Financial Analyst

Overview

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Finance & Regulatory Services (FRS) Department is looking for a Financial Analyst to join our analyst hub within the Central Budget Office. We are seeking someone with experience supporting enterprise functions through advanced analytical work, recurring monthly and annual responsibilities, and a variety of ad hoc strategic projects as directed by the Budget Manager. Excellent time management skills and ability to navigate and balance multiple priorities are crucial.

The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, highly organized, and an effective communicator who can pair clear insights with strong analytical capabilities to support informed decision making across the organization.

• Prepare and analyze financial reports on a monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc basis, including revenue, attendance, and performance metrics; support both routine and ad hoc financial analysis needs.
• Provide comprehensive technical accounting support, including day-to-day program responsibilities, oversight of month-end and year-end close in partnership with the Department Finance Manager, balance sheet reconciliations, financial statement preparation, and related analysis.
• Develop financial models and tools, including rate models, allocation plans, and outcome or performance measurements that support organizational strategy, programs, and projects.
• Provide financial analysis and budget management for capital programs and projects, along with broader organizational support such as budget development, needs assessments, research, projections, report development, and policy recommendations.
• Maintain and enhance the chart of accounts, ensuring it remains user friendly; coordinate changes with Metro Accounting and train department staff on proper coding of accounting transactions.

• Serve as the Department’s ERP power user, supporting staff with Metro financial systems; become proficient in Questica to assist the Department Finance Manager with budget entry and reporting.
• Use multiple software platforms to run and customize financial, budget, and payroll reports; perform reconciliations; and build or improve reporting tools in collaboration with department finance staff.

• Monitor internal controls and business processes to identify efficiencies and support ongoing improvements.
• Coordinate fiscal year-end activities, including the management and reconciliation of financial and personnel-related information.
• Develop a strong understanding of departmental programs and projects to provide informed financial support across all areas, helping advance outcome and performance measures.
• Stay current on legal requirements, regulations, and market trends affecting program areas; communicate changes to management and help ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Support the Department Finance Manager with related financial tasks and other duties as assigned.

• A proactive self-starter who can take initiative and is not afraid to roll up their sleeves to contribute wherever needed.
• Thrives in environments with ambiguity, adapting quickly while maintaining focus and momentum.
• Strong understanding of financial statements and the ability to interpret and apply financial concepts with confidence.
• Skilled at transforming large and complex data sets into clear, actionable insights that support decision making.
• Demonstrated experience developing impact measurement tools and evaluation frameworks that inform strategy.
• Advanced organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities in an efficient and effective manner.
• A systems thinker with strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, paired with genuine curiosity about processes, goals and how the organization operates.
• Effective at coordinating and providing high-quality support to both internal and external partners.
• Able…