Financial Analyst

Job Responsibilities

The SC Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) assists communities with financing for the construction of qualified public water, wastewater and storm water drainage facilities. The RIA manages state and federally funded grant programs, as well as two federally capitalized revolving loan programs for governmental entities and water and sewer utilities statewide. The current loan portfolio exceeds $1 billion and the Agency is currently administering $1.4 billion in American Rescue Plan Act {ARPA) funding.

The Financial Analyst will work primarily with the loan program but will also have financial duties to assist with the state grant programs. Grant duties may include review and processing of grant disbursement requests as well as review of grantee audits. Responsibilities for the loan program will include conducting comprehensive research and data analysis of relevant financial and socio-economic trends, and developing data driven written recommendations to support loan decisions issued by the program. Other duties will include management of the Loan Program's Principal Forgiveness Loans, which includes preparing reports, tracking compliance with federal grant program terms and conditions, monitoring funding usage for timeliness and eligibility and assisting with loan program reporting. The position will also monitor the financial strength of current loans in the portfolios, using trend analysis to annually assess the overall financial health of loan recipients.

The candidate should have the ability to research and gather relevant data related to the economic and financial characteristics of a project sponsor, the ability to produce a well synthesized written document summarizing relevant findings, a high degree of attention to detail, sound judgement and reasoning, and be able to meet deadlines and work well independently. The ideal candidate should be high performing and be willing and able to tackle/manage multiple projects at one time.

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform a well-researched, data driven financial and socioeconomic review of governmental entities. This includes the preparation of detailed spreadsheets summarizing data from the financial statements, rate information, socio-economic data, debt information, customer data and other relevant material. Documentation of trend analysis and well written report of findings will be generated to support loan decisions.
• Coordinate with the Department of Environmental Services (DES) on loan application progress.
• Recordkeeping and documentation of loan deliverables.
• Recommend program policies and procedures as required.
• Administer the All-Principal Forgiveness loan program which includes the preparation of documents, tracking of available funds and assisting government entities with document execution.
• Monitor the status of existing borrowers in the portfolio to ensure adherence to loan terms and to evaluate the continued financial health of the loan recipient.
• Maintain current socioeconomic data for use in credit analysis.
• Provide support for the agency's transition to a new loan programs database and administration software.
• Work with the agency financial staff to assist in the processing of grant program disbursement requests.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Basic knowledge of governmental accounting, municipal finance and/or financial statement presentation/analysis
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Ability to represent the Agency with professional organizations and to eligible borrowers.
• Strong Research skills
• Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities and tasks
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and summarize findings for review
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to proficiently use Excel and Word
• SCEIS knowledge, preferred

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor's degree in data analytics, finance, economics, accounting or related field and 5 years of experience in a related field. Advanced degree in finance or a related field may substitute for one year of qualifying experience.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Additional Comments

The Rural Infrastructure Authority offers an exceptional benefit package for full-time and temporary grant positions that include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days of sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Pension and 401K Plans
• Deferred Compensation Programs
• Paid Parental Leave.