Public service Jobs in Laredo, TX

Financial Specialist II

This position is grant funded. Therefore, it is solely dependent on the availability of grant funds.

The Financial Specialist II is responsible for performing advanced financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities. This role requires a thorough understanding of financial principles and practices, strong understanding of grant management principles, financial regulations, and compliance requirements, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to complex financial scenarios. The Financial Specialist II will work closely with all department divisions to provide financial insights and support decision-making processes for public health programs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Monitor and review revenues and expenditures for general fund and grant budgets of the department to ensure compliance with budgetary constraints, organizational policies, and grant guidelines. Recommends corrective actions as necessary.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as grant specific requirements
• Ensures adherence to financial regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assists with internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and explanations
• Prepares and presents detailed grant applications, grant renewals, financial reports, and summaries for management, including variance analysis, financial projections, and ad hoc reports as needed
• Assists in the development and maintenance of the annual budget and financial forecasts, to include general municipal funding and grant funding
• Collaborates with division heads of the department to gather budgetary inputs and ensure alignment with organizational goals
• Participates in special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Finance Manager
• Provides financial expertise and support to cross functional teams
• Prepares, submits and/or reviews regular financial reports developed by programmatic staff or other fiscal management staff to grantors, including progress reports, expenditure reports, and final financial reports.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for city business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties

Knowledge of accounting principles and financial regulations

Knowledge of financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting techniques

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to proficiently use financial software and reporting tools
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate financial records for grant-funded projects
• Ability to provide strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to provide excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to effectively communicate and presentations skills
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

Work Environment/Conditions and Physical Demands

Physical Effort Requirements

Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations

Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments Never

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site

Seldom

• Outdoor environment
• Confined space

Sometimes

• Vehicles
• Warehouse environment

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures

Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Seldom

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Communicable diseases
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate

Travel

Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• International travel

Seldom:

• Regional travel
• National travel

Sometimes:

• Local travel

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited* college or university in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
• At least one (1) year of experience of grants management, financial analysis, and budgeting

*Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)

Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment.

Valid Licenses and Certifications

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480, two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.