Financial Analyst

DISTRICT OVERVIEW

Holyoke Public Schools is a PK-12 public school district serving 5,000 students, of whom 80 percent are Latino/Latina, in 14 schools/sites. We employ nearly 1,300 people who together educate and support a richly diverse community of learners. We’ve 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 38,000 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 community’s success.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The 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 OVERVIEW

A 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. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Operations  

• Accounts 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 auditing
• Forecasts revenues and expenditures, analyzes spending and implements cost control measures to align spending with authorized appropriation limits
• Identifies and monitors key budget and policy issues
• Implements corrective actions identified in audits
• Develops and implements the annual operating budget, in coordination with other finance team members
• Records and accounts for revenue, and process checks 

Data and Technology

• Compiles data from multiple sources in order to identify trends, prepare reports, and analyze the financial health of the district for current and future years 
• Uses data to advise on efficient operation of the Office of Business and Financial Services
• Navigates and maintains data on a host of financial software and relational databases 

Customer Service and Communications 

• Communicates and maintains positive relationships with a wide array of constituents including district leaders, principals, support staff, and vendors 
• Acts as a business liaison to schools and departments by offering consultation and support on best practices, procurement, financial management, applicable laws, regulations, policies and processes 

Other responsibilities as assigned. 

PREFERRED CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

Experience, skills, traits, and beliefs: 

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or University with a major in accounting, finance, technology or similar field of study plus 1+ years experience in accounting, finance, data, or related environment OR high school or associate’s degree with five (5) years of relevant experience with school finance
• Must possess strong computer skills in Microsoft Office or Google Drive, especially with Excel/Sheets
• Must be a team player and able to work well with others, as well as work independently
• Traits we value: Accuracy and careful attention to detail, Reliability, Ability to apply new learning, Communication, Prioritization, Team Player, Ability to work independently
• Experience with MUNIS or other financial/accounting software
• Municipal accounting or school business experience 
• Regular and punctual attendance is a requirement
• Certain situations may require longer hours to complete duties

Reports To: Budget Manager