financial systems, capital programs, or grant-funded programs preferred
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.
The position requires regular computer use and may involve extended periods seated in meetings or working at a computer.
Environmental Working Requirements
Work is typically performed in an office environment but may occasionally involve visits to operational facilities or project locations. The employee may be exposed to typical office and operational worksite conditions including noise and moving equipment.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS- Valid Michigan Driver’s License
- Ability to travel to DWSD facilities and project sites as needed
- Ability to work irregular hours if required to support operational or reporting deadlines