General Description POSTING TYPE: Open competitive DEPARTMENT: Finance HOURS: Full-time SALARY RANGE: $75,760- $118,375 (Grade 109) PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $75,760- $85,230 LOCATION: Hybrid (mix of telework and in-person work in Hastings, MN) UNION: None CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 10/24/2024 The Lead Financial Analyst performs a variety of technical and accounting duties involved in the processing of the County s payroll, working with highly sensitive, confidential personnel information. Responsibilities include applying applicable employee policies, guidelines, and mandated legislative regulations, maintaining databases and logs, processing vendor/agency interface payments, termination pay, retroactive pay, and deductions, preparing quarterly and annual reports, assisting in the development and training of work procedures, providing customer assistance, and ensuring internal/external deadlines are met. The duties require a strong logical understanding of process functionality and the use of financial software systems; preparation and review of related reports; improving internal controls and efficiency through continuous improvement; and maintaining effective working relationships that promote a positive, solutions-oriented working environment. Who we are Dakota County is Minnesota s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is Be More and we strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. Duties & Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions. Works directly with payroll manager in planning, directing, coordinating, and evaluating the payroll services provided by the Finance Department. Will work directly with payroll manager in compliance with state statutes and regulations as well as county policies. Monitors, analyzes, interprets, and implements new legislation that affects county fiscal policy and procedures so that compliance with state statues is ensured. Assists payroll manager, department heads and unit managers in the implementation and monitoring of new and existing programs. Works directly through the payroll projection process with payroll manager and budget staff. Assists in the development, implementation, and maintenance of accounting systems. Understands financial subsystems, performs transactions, analyzes processes, and acts as a lead resource for customers. Assists department heads and unit managers in the implementation and monitoring of new and existing programs. Works directly with payroll manager in providing countywide payroll activities according to County policy. Provides advice and assistance regarding financial operations to the payroll manager, deputy finance director and finance director. Documents procedures of the payroll process to ensure knowledge capture. Understands and implements Labor Agreement changes. Manages complex projects from start to finish and prepares written and oral reports of findings and recommendations based on analysis conducted. Assists with Enterprise Resource Planning testing, implementation, reporting, and administration. Provides advanced research and analysis of financial data and systems. Researches and implements process improvements. Performs other financial analysis and accounting duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1-11 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment Extensive knowledge of ge erally accepted payroll and accounting principles, audit standards and practices, and current governmental fund accounting and reporting standards. Substantial knowledge of electronic spreadsheets and applications, as well as a working knowledge of management information systems (MIS) and data processing techniques and developments as applied to budgeting and accounting functions. Strong knowledge of federal, state and county policies, regulations and statutes, including specific payroll/grant rules. Considerable knowledge of strategic planning, data collection and analysis. Demonstrated skill in critical analysis of financial information and budget justifications. Demonstrated skill in directing the on-time completion of complex projects, meeting high quality standards. Ability to organize, direct, coordinate, and evaluate the activities of professional and administrative support personnel, including the ability to identify and resolve problems. Ability to create and support effective communications and working relationships at all levels of the organization and among Divisions and Departments. Ability to evaluate process, determine improvements, communicate effectively, apply new practice and technologies to create efficient process and services Ability to plan, implement and evaluate programs, systems, policies and procedures. Ability to exercise sound decisions within the framework of State, County, Division, and Department guidelines. Considerable ability and willingness to learn and interact with on-line computerized accounting systems using personal computers, including the ability to assist with the design and implementation of major account systems. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily sedentary, although there is some walking, travel, and carrying of lightweight items such as briefcases, notebooks, and work papers. The work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. May require occasional travel. Benefits Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits Excellent work-life balance Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year) Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year Pension with a generous employer contribution Ability to work from home some of the time Selection Process You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions We assign you a score based on your qualifications Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer We extend an offer and conduct background checks