Principal Financial Analyst

Office of Finance

Annual Salary Range: $126,222 - $168,276

FLSA Exempt / Non-Union Represented

This position allows for up to four days of remote work per week

About the Office

The Office of Finance (Finance) oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, collection, payroll, fixed assets, treasury, and the general ledger in accordance with the State Bar’s financial policies. Finance is also responsible for ongoing financial planning, preparing financial statements and analysis, and works with the Leadership Team and the Finance Committee to create and monitor the State Bar’s annual budget. 

About the Position

The State Bar of California’s Office of Finance is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Principal Financial Analyst to carry out comprehensive accounting and financial responsibilities in areas of grants, budgeting, investments, audits, general ledger, accounts payable, personnel supervision, and special projects. The Principal Financial Analyst exercises sound, independent judgment in performing complex analytical work; adapts quickly to changing environment and effectively implements course of actions; participates in audit activities; works under pressure and deadlines; provides training and clear guidance to staff; and performs other related duties as required. Prior experience in governmental grant accounting and budgeting is desired and experience with Oracle Fusion is a plus.

Definition

The Principal Financial Analyst serves under the general oversight of an Executive Team Member and is responsible for supervising the staff and operations of a fiscal section in the State Bar; functional areas of responsibility may include, but are not limited to general ledger, grants, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general and special fund accounting, related activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards, fiscal audits, and for supporting special projects as assigned. This position serves on a team that is responsible for continuous institutional organizational improvement, collaboration, accountability and professionalism. The Principal Financial Analyst may also oversee other functions as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This classification is distinguished from a Senior Financial Analyst in the series in that the Principal Financial Analyst assumes responsibility for development and implementation of comprehensive accounting and finance related projects that may have an agency wide impact. Duties may deal with complex and sensitive issues. Incumbents are expected to work with minimal direction and may supervise and/or lead support staff. 

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Mentors, plans and prioritizes the work of professional, technical or clerical staff.
• Develops fiscal policies and procedures, strategic plans, financial statements and reports consistent with generally accepted accounting standards.
• Prepares and distributes financial statements and prepares special financial reports and analysis.
• Performs a variety of complex financial or accounting duties; functional areas of responsibility include general ledger, grants, investments, fixed assets, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, audits, general and special fund accounting, and audit response.
• Evaluates accounting and internal control, policies, problems and procedures and prepares recommendations and/or alternatives to procedures.
• Maintains and reviews budgetary controls; analyzes budget variances, projection reports, budget line-item expense, balance sheet accounts, reports discrepancies between actual and subsidiary ledgers and makes recommended changes.
• Plans and manages the monthly, quarterly and yearly closing of State Bar books and ensures the time production and distribution of financial reports to management.
• Reviews and analyzes a variety of accounting records and fiscal activities to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting/program/legal requirements; advises, enforces and guides other accounting and non-accounting staff of accounting methods and procedures, ensures that they are processing and recording financial transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and procedures and the State Bar fiscal policies and procedures.
• Work with internal/external stakeholders, as needed.
• Directs work of contractors and consultants ensuring that contract requirements are followed and in accordance with State Bar policies.
• Responds to internal and external inquiries, continuous improvement, and internal audit efforts.
• Performs a number of other similar or related duties which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Employment Standards 

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and processes including GL, accounts payable, accounts receivable, investments, grants, fixed assets, payroll, budget, audits, and general and special fund accounting financial reporting and related fiscal areas.
• Principles of financial planning and management, administration, and supervision.
• Principles of accounting, auditing, financial controls and reporting in the governmental public
• sector.
• Manual and computerized accounting and financial recordkeeping systems.
• Accounting and financial control principles, procedures, and practices.
• Problem identification and analyses of accounting and fiscal controls, system, and practices.
• Principles of direct and lead supervision, training, organizational behavior, conflict resolution and performance evaluation.
• Principles of effective personnel management in a union environment.
• Principles of computer information systems, including database, report generation, word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
• Principles of project planning and implementation.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including database, report generation, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and software applications relevant to the work.
• Methods and techniques of compiling and summarizing financial data and financial analysis and research.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Principles of effective written and verbal presentations, including public speaking, and public relations/customer service.
• Within the introductory period, obtain a working knowledge of State Bar office and functions.

Ability to:

• Perform professional accounting duties in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Understand and use the State Bar’s specialized financial operations, processes, and software applications.
• Apply specialized accounting rules within functional areas of responsibility.
• Analyze, interpret, and reconcile fiscal documents.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in person, by telephone, by computer and in writing.
• Speak publicly to large groups of people.
• Perform under stress, adopt effective courses of action and work under deadlines.
• Manage multiple, simultaneous assignments, to independently plan and prioritize day to day work, and to meet deadlines.
• Effectively interact with others, mentor and train staff as required.
• Effectively address conflict.
• Prepare a variety of fiscal reports in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Maintain financial records and files.
• Lead others to accomplish project implementation.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality in program administration and interactions with contractors, consultants, experts, and others.
• Exercise sound judgment and decision making. 
• Act with integrity in all related State Bar business. 
• Quickly adapt to changing environments, critical needs and adopt and effectively implement courses of action.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a field that develops skills related to essential duties, or equivalent academic achievement. 
• CPA license a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years’ journey level professional financial analysis or accounting; or four (4) years of financial experience with two (2) year supervisorial experience.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience.
• Oracle Fusion experience a plus.

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar’s selection process for this classification.

License, Certificate, Registration Requirements:

• Special Qualifications including specialized knowledge, abilities, education, experience, or license may be established for individual positions.

About the State Bar

The State Bar of California’s mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation, and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

Our Values

Clarity | Investing in Our People | Excellence | Respect | Growth Mindset 

Learn more about our values.

DEI Statement

We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all of our employees and prospective employees experience fairness, dignity, and respect. 

Learn more about our commitment to DEI.