Financial Analyst

Dakota County; Hastings (MN); On-site; USD 66,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Dakota County is seeking a Financial Analyst in Hastings, MN to prepare and analyze financial information, support reporting, and act as a liaison across departments. The role emphasizes government accounting knowledge, internal controls, and data-driven financial analysis.

Ideal candidates hold a related bachelor’s degree with professional experience; CPA or master’s degree are preferred. Regular duties include audits, chart of accounts maintenance, and collaboration to improve financial

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience to total 5 years.
• Audit experience or governmental accounting preferred.
• CPA license or CPA candidate preferred.
• Masters degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze financial performance and trends for assigned departments or funds.
• Prepare and present financial statements for internal management and external reporting.
• Develop and maintain accounting systems and internal controls.
• Project costs and revenues for funds or accounts and research variances.
• Support audit activities and assist with year-end reconciliations.
• Collaborate with departments to discuss fiscal matters and provide recommendations.
• Prepare grant reports and assist with grant audits.
• Attend trainings to stay updated on GASB standards and audits.

Skills

Govt fund accounting

MS Office proficiency

Communication skills

Financial analysis

Analytical review

Meeting leadership

Multitasking

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

POSITION TYPE: Open Competitive DEPARTMENT: Finance HOURS: Full-time LOCATION: Hastings, MN UNION: None ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $65,638- $82,048 (Grade 107) FULL SALARY RANGE: $65,638-$102,560 CLOSE DATE: 4:30 pm on 11/23/2026

The Financial Analyst is responsible for preparing, analyzing, and maintaining a variety of financial information and reports. This role supports internal and external reporting requirements, serves as a fiscal liaison with departments across the organization, and contributes to the development and improvement of financial systems and policies. The position performs complex accounting work and financial analysis requiring a high level of decision-making under minimal supervision.

Who We Are

Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field and one year of professional experience in auditing, governmental accounting, or financial analysis.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience to total 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications Beyond Minimum Required

• External or internal audit experience
• CPA License or CPA candidate
• Masters degree

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.

Financial Analyst General Responsibilities

1. Analyze financial performance and trends for assigned departments or funds.
2. Meet with departments to discuss fiscal matters and provide recommendations.
3. Research financial information related to departmental operations or programs.
4. Develop financial statements and reports for internal management and external reporting.
5. Prepare and process accounting transactions, including input preparation, approvals, and output review.
6. Develop and maintain accounting systems, including chart of accounts and internal controls.
7. Project costs and revenues for assigned funds or accounts.
8. Perform other accounting and financial analysis tasks as assigned.

Audit Unit Specific Responsibilities

1. Support internal audit activities, including being able to independently identify potential control or compliance issues.
2. Assist with external compliance reviews.
3. Assist with the development and maintenance of the general ledger module, including the chart of accounts and the related internal controls, policies, and procedures.
4. Prepare certain year-end reconciliations, calculations, and journal entries with minimal supervision required.
5. Assist in preparing assigned audit areas, reconciliations, and financial statement schedules and notes as part of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report according to Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and timelines.
   1. Assist the audit unit team with developing year-end transactions such as receivables, payables, deferrals, and carryovers and ensure that they are completed on time according to the established timeline.
   2. Prepare assigned worksheets annually according to department standards to ensure accuracy and completeness as well as to identify and make recommendations for enhancing the process or products - articulate the recommendations to other staff for implementation.
   3. Prepare back-up information to support all annual financial statement work within your area of responsibility and be prepared to independently explain to the County's auditors accurately and efficiently.
   4. Communicate with other audit unit staff, departments, and the County's auditors during the audit process to fulfil auditor requests and questions while utilizing appropriate customer service skills.
6. Prepare and analyze certain grant reports and grant audits.
7. Complete the initial review and post general ledger journal entries for the audit unit manager or lead to review and approve.
8. Attend trainings and review updated guidance to maintain knowledge of current Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) accounting and reporting standards as well as MN Office of the State Auditor's County Audit Guide and Single Audit requirements.

Skills

• Knowledge of current governmental fund accounting and report standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and ability to expand software skills.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong financial analysis skills, including the ability to interpret complex financial data and identify trends, variances, and potential risks.
• Ability to independently perform analytical reviews, reconciliations, and evaluations of financial information with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lead meetings and collaborate with departments.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing work environments and requirements.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships.

Work Environment

The 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.

Selection Process

The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.