Senior Finance Analyst in California, Maryland at California Mental Health Services Authority

SUMMARY: The Senior Financial Analyst supports CalMHSA in providing comprehensive financial analysis, planning, and reporting to ensure fiscal accountability and strategic decision-making across the organization. This role is instrumental in developing financial models, conducting variance analysis, and supporting budget preparation for CalMHSA's programs and operations. The Senior Financial Analyst works closely with department leaders, program managers, and the finance team to provide data-driven insights that inform organizational strategy and ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards, including GASB requirements for Joint Powers Authorities. Additionally, this position leads the preparation of financial reports and presentations for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

• Serve as a key financial resource for CalMHSA leadership, providing analytical support for strategic planning and decision-making processes.
• Prepare comprehensive financial reports, forecasts, and analyses to support organizational planning and performance monitoring.
• Develop and maintain complex financial models to assess program viability, cost-benefit scenarios, and long-term fiscal sustainability.
• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with department heads, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and funding requirements.
• Conduct monthly variance analysis comparing actual results to budget and forecast, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions.
• Support grant financial management, including budget development, expenditure tracking, and compliance reporting for federal and state funding sources.
• Analyze financial data related to multi-state operations and ensure compliance with varying regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.
• Prepare financial presentations and materials for executive leadership, Board of Directors, and external stakeholders, translating complex financial data into actionable insights.
• Collaborate with program teams to develop pricing models and cost allocation methodologies for CalMHSA services and initiatives.
• Monitor cash flow, investment performance, and fund balances to ensure adequate liquidity and fiscal health.
• Support annual audit processes by preparing schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring compliance with GASB standards.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of financial processes, assumptions, and methodologies to ensure consistency and transparency.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

BACKGROUND CHECK ELIGIBLE DUTIES

This position will have access to various applications that house confidential financial information, including payroll data, contract details, employee compensation, and sensitive organizational financial records; ensure that access is used responsibly, maintaining the integrity and security of systems while preventing accidental or malicious misuse.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field, required.
• Master's degree in finance, Business Administration (MBA), or Accounting, preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in financial analysis, planning, or a closely related field, with specific focus on budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling, required.
• Experience working with governmental or nonprofit organizations, particularly Joint Powers Authorities or behavioral health systems, preferred.
• CPA, CFA, or other relevant professional certification, preferred.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Deep knowledge of financial analysis principles, governmental accounting standards (GASB), and budgeting practices for public sector or nonprofit organizations.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to synthesize complex financial data into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience developing and maintaining complex financial models using advanced Excel functions and financial software.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and data integrity.
• Knowledge of grant financial management and compliance reporting requirements for federal and state funding sources.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Demonstrate the ability to use a computer and applicable computer software effectively. Intermediate knowledge of Excel & Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, and Outlook.

LANGUAGE SKILLS AND MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Demonstrate the ability to read, comprehend, and respond appropriately through written or verbal form; demonstrate tactfulness when communicating including internal communication with staff members of all levels; ability to communicate with a variety of audiences effectively. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all measure units, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING: Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply common sense and follow through to daily tasks; demonstrate the ability to work with little or no supervision; demonstrate excellent analytical and critical thinking skills; demonstrate the ability to efficiently conduct research and ask appropriate probing questions to complete necessary tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and stand; use phone and headset; use hands, arms, finders to type; answer phones; write; use calculator; demonstrate strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds; demonstrate clear vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

SENSORY DEMANDS: The incumbent must spend long hours in intense concentration. The incumbent must also spend long hours on the computer entering information which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.

MENTAL DEMANDS: There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant pressure. The incumbent must also attend to a wide variety of individuals regarding various topics/challenges.

REGULAR WORK SCHEDULE: Schedule varies depending on business needs; however, regular company business hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.