Financial Analyst IV-FMS

City-of-Houston,-T; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Houston is seeking a Financial Analyst IV-FMS to join the Financial Management Services Division, providing advanced financial, budgeting, and analytical support for Drinking Water Operations. You will translate complex financial data into actionable insights for operational leadership and ensure compliance with city policies.

Ideal candidates bring strong governmental or utility finance experience, expert Excel skills, and the ability to develop dashboards and financial models to

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of professional experience in finance, economics, budget analysis or a closely related field.
• Requires Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Master's degree may substitute for two years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial analysis and budget oversight for programs and operational activities within Drinking Water Operations.
• Support annual budget development, mid-year reviews, forecasting, and financial planning in coordination with operational leadership and Financial Management Services.
• Analyze financial performance, expenditures, and revenue trends to ensure operations remain within approved budgets and financial targets.
• Prepare financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for executive leadership, budget meetings, and operational planning.
• Monitor and evaluate operational expenditures, contracts, and program costs to ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with City policies.
• Conduct variance analysis, cost analysis, and financial modeling to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Research and recommend process improvements, cost efficiencies, and financial controls to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain performance indicators, financial tracking tools, and standard operating procedures within the financial support unit.
• Provide guidance, training, and technical assistance to staff on financial processes, budgeting practices, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with other divisions and/or departments, procurement, and A/P Finance staff to ensure accurate financial reporting and timely resolution of financial issues.
• Lead or support special projects, audits, and other operational initiatives as assigned.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budget oversight

Excel (advanced)

Budget forecasting

Cost analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Administration

Tools

SAP

Excel

Dashboards/BI

Job description

Financial Analyst IV-FMS | Career Pages page has loaded.

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: All Persons Interested

SERVICE LINE: Financial Management Services (FMS)

REPORTING LOCATION: 7027 Ardmore St., 2nd Floor*

WORKDAYS & HOURS: Monday – Friday/8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.*

*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Houston Water is a team of approximately 1,500 drinking water and wastewater professionals including operators, mechanics, engineers, scientists, planners, regulatory specialists, and business professionals. The City of Houston Water and Wastewater Utility is a regulated public health agency governed by federal and state laws.

The Financial Analyst IV serves within the Financial Management Services Division, providing advanced financial, budgeting, and analytical support for Drinking Water Operations. This position supports operational leadership by delivering financial oversight, budget management, performance analysis, and strategic financial guidance to ensure efficient and compliant utility operations.

The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, experience in governmental or utility finance, and the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable operational insights.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide financial analysis and budget oversight for programs and operational activities within Drinking Water Operations.
• Support annual budget development, mid-year reviews, forecasting, and financial planning in coordination with operational leadership and Financial Management Services.
• Analyze financial performance, expenditures, and revenue trends to ensure operations remain within approved budgets and financial targets.
• Prepare financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for executive leadership, budget meetings, and operational planning.
• Monitor and evaluate operational expenditures, contracts, and program costs to ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with City policies.
• Conduct variance analysis, cost analysis, and financial modeling to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Research and recommend process improvements, cost efficiencies, and financial controls to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain performance indicators, financial tracking tools, and standard operating procedures within the financial support unit.
• Provide guidance, training, and technical assistance to staff on financial processes, budgeting practices, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with other divisions and/or departments, procurement, and A/P Finance staff to ensure accurate financial reporting and timely resolution of financial issues.
• Lead or support special projects, audits, and other operational initiatives as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc.

This is a Houston Public Works position at the Tier II Level.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Requires a Bachelor's degreein Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Four (4) years of professional experience in finance, economics, budget analysis or a closely related field are required.

Substitutions : Experience cannot be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree requirement. A Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a closely related field may be substituted for two years of the above experience requirement.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS None

PREFERENCES

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong financial analysis, budgeting, and governmental accounting knowledge
• Experience supporting utility or infrastructure operations
• Proficiency in Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, data analysis, dashboards)
• Experience with enterprise financial systems (SAP preferred)
• Experience in financial forecasting, cost analysis, and operational performance metrics
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting financial information to leadership
• Knowledge of process improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma
• Ability to work collaboratively across operational and financial teams

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED None

However, the department may administer a skill assessment evaluation.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 25

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.