Business Analyst

Why Kirkland?

Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!

If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they will tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive leadership and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!

Competitive Wages : We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome benefits : The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs : To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland’s reserved spots as soon as they start employment. Learn more!

Training and Career Development : The City of Kirkland believes in developing its employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

Position Summary:
This business analyst position will support the Finance and Administration Department with a focus on software applications used for financial operations and the legislative process, project coordination, and process and training documentation. This position works closely with vendors, the City's Information Technology department, and department staff; and reports to the Finance and Administration Administrative Services Manager.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Business Analyst performs key research, analysis, and project management for the department. This position works closely with Information Technology (IT) staff through the implementation of software applications, and assists the department’s administrative staff with timekeeping and budget tasks.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Performs project management functions including research, preparation, and presentations for new or existing programs. Works closely with vendors and other involved staff to coordinate staff, training, budget and other project resources.
• Documents business requirements and effectively communicates requirements to staff. Verifies that business requirements are met by proposed and implemented solutions.
• Develops policy and process in concert with staff to ensure system integrity, accuracy, and controls for various systems.
• Performs a variety of research and analysis of budgetary issues and prepares reports of findings and recommendations.
• Assists in development and balancing of City budget and prepares and reviews revenue and expenditure projections and assumptions.
• Provides technical assistance and training to departments concerning projects.
• Prepares and processes purchase requisitions and purchase orders. Follows payment and reimbursement policies and provides information as requested by Finance regarding payment and reimbursement issues. Reconciles monthly corporate credit card expenses. Includes periodic accounts receivables responsibilities (invoicing, receipting, and deposits).

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides systems and analytic support to management to provide accurate recordkeeping and reporting.
• Provides user training and technical support to departments. Develops training materials and conducts classes.
• Coordinates with IT staff, vendors, and consultants in acquiring, testing, developing, enhancing, and implementing applications to improve functionality of systems.
• Serves as department budget coordinator. Provides support to department managers on budget issues.
• Conducts a variety of budget analysis projects and reconciliation of accounts. Monitors assigned revenue and expenditure accounts and prepares correcting journal entries if needed. Prepares reports of findings and recommendations for corrective action.
• Writes and reviews department related policies, procedures, correspondence, position papers, and forms as directed.
• Represents the department on internal and external committees and professional organizations.

Peripheral Duties:

• Performs functions as assigned in the City’s emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.
• May initiate and process payroll and timekeeping documents for department divisions, including: Personnel Action Forms as outlined in various contracts to initiate step increases, leave adjustments, status changes, and leave types. May maintain comprehensive records pertaining to payroll preparation and tracking of leaves and adjustments.
• Other projects and duties as may be assigned by the director or other management staff in the department.

• Excellent interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. An ability to effectively communicate complex information verbally and in writing to a wide audience. Ability to effectively facilitate diverse groups.
• Ability to troubleshoot user errors. Ability to read and comprehend technical manuals and apply their contents to solving problems.
• Excellent project management, planning, organizing, problem solving and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of workflow modeling and requirements documentation processes and software.
• Thorough knowledge of financial management principles, municipal budgeting practices, and governmental accounting principles. Knowledge of municipal processes including but not limited to: Council agenda packet preparation, utility billing, and business licensing.
• Advanced skill in the use of Microsoft Office suite, including spreadsheet software and graphics capabilities. Ability to develop charts, graphs, and other explanatory materials as needed.
• Ability to maintain confidences and routinely handle sensitive department materials.
• Ability to effectively use a variety of automated systems, database and report-writing software.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, set and meet schedules and timelines while effectively coordinating multiple programs and projects.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field.
• Experience: 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual’s knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Physical Demands and Working Environment: Work is conducted in a typical office setting. Position typically requires extended periods of sitting while performing keyboard operations.

Selection Process: Position requires a resume and cover letter (letter of interest) for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. The job will be open until filled with a first review date on the 5th business day after initial posting. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process may be invited to interviews tentatively scheduled for the second and third weeks of October.

In addition to the application, applicants must submit responses to the Supplemental Questions during the application process.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, dial 711. #J-18808-Ljbffr